Whether you’re a jazz fan or not, most likely you have heard of “Blue Note”, one of the most popular jazz clubs in the world. The first “Blue Note” opened in New York in 1981 and later several branches followed in big Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka. Some of the best jazz artists around entertain an exigent audience nightly at these top class branch venues.
Osaka Blue Note overhaul
Osaka Blue Note opened in 1990 and to date some 12,000 artists have performed on its stage. In November 2004, the elegant jazz venue underwent a major renovation. The club not only moved location, it completely overhauled its design and started anew by adding a pair of MAC 550 profile spots, 6 MAC 300 washlights and 6 MAC 250 Entour fixtures to its lighting system. Lighting design and installation was by Lighting Technology & Device with all Martin gear supplied through Martin Professional Japan Ltd.
MAC comfort
Two shows a night entertain up to 800 fans spread across three areas: a prime located Box Seat area, table and bar counter seats at the Service Area, and a Casual Area for standing room only.
Performers rely completely on the lighting operators’ skills, who, using the MAC 550s positioned above the Box Seats and MAC 300s and 250 Entours located above the stage reportedly have a knack for choosing the best effect at the right moment. The MAC gear not only helps them reflect the artists’ character but also helps create a comfortable and trusting atmosphere in which to perform. With most artists performing an average of four shows over two days with the next artist waiting in the wings, the MAC gear works overtime.
Osaka Blue Note’s successful reopening featured shows by Vanessa Williams. Since then renowned artists such as Babyface, Steve Lukather & Nuno Bettencourt, Keiko Lee, Christopher Cross, the McCoy Tyner Trio and the Terumasa Hino Quintet have graced its stage with both audience and artist experiencing a renewal.
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