Author: John DeSentis Source: akiraifukube.org, project120chicago.org Tickets: ifukubetenthmemorial.brownpapertickets.com Special Thanks to Erik Homenick and Reiko Yamada Just a reminder that the AKIRA IFUKUBE 10th ANNIVERSARY MEMORIAL CONCERT will take place at Nichols Hall located at the Music Institute of Chicago this Saturday. If you are a Chicago area Godzilla fan, this great performance is not to be missed.

Pianist and Ifukube student Reiko Yamada will lead a group of talented musicians through pieces culled from the composer’s repertoire of classical and film music. Of greatest interest to Godzilla fans will be a two-piano reduction of SYMPHONIC FANTASIA No. 1, which contains some of his classic and most recognizable themes. Reiko recently sat down at the piano for the KBR (Kevin Brown Room) Sessions at Overneath Recording Studio as part of their “Steinway Sessions” series of videos. There she recorded the “Bon Odori” movement from Ifukube’s first work, “Piano Suite”. According to Erik Homenick at akiraifukube.org: “The first movement of Piano Suite is titled Bon Odori (Allegro energico). The music is based on the composer`s impressions of the music that accompanies the Bon odori, or Bon dance, that is commonly performed during the annual Bon Festival. Usually starting around the 15th of August and lasting three days, the festival, with its origins in Buddhist tradition, honors the spirits of the deceased.” Godzilla and kaiju fans alike will not want to miss this unique performance to end a year of celebrating the 10 year memorial of Akira Ifukube’s passing. Come out and support live music dedicated to the maestro of monsters! Tickets can be purchased at ifukubetenthmemorial.brownpapertickets.com. THE EVENT: Akira Ifukube 10th Anniversary Memorial Concert THE DATE: Saturday, December 17th, 2016 PERFORMANCE TIME: 6:00 pm THE VENUE: Nichols Concert Hall at Music Institute of Chicago 1490 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL. TICKET PRICE: $15 General Admission/$10 Discounted Admission (Child/Student/Senior)