Shanti and May J.
Recording the NHK J-MELO television program

Japanese pop music is gaining a worldwide audience thanks, in part, to J-MELO, an English language TV program aired in 180 countries on the NHK World channel. Each week, program hosts Shanti and May J. introduce Japanese hit songs, report the latest news on the Japanese music scene and interview Japanese artists. And in a special Saturday Night Live event, the program will be recorded at the FCCJ!

The co-hosts are both talented singers and performers. Shanti got her start in the Japanese music business writing and singing ad jingles and as a backup vocalist for various top artists. She started performing on her own in 2003 and last year released her debut album, “Share My Air.” The multi-lingual and multi-talented May-J is a songwriter, dancer, and pianist--and a model for one of Japan’s top fashion brands. Her second album, “FAMILY," released this past May rose to number four on the Oricon weekly album chart.

For a taste of their music, visit their websites:
http://www.shantisnyder.com/shanti.html
http://www.may-j.com
For more info on J-MELO, visit:
http://www.nhk.or.jp/j-melo

The program being recorded will air sometime in September and will feature comments about Japanese music from the audience. So don't miss your chance to be part of this historic event at the FCCJ Saturday Night Live!

Please note that because the stage will have to be set up earlier than usual, the tables at the end of the Main Bar may not be available after 2 pm this Saturday.

The Entertainment Committee

Coming up!
July 18: Sam Ishihara, country and western
July 25: Paul Fleisher, jazz sax/flute player with his ensemble
Aug 1: Jonathan Katz and Andrea Hopkins, the best jazz vocal-piano duo in Tokyo