I started out in Hinodecho.
The Sun was beating down on the streets cooking people as they headed to their varied destinations.
Some people couldn't make it on foot and had to resort to taking a taxi.
Even the colorful people were feeling the heat.
But wait! As I entered the cooler tree lined main street of Yoshisa-cho there was music in the air and a party in the street.
For anyone who remembers the J Geils Band's big hit "Whammer Jammer" that was exactly the kind of atmosphere that was happening here.
This local blues band was cooking! and it wasn't cooking because of the heat, they were in top form just nailing the blues tunes.
This is the same band that played here last year and that's a good thing.
No frills, no glamour, just hardcore R&B.
"Have You Ever Loved A Woman"
After listening to a few songs I went around to see what was happening along the street.
Everyone is just chilling out enjoying the music...
And, some cold brewskies.
Young and old, it's time to party!
By the time I had worked my way back to the band it was show time!
The band was taking the music into the stratosphere.
And, the pole dancers were getting ready to put on a show like no other show.
The dancers are friendly, as the band starts to play "Cross Roads".
The first girl did a quick cleaning of the pole and then...
Started to put on an acrobatic display that only seeing is believing.
This should be an Olympic sport.
Big finish!
Next up.
It's important to put joy into ones work, and she certainly does that.
Bravo!
This is the definition of enthusiasm. I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.
This girl even got a standing ovation from her fellow dancers.
As the dancers and the band took a well earned break I took another stroll around the party.
Corn dogs, get'm while they're hot!
Local vendors linned both sides of the street selling drinks and food.
At the opposite end of the street from where the blues band performed another group was just getting ready to go to work.
Time for me to check out Isezakicho shopping street.
I love summer in japan!
Returning to Yoshida-cho, I took one last look at the party before heading back to the train station to go home. By now another band was performing and as I left them behind I could here Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" being belted out by the band.
What a great day!
Thanks for stopping by!
Mike
