The 56th Yamano Big Band Jazz Contest Tickets Now Available!

The 56th Yamano Big Band Jazz Contest

Excitement is building as tickets go on sale for the highly anticipated 56th Yamano Big Band Jazz Contest! This electrifying event will take place on August 16th and 17th, 2025, at the prestigious Culttz Kawasaki in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. Hosted by Yamano Music Co., Ltd., this contest promises to showcase remarkable talent from across the nation.

Event Overview

On Saturday, August 16th, the Kanazawa Junior Jazz Orchestra JAZZ-21 will grace the stage, followed by the Z EXPRESS BIG BAND featuring the talented trombonist Michael Dease on Sunday, August 17th. Students and professionals alike will come together to deliver unforgettable performances that celebrate the essence of jazz.

Event Details:

- Dates: August 16-17, 2025
- Venue: Culttz Kawasaki, 1-1-4 Fujimi, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Culttz Kawasaki
- Participating Bands: 29 student big band orchestras
- Head Judge: Toshimitsu Miki (Composer/Arranger)

This exciting competition will feature a panel of esteemed judges including well-known musicians and music writers such as Takashi Iwase (Drummer/Composer/Arranger) and Eric Miyashiro (Trumpet Artist). The ceremony will be hosted by Hiroko Kofu (Pianist/Composer/Arranger).

Jazz Contest

Ticket Information

Tickets for this contest are available for purchase via eplus, with no sales at the Yamano Music stores or classrooms. Please note that once tickets are sold out, they will not be available for purchase at the event venue on the day of the contest.

- Advance Tickets: (All seats are free seating)

- 1-day ticket for August 16: ¥3,500 (Sales end on August 15 at 6:00 PM)
- 1-day ticket for August 17: ¥3,500 (Sales end on August 16 at 6:00 PM)
- 2-day ticket: ¥6,000 (Sales end on August 15 at 6:00 PM)

- Day-of Tickets: (Available only if advance tickets remain)

- 1-day ticket: ¥4,000 (Cash only)

Make sure to secure your tickets early, as they are expected to sell out quickly! The award ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 17, after all band performances, and viewers must hold a ticket from either day to attend.

Featured Performances

August 16th: Kanazawa Junior Jazz Orchestra JAZZ-21

Established in May 2005, this ensemble brings together talented junior high and high school students from Kanazawa City. Their mission is to explore the joy of music through big band jazz while promoting interaction and cultural exchange. Recently, they held a concert to support recovery efforts in Noto and celebrated their 20th anniversary with special performances, including workshops and concerts in their sister city, Ghent, Belgium. This marks their third consecutive appearance at the Yamano Big Band Jazz Contest, and they are excited to share their musical journey!

August 17th: Z EXPRESS BIG BAND featuring Michael Dease

This dynamic big band comprises promising young players who passionately perform on Yamaha wind instruments. Originally formed for a one-time performance at the 2016 Instrument Fair, they quickly became a regular group due to overwhelming popularity. Since their debut in 2017, they have expanded their activities to include jazz festivals, school programs, and various events. With the return of regular live performances in the fall of 2024, the band continues to capture audiences with their vibrant sound and innovative stage presence. The band’s name is inspired by the former “Z EXPRESS” Yamaha instruments information site.

About Michael Dease

Michael Dease is renowned as one of today’s leading jazz trombonists, honored as the first-place winner in the trombone category of the 2021 Downbeat Magazine Critics’ Poll. A multi-instrumentalist, he chose trombone at 17 and moved to New York to pursue jazz at Juilliard, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, releasing four leadership albums before turning 30. Michael is a two-time Grammy Award-winning trombonist with a significant presence in modern jazz orchestras.