Asagaya area

School gymnasiums, churches, office lobbies, guitar shops and shrines are all considered fair game for a spot of music during Asagaya Jazz Streets, a two-day festival in which concerts are held at dozens of locations scattered across the neighbourhood. The event has steadily grown in stature since its launch in 1995. As has become customary, veteran piano innovator Yosuke Yamashita will still be part of the festival this year, though in a different role. After announcing in January that he would take a break to focus on his health and recovery, Yamashita is instead curating a special session featuring three artists who carry on his legacy: Sugadairo, Benisuke Sakai and Tamaya Honda, performing at Shinmeiguu Shrine. Meanwhile, performances by internationally acclaimed alto saxophonist Erena Terakubo and her quartet, the Eiji Taniguchi Quartet + Eiji Hanaoka, and the tropical 16-member big band Tawoyame Orquesta are expected to be among the festival’s standout attractions. Note that while the open-air gigs are free, you'll need a paid wristband to get into most of the participating venues, while a drink or food order is required at many of the shows held in cafés and restaurants.Check the event website for performance schedules and ticketing information.