G irls, girls, girls! No, it's not a hostess bar or a burlesque show, but Spoon Market is all about the ladies. A live-music event that also offers a market, art gallery, dance performances and sweets, Spoon Market is a day of feminine bohemia that was first staged as an all-nighter in September 2007. Returning as an all-day event Sept. 21 at Unit in Tokyo's trendy Daikanyama district, and with an eclectic lineup of female pop acts, it's not to be missed.
Organizers Tokyo Pinsalocks play tripped-out psychedelic pop with bass-heavy rhythms, and their guests are no less thrilling. Pop-hop international sensations HalCali combine laid-back rapping skills with a sensibility that has won them fans in the United States and Europe. Teenage duo 80_Pan play brilliantly gaudy idol pop that mixes up metal riffs, hard electronica and '60s stylings that have seen them paired with such unlikely collaborators as Glasgow's Shitdisco and Jon Falcone of The Pipettes. Guitar-pop girls Nirgilis, avant-garde rockers Stoned Green Apples and the cringingly named Flip Flap round out the live bill.
Kae Ishimoto will showcase her unique style of contemporary dance, a blend of jazz-dance with Indian and butoh influences.
In terms of art, expect to see portrait photography, felt figures and metallurgy by young Japanese artists. Among those behind the decks are Nozico of the DJ troupe JVCFORCE, who tends toward '60s and '70s kitsch, and Motocompo mainman Dr. Usui, the only fella on the bill, whose electro obsession will doubtless get the floor moving.
Don't forget your pocketbook — stalls will be selling accessories, handmade T-shirts and Japanese sweets. And don't worry, lads, you're allowed entry, too.
Spoon Market is on Sept. 21 at Unit in Daikanyama, Tokyo (3:30 p.m.; ¥3,000 in advance, ¥3,500 at the door, plus drink charge; [03] 3413-9331). For the full lineup, visit www.pinsalocks.com/spoon
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