J!-ENT: A Tribute to velfarre - nt2099 media and entertainment

Transcription

THE END OF AN ERA (1994-2006)
PHOTO: T. HASEGAWA
A SPECIAL J!-ENT TRIBUTE TO
velfarre
BY DENNIS. A. AMITH
ver2.0
T R A N S L A T I O N S B Y M I C H E L L E T Y M O N , H I R O S H I TA G AWA & M A M I K O K U B O TA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
T. H A S E G AWA
AND
velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
contents
4
6
16
24
41
54
A J!-ENT SHOUT OUT
Introduction by Dennis A. Amith
Chapter 1: velfarre (1994-2006)
Spotlighting the beginning of velfarre up to the week before
the club’s closure. A timeline of major events at the club.
Chapter 2: the final week
The final week of velfarre featuring a return of velfarre’s top
performers from the past to perform one more time on the
velfarre stage.
Chapter 3: Last Christmas...
The final velfarre Christmas performances. Final X’Mas Bash
and Legend of Rave. Also, events leading up to New Year’s
Eve.
Chapter 4: the final night
of velfarre
One more night and the final morning of velfarre.
Chapter 5: final messages
Final messages from those who performed at velfarre
previous interviews
Visit www.j-entonline.com for the following interviews and articles currently
available on J!-ENT. Click on a cover to access a previous article/interview.
Copyright © 2008 by J!-ENT. www.j-entonline.com. All Rights Reserved.
A J!-ENT SHOUT OUT!
The club velfarre was known for its New Year’s Eve celebrations. Photo by T. Hasegawa
goodbye velfarre, thanks for the memories
The large crowds. DJs from all over the
world. Cool music. This is was what you
would expect each night from the Tokyobased dance club, velfarre.
I was such a big fan of the whole velfarre
dance club scene. Not only the excitement generated by the club’s “theme of the
week”, the performers that would grace the
stage or the special compilation albums that
would come out, but there was this sort of
cool, stylish side of this club that I enjoyed.
When it was announced that the club
would be closing down, suffice to say, I was
bummed. But I really wanted to cover the
club from it’s beginning to its end.
I want to thank avex entertainment, inc.
and velfarre entertainment for the opportunity to have someone in America to write a
feature on their club and access to the company’s archives of photography.
A big thank you to T. Hasegawa for his
4 J!-ENT
amazing photography and my translators for
this book, Michelle Tymon, Mamiko Kubota
and Hiroshi Tagawa.
Also, I want to thank the many performers and DJ’s who also took part in our interview portions of this feature as well.
So, what you are about to read is our
coverage of velfarre’s beginning up to the
end of the club’s run.
Almost like a timetable of major events
that took place at the club from 1994-2006.
With photography from velfarre and T. Hasegawa, giving you a look at how the club has
evolved over the years.
I hope you enjoy our J!-ENT special feature. Although, velfarre is no more, it will
always be a special club that will never be
forgotten. And with this special feature, a
special goodbye and a special thanks for the
memories.
DENNIS A. AMITH
Just a side note: Upon writing this special
J!-ENT feature, one of the decisions I had to
make was to go with an uppercase or lowercase spelling of the club’s name.
One of the difficulties was that when velfarre
first started, the branding of the name was all
in caps.
We have seen groups that are affiliated
with avex (who have also performed at velfarre) change the spelling of their group name
throughout the years. For example, TRF was
originally spelled as trf, m.o.v.e was once
spelled as move and velfarre was once VELFARRE.
I was a concern because writing about the
club’s history to its present, we started mentioning the club with all caps and then all lowercase and it was really confusing.
We decided to revise this article to incorporate only the lowercase spelling of the club’s
name with velfarre and avex’s blessing.
Also, with Japanese names, I use the family
name first and first name second.
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
A SP E CIAL J!-ENT T RI B U T E TO ve l f a rre
PHOTO: velfarre before opening hours. Photo courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
D
ecember 1994 would be the
beginning and the grand
opening for a disco club
known as velfarre in Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo.
A concept created and built by Avex
Entertainment, Inc. who operated the
club as the sole owner and operator
through their velfarre Entertainment,
Inc. division.
But to know velfarre, you have to
start before Dec. 1994 and bring up
another popular club that started back
in 1991.
Before the grand opening of velfarre
in 1994, Avex backed another disco
club which closed that same year.
The club was Juliana’s Tokyo. A
disco club located in Shibaura, Tokyo
and was a symbol of excess in the latter
years of Japan’s bubble economy.
Brought to Japan by a joint venture
6 J!-ENT
between Wembley PLC from the U.K.
and Nissho Iwai Corporation, it was to
be a club for all ages.
The club would be known for its
“bodikon” (a shortened term for “body
conscious”, but a term to describe women in tight mini skirts) and the atmosphere of businessmen of all ages. Also,
girls dancing on platforms were sporting the shortest miniskirts and feathered
fans became a big hit and were featured
in the media.
Juliana’s was not just popular for its
fun and sexually charged atmosphere,
the club was utilized by Avex to promote
their music and products.
From September 1999 through 1994,
Juliana’s Tokyo would be the host of SUPER RAVE, TOKYO GO NIGHT and
JULIANA’ 21 and Hyper Techno.
One of the memories that I will always remember are the various TV com-
mercials of Juliana’s Tokyo featuring
the exciting club atmosphere, the many
girls in their bodikon and of course, the
techno music.
With the popularity of techno and
European dance music, in 1993, TK
formed the group trf (tetsuya komuro’s
rave factory).
The group would have its first promotional concert at Juliana’s Tokyo and
“Hyper Techno Mix” would become the
music fad for club goers.
But as the bubble economy in Japan
collapsed, as did Juliana’s Tokyo.
According to Mark Schilling (The
Encyclopedia of Japanese Pop Culture, pg.
78), “the joint venture partners were
paying Juliana’s Leisure Group 137 million yen a year to operate the club”.
Needless to say, the cost of operations became a detriment and in August
1994, Juliana’s Tokyo closed its doors.
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
A S P E CIA L J ! -EN T T RI B U T E TO velfar re
PHOTO: (Clockwise from L-R): The ribbon cutting ceremony to open velfarre’s doors, lounge, bathroom area, the sound engineer
section of velfarre, bar and merchandise shopping area. Photos are courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
But fortunately, the music and the
excitement would not stop.
As Avex, seeing how Juliana’s Tokyo provided a venue for its artists and
also, how people purchased the various
compilations, it was no surprise that
Avex would be collaborating with a
new disco that would be opening at the
end of the year.
1994:
On Dec. 3, 1994, the official Grand
Opening of velfarre took place.
Featuring the opening act of TRF
and Bananarama, a special performance featured Donna Summer and
Cheryl Lynn.
On New Year’s Eve, velfarre had its
first Count Down Party which brought
in 5,000 people.
The New Year’s Eve Count Down
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
Party would become an annual tradition
for the club.
1995:
In 1995, the club would start off the
New Year with a live performance by
Big Mountain and in February by Real
McCoy.
In March, velfarre would host its first
special theme night event with OLDIES NIGHT. An event that would
bring in 1,500 people jamming to soul
and classic disco music.
In April, velfarre would bring in the
group EARTH, WIND & FIRE who
would perform live and would be a
popular group to occasionally play at the
disco club for years to come.
In August, Avex would feature
“avex dance matrix `95” with two major avex events happening that Summer
with Komuro Tetsuya’s TK DANCE
CAMP concert and DISCO WEEK
in velfarre which featured Japan artists such as MAX, m.c.A.T. and TRF
and international artists such as Nicki
French, Michael Fortunati, Eurogroove,
TECHNOTRONIC featuring Ya Kid
K, Bananarama and John Robinson.
DISCO WEEK in velfarre would
bring in 2,000 people to the live event.
In October, the event would host HINRG EURO NIGHT, DJ DRAGON
would spin for SPACE NIGHT and
TOKYO GO NIGHT featuring John
Robinson (which would be a common place at velfarre every Wednesday
night from March 1995 through Aug.
1999).
In Nov. , velfarre would have its first
album release in the 2-CD compilation
album of avex dance matrix `95 Live
(AVCD-11357/8) featuring “DISCO
J!-ENT 7
PHOTO: Images of velfarre’s crowded disco floor. Photos are courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
Cover image of velfarre albums “avex dance matrix `95 Live” featuring DISCO WEEK in velfarre and TK DANCE CAMP (1995)
and “velfarre J-POP NIGHT presents DANCE with YOU” (1997). Bottom: Avex dance carnival ~summer `97~ promotional flyer (1997).
WEEK in velfarre” and “TK DANCE
CAMP” (the live concert featuring TK
Family TRF, globe, Amuro with Super
Monkeys, H Jungle with t and more).
“DISCO WEEK in velfarre” would
also be the club’s first video release
from Avex.
In Dec. 1995, Super Euro Flash
(SEF) because a regular event night
for velfarre and the countdown event
would feature the TK Family.
1996:
In 1996, April would start a fad
at velfarre with “Happy Hand Bag” as
dancing with handbags becomes a major hit at the club.
In August, velfarre hosts “avex dance
net `96 in velfarre” featuring performances by Tatiana and Nikki French.
8 J!-ENT
In Sept., “macarena” has taken over
the world and becomes a huge hit.
In November, velfarre hosted NUYORICAN SOUL and MASTERS AT
WORK.
In Dec. 1996, the TK Family returned with a televised countdown live
event featuring TRF, Amuro Namie,
globe, Kahala Tomomi, hitomi, Uchida
Yuki, Mizuki Arisa and many more.
1997:
Starting of the New Year 1997, velfarre would kick off the New Year with
its “Sexy Cosplay Rave” event.
Also, the release of the first velfarre
album released from avex titled “velfarre
J-POP NIGHT presents DANCE
with YOU” featuring covers of popular
J-POP 70’s tracks from PINK LADY
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: velfarre will always be remembered for its awesome New Year’s Countdown parties. Photos are courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 9
PHOTO: velfarre sound and lighting staff at work among the thousands of patrons the club would receive during a live performance.
Photo courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
and Finger 5 by artists such as MAX,
SPEED, D&D, D-LOOP and ZERO.
Each would perform a classic song in
Eurobeat fashion.
In July, the Latin explosion would
bring Latin disco to velfarre.
In August, the club would host “avex
dance carnival ~SUMMER `97~ in
velfarre” which would feature live performances at velfarre and four other
clubs.
Avex would incorporate multimedia for their 3-CD compilation of
“Avex dance carnival ~SUMMER `97”
(AVCD-11579/B).
Accompanying the CD’s would be
multimedia that would feature information on upcoming performances at
velfarre.
It was a unique way at the time for
avex entertainment, inc. to market their
club.
1998:
In 1998, velfarre renewed its lease
10 J!-ENT
Image of avex’s non-stop 150h schedule for velfarre to celebrate the label’s anniversary.
and featured a velfarre “Renewal Opening” which would feature new lighting
and new sound system for the club.
Also, the club would now rent the
space to companies for events and pro
wrestling promotionals from Monday
to Wednesday and the disco operating
from Thursday to Sunday.
In March, PHILIP BAILEY life
and love Japan Tour `98 would make
its way to velfarre’s stages.
With the Latin movement still at
its peak, Ricky Martin would perform
live at velfarre in April.
In June, velfarre would feature its
J-WAVE NIGHT featuring MISIA
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: For many DJ’s, velfarre was the party place to be in Japan. Photo courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
who would perform live as well and a
debut by Columbian/Japanese singer
LISA (formerly of m-flo).
June also brought in “Dance Stadium “THE FIGHT NIPPON” which
would bring in 2,000 people.
In Aug., velfarre would host “nonstop 150h presented by avex 10th Anniversary in velfarre”.
In Sept. the club would host its first
“Oricon • The Ichiban Night” and in
November, its first After Hours party
PLANET LOVE” .
PLANET LOVE would highlight
Tokyo’s underground scene and would
be the catalyst for velfarre’s “After
Hours” project bringing in DJ’s and
artists such as Tiesto, Ferry Corsten
(System F), Armin Van Burren, Rank
1, Scot Bond, DJ John Robinson and
DJ Skill.
1999:
In 1999, Okinawa’s DA PUMP
kicked off their Valentine Special Live
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
at the club.
In June, former Kome Kome Club
vocalist Tatsuya Ishii had a Golden
Disco performance for Oricon Night.
In Aug., System F performs at velfarre and will become a familiar face at
the Club for many years to come.
The J.B.’s Japan Tour 1999 featuring
James Brown takes place on Halloween
1999 and brings in 4,000 people.
In Dec., Para Para would become
the new dance fad featuring the Para
Para All Stars. The event dedicated
to Para Para brought in 1,200 people
to the event and close the year with
MILLENNIUM COUNT DOWN
1999/2000.
The new millennium would be an
explosion for velfarre’s “after hours” as
the New Year which would bring in
YOJI BIOMEHANIKA and DJ Tiesto for PLANET LOVE.
2000:
In April 2000, PLANET LOVE
would bring to velfarre Ferry Corsten
(System F) and JOHAN GIELEN
which both would become popular
guest DJ’s at the club.
This same month would be the
beginning of PIA SUPER LIVE
GROOVE. A showcase that would
feature artists from Avex’s Dept. 4 such
as the band Do As Infinity, idol group
dream, Shimatani Hitomi, Otsuka Ai,
AAA for next six years.
In May, the club features EMMA
HOUSE 2000 featuring Jocelyn Brown
live.
In Aug., velfarre would feature ViVi
night which would continue bringing
the fashion world to velfarre.
ViVi night would bring the latest
news of ladies fashion through a party
held at velfarre.
In November, para para has exploded
for Super Euro Flash (SEF) and the
year
concluded with avex COUNT
DOWN.
J!-ENT 11
PHOTO: Thousands of people come to velfarre to party at their COUNT DOWN events. Photo courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
2001:
In Feb. 2001, the PLANET LOVE
project would feature the “Slinky Japan Tour” featuring residents DJ’s Tim
Lyall and Gary White.
April 2001 featured the revival
of JULIANA’S 21 from HYPER
TECHNO MISSION. The event
would bring in 1,500 people.
In May 2001, it was the birth of velfarre’s popular project known as Cyber
TRANCE.
Avex would begin its “Cyber
TRANCE” line of albums in July.
Cyber TRANCE 20 Hours would
feature guest DJ JOHAN GIELEN
and would bring in 3,500 people and
would continue in August with “avex
rave 2001”.
Also, Oricon Night continued with
a performance by the Gospellers.
In October, Avex decided to combine the popularity of Hamasaki Ayumi and Cyber TRANCE and featured
a “Cyber TRANCE presents ayutrance” (AVCD-17028, released on
Sept. 27) release party which included
12 J!-ENT
a secret live.
In Nov., velfarre (by this time, the
name was spelled in lowercase) released
its line of Cyber TRANCE albums
In December, Avex featured J-POP
2001 Final Live featuring EXILE and
Koda Kumi as well as Cyber TRANCE
COUNT DOWN to 2002 which
brought in 6,000 people.
2002:
In 2002, Super Euro Flash was reborn
into SEF MACH! featuring Dave Rogers and Domino Live and the beginning of the “velfarre Cyber TRANCE
TOUR - avex trance 2002 spring-”.
With Every Little Thing to be one
of the early groups (next to TRF and
globe) to receive the album remix
treatment, the group would be among
the first to get the Cyber TRANCE
treatment with an album release titled “Cyber TRANCE presents ELT
TRANCE” (AVCD-17083, released on
Feb. 27, 2002).
In March 2002, ViVi night would
bring EXILE and Koda Kumi for a live
performance and velfarre would feature a new best album titled “The Best
of velfarre Cyber TRANCE” (AVCD17078, released on March 6, 2002).
In April, “a-trance 2002 spring in
MESSE” and “Cyber TRANCE 1st
Anniversary” would bring in 5,000
people to the club.
That same month, velfarre would
receive a taste of New York’s “VINYL”
with their “Body & SOUL Live in Tokyo” which featured house and dance
music and performers such as Francois
K., Danny Krivit, Joaqin “Joe” Clausell
and a party presented by brand new
made inc.
In the Summer, velfarre would
feature GTF meets Cyber TRANCE
2002 Summer and also the GREATER TOKYO FESTIVAL which
would feature special events dedicated to Cyber TRANCE, J-WAVE
NIGHT, SALSA LIBRE (an event
that brought a thousand people to the
club and was produced by SALSA
HOTLINE JAPAN) and more.
To end the year, velfarre celebrated its 8th Anniversary and held its
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: For fans of Cyber TRANCE, velfarre was the place to be. Photo courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
“velfarre Cyber TRANCE COUNT
DOWN TO 2003” which brought in
5,000 people.
In 2003, velfarre featured the DJ
“system F for “TOGETHER” JAPAN
TOUR” in February.
Also, that same month velfarre
brought “END UP” for their After
Hours party which featured Future
Breeze and Simon Eve as well as DJ
Shinkawa and DJ YO*C.
In Aug., DJ MAKIDAI performed
at the 14th “J-WAVE NIGHT” which
brought artist Sowelu.
In Sept. velfarre revived it’s high energy music and disco house with “Koi
no Otachidai” Tour.
In October, velfarre featured a dance
concert featuring Codigo: Tango and
the club celebrated its 9th Anniversary.
2003:
By Dec. 2003, velfarre brought back
hard dance to its club with music maestro YOJI BIOMEHANIKA and the
After Hours project would bring Lab-
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
4, Scot Project, Oliver Clitzing and several others to its event.
2004:
In 2004, the year would start off with
an “After Hours - PLANET LOVE”
special collaboration and a special Cyber
TRANCE album release titled “velfarre
Cyber TRANCE 10 Anniversary BEST HIT TRANCE” (AVCD-17377,
released Jan. 1, 2004) which would feature new tracks including live tracks
performed at “Best Hit Trance” and live
footage from “Makuhari Messe” from
April 2002.
In April, the club would go through
major renovations in time for its next
“Body & SOUL Love in Tokyo 2004”
event.
In May, the velfarre Golden Week
event which featured GIGA, LOADED
and 20HRS event would bring in a total
of 15,000 people that week.
LOADED would bring DJ ENERGY-DAI, Andy Farley, Eddie Halliwell,
Anne Savage, Organ Donors, Mark
Sherry, BK and Nick Sentience to vel-
farre.
In June, the soccer club team Juventas would bring many fans to velfarre.
In August, the club would feature
“MICKEY FICKEY MIX JAPAN
TOUR PT. 8 with special guest XZIBIT and KRONDON”.
Also, that month would feature
another GIGA even featuring YOJI
BIOMEHANIKA and LAB-4.
In Sept., the club would feature
“LOVE Autumn House feat. DJ 50/50
2004”, Matsuken Samba Carnival Stars
and Johnny Vicious for PLANET
LOVE in October.
One more 10th Anniversary release in November with “The Cyber
TRANCE REQUEST COUNTDOWN - velfarre 10th Anniversary”
(AVCD-17563).
velfarre would celebrate its 10th year
anniversary in December.
2005:
In 2005, the year started in the
Spring with a special unit featuring DJ
DRAGON, Takeda Shinji and Ishida
J!-ENT 13
NYAFF08-v1.indd 43
Issei for “Black Jaxx LIVE”.
In April, velfarre hosted the DESTINY’S CHILD OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY and the Hilton sisters
produce a “ViVi Night” event.
In June, velfarre hosts its UNITED
party featuring trance music.
In Aug., velfarre holds its latest
Super Euro Flash even with SEF
GOLD.
In Sept., the album “Cyber
TRANCE - velfarre weekend - #01”
(AVCD-17722, rel. on Sept. 28, 2005)
was released.
In Oct. velfarre features it’s Mr.
Marik CD release party and in December, velfarre celebrates its 11th
year anniversary and a special “ViVi
Night” event featuring O-ZONE and
DJ KAORI.
The year ended with the Cyber
TRANCE COUNTDOWN TO
2006 event which brings 5,000 people.
2006:
14 J!-ENT
6/9/2008 3:56:01 PM
In 2006, velfarre brings MINISTRY OF SOUND in TOKYO to the
club in March and a DJ OZMA release party.
With the success of 2005’s Golden Week, velfarre features “Body
& SOUL”, “GIGA” and “Cyber
TRANCE” which brings in 20,000
people to the club.
In June, velfarre features “JUNIOR
VASQUEZ in Tokyo 10 hours set”.
2006 FIFA World Cup Public Viewing, a Special PIA SUPER LIVE
GROUP #18 featuring groups such as
dream, HINOI team and AAA.
In July, velfarre features it’s “ViVi
Night 13~Summer Carnival 2006”
featuring Rinka and Minmi and reveal
that velfarre will be closing at the end
of the year.
It had been reported in the media
that the closure of velfarre was due to
sow business (Kyodo News, Nikkan
Gendai, Nov. 16) but a velfarre Entertainment spokesperson said the closure was due to the lease on the land
and building had expired.
In October, velfarre featured “XTRAIL Jam Opening Party”, “AFTER HOURS UNITED TALAMASCA” and Boys II Men Showcase
Live.
In November PLANET LOVE
featured SJ SCOT PROJECT and
the “SOUTH “BLING” FEST 06”
featuring DEM FRANCHIZE
BOYS and Donell Jones who perform
for two days.
velfarre would release a 6-disc compilation box set “velfarre complete best
1994-2006” (AVCD-23120/4) and
“velfarre Cyber TRANCE Complete”
(AVCD-23088) released on Nov. 29th
featuring the Cyber TRANCE fifth
anniversary at velfarre and more.
In December, many would come
to celebrate velfarre for its remaining
final two weeks as the final velfarre
COUNT DOWN on New Year’s Day
2007 was approaching.
Several of velfarre’s past guests would
make their return for one night.
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
ONE LAST THANK YOU, ONE LAST GOODBYE
PHOTO: T. HASEGAWA
THE FINAL WEEK OF
velfarre
DECEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 31, 2006
A VISUAL T RI BU T E
W I T H P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T. H A S E G AWA
16 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
TOP ROW: SEF GOLD - FINAL - (12.20.06), ViVi Night -FINAL- (12.21.06), “Bunbu TOKYO” (12.22.06)
BOTTOM ROW: Cyber TRANCE FINAL (12.23.06), AFTER HOURS UNITED (12.23.06) and 20HRS -FINAL- (12.24.06)
Images courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
O
n Dec. 20th, each night velfarre would feature a tribute
for each event night. Kicking things off was “SEFGOLD - FINAL”.
SUPER EURO FLASH has been a
major part of velfarre and on Dec. 20th,
the ladies of Para Para All Stars will have
its final Para Para Stadium performance at
velfarre.
The night featured EUROBEAT music
with resident DJ’s BOSS and DJ SHU
providing the music for the night.
The album promotions for “SUPER
EUROBEAT presents SUPER EURO
FLASH SEF GOLD” (AVCD-23041)
and “SUPER EUROBEAT VOL. 170”
(AVCD-10170/B) were promoted.
On Dec. 21, ViVi Night, the event
that would bring the latest news on ladies
fashion to velfarre would celebrate it’s 14th
year and its final party at the club.
DJ Kaori, one of the most popular female DJ’s in the world provided the music
for that night.
Special guests included female R&B/
hip-hop trio YA-KYIM, actress and singer
Ito Yuna and R&B singer Kato Miliyah.
On Dec. 22, velfarre featured “Bunbu
TOKYO - velfarre live FINAL STAGE
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
X’mas Special”!
The night would feature hip-hop, reggae and R&B music with special guest
ZEEBRA and guest DJ’s DJ BUNKEN
and DJ OSHOW. Also, DJ’s Tossy, Pattune, Takuro, RAMY, Ogu, TUNE, 11”,
ATSUSHI, TANYA, WENDY and more.
Also, special live performances by Karakuri
and Omasga.
On Dec. 23rd, it was time for the
“AFTER HOURS UNITED 18th
contact - CLUB TALAMASCA by
UNITED” event.
The event has been a big part of velfarre
bringing in over 25,000 people in its 18times presented at velfarre.
The music of the morning was trance
and featured performances by TALAMASCA and X.S.I. As well as dance
performance by ALKALOID PROJECT.
DJ Lotus was the special guest DJ and
resident DJ’s Bryan Burton Lewis and
DJ’s Monolith, Rew and Hashi provided
the music.
On December 23rd, System F (Ferry
Corsten) would have his final set with
“Cyber TRANCE “system F” FINAL
EXCLUSIVE SET”.
System F was instrumental in bringing
the Cyber TRANCE movement to popu-
larity and to velfarre back in 1999.
The music of the night was all about
trance and mix featuring guest DJ system
F and also featuring resident DJ’s TETSUYA, DRAGON and MA ME.
At the Air Lounge featuring slow jams,
hip-hop and R&B from DJ’s Takao, Eriko
and Coryn with a dance performance by
ALKALOID PROJECT.
On Christmas Eve, velfarre held its
“20HRS FINAL - X’MAS BASH 2006-”.
The 20-hour event would begin at
sunrise through 1:00 a.m.
The event would start off with a
FERRY CORSTEN EXCLUSIVE SET
and feature DJ’s (DISCO TWINS) DJ
TASAKAxKAGAMI, DJ 19, and Takatoshi Sugimoto playing progressive techno.
For PLANET LOVE X’MAS, the
music featured was Hard Trance/PsyTrance from DJ’s John Robinson, Roger
Jordan and Alexander Sasha.
To complete the night was VINYLIZE
featuring Hard Dance music featuring
NISH performing live and resident DJ’s
REMO-CON, Ueki Toshio, Rinrin, Trish,
Overflow, Yath and 83.
The performance would lead to the
final week of velfarre.
J!-ENT 17
12.23.06 - Cyber TRANCE featuring system F (Ferry Corsten),
DJ DRAGON and DJ TETSUYA
photos by t. hasegawa
PHOTO: DJ DRAGON at cyber TRANCE - 12.23.06.
18 J!-ENT
Photo by T. Hasegawa
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
PHOTO: DJ TETSUYA on the turntable at Cyber TRANCE - 12.23.06.
J!-ENT 19
PHOTO: System F (Ferrry Corsten) takes to the stage with a tremendous ovation from Cyber TRANCE fans. - 12.23.06.
20 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: system F (Ferry Corsten) giving audience his style of Cyber TRANCE - 12.23.06.
J!-ENT 21
A SP ECIAL J!-ENT T RI B U T E TO ve l f a rre
22 J!-ENT
PHOTO: system F (Ferry Corsten) giving audience his style of Cyber TRANCE - 12.23.06.
PHOTO: Cyber TRANCE fans watch DJ DRAGON, DJ TETSUYA and MA ME back on the turntable - 12.23.06.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 23
12.24.06 - 20HOURS - FINAL - X’MAS BASH 2006 featuring system F (Ferry Corsten)
24 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
TOP ROW: LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS - (12.25.06), TOKYO DISCO NIGHT FINAL (12.26.06), “Body & SOUL Yearend Special” (12.27.06)
BOTTOM ROW: a trance Yearend Party (12.28.06), BRAND NEW GROOVE - Yearend House Festival - (12.29.06) and Cyber TRANCE FINAL
feat. Johan Gielen (12.30.06). Images courtesy of velfarre Entertainment, Inc.
I
t was now seven days until the final
COUNT DOWN event at velfarre
and for velfarre patrons that meant
seven more days of partying.
On Christmas Day at velfarre,
Aoyama Christmas Circus by Avex Group
2006 presented” LEGEND OF RAVE
X’MAS.”
On this night saw the return of groups
that have been there since the beginning of
velfarre such as TRF, MAX, John Robinson,
m.c.+A•T, m.o.v.e and DJ BOSS.
On the following night, it was “TOKYO
DISCO NIGHT FINAL” where DJ BOSS,
DJ NIKAIDOU and DJ IPPEI played disco
songs from the 70’s through the 90’s.
With a live performance by
DANCE*MAN and at DJ sugarkayne on the
2nd floor at Air Lounge.
OLDIE’s NIGHT was among the first
successful party events to be held at velfarre
and people partied from 4:00 a.m. through
1:00 a.m.
On Dec. 27th it was the “Body & SOUL
in Tokyo 2006 Yearend Special” presented by
SLY in association with John Davis.
The music for the night was house and
featured resident DJ’s Joaquin “Joe” Claussell,
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
Danny Krivit and Francois K.
The event was held every Sunday afternoon at club Vinyl in NY was a big influence
in the world’s house and dance music scene.
Although the party was discontinued
in 2002 the three DJ’s responsible for the
music brought it to velfarre and the event
has brought many people to the club during
Golden Week for the past five years.
On December 28th, velfarre celebrated “a
trance YEAREND PARTY” featuring DJ
BOSS, KAYA, KENBOW and TORA.
Also featured live were OVERHEAD
CHAMPION, Matsumoto Shohei aka
Sham-Poo and the female group carezza.
On December 29th, the night was
dedicated to “BRAND NEW GROOVE
~YEAREND HOUSE FESTIVAL” featuring DJ DRAGON, ASAHINA, YAMARIKI, O-NIGIRI, CYBER JAPAN’s Tokoto
Mitomi and Silva.
Live performances featured GTS,
BLACK JAXX (featuring DJ DRAGON,
Ishida Issei on keyboards and Takeda Shinji
on sax) and Neuron Attack and featured a
night of house music.
On Saturday, Dec. 30th it was ”Cyber
TRANCE FINAL” featuring guest DJ’s
JOHAN GIELEN and John Robinson, as
well as DJ’s DRAGON, TETSUYA and MA
ME.
JOHAN GIELEN has been a major
name with velfarre and Cyber TRANCE.
Back in 1995, GIELEN asked to become a resident DJ at the club and would be
known for bringing the latest sound from
Europe.
After two years, JOHAN returned to
Netherlands and released the hit “L’esperanza
(AIRSCAPE)” in 1999 which became a big
hit and followed by “The Beauty of Silence”
with his partner Svenson (Seven Mase).
GIELEN became the leading figure in
the world for the trance movement and in
May 2001, GIELEN returned to velfarre for
Cyber TRANCE’s opening party.
Returning to the club where he once
started as a resident DJ and to later become
one of the top artists in the world.
Also at velfarre, Cyber TRANCE began
with JOHAN and would end with JOHAN.
Dec. 30th would become a special and
ethusiastic night for the legendary JOHAN
GIELEN, his last performance for the club.
After this performance, Dec. 31st would
be the final night for velfarre.
J!-ENT 25
12.25.06 - LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS
PHOTOS: m.c.A•T performing live at LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS - 12.25.06.
26 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
m.c.A•T performing live at LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS - 12.25.06.
J!-ENT 27
PHOTO: m.o.v.e (top) and MAX (bottom) performing live at LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS - 12.25.06.
28 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
PHOTO: TRF performing live at LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS - 12.25.06.
J!-ENT 29
PHOTO: TRF performing live at LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS - 12.25.06.
30 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: John Robinson performing live at LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS - 12.25.06.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 31
PHOTO: Sometimes it’s all about getting down on the dance floor at LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS - 12.25.06.
32 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
12.30.06 - Cyber TRANCE FINAL featuring JOHAN GIELEN,
DJ MA ME, DJ DRAGON, DJ TETSUYA
PHOTO: (Top) Cyber TRANCE fans get into position. (Bottom) DJ DRAGON and DJ TETSUYA - 12.30.06.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 33
A SP EC I A L J!-ENT T RI BU T E TO ve l f a rre
34 J!-ENT
PHOTO: DJ MA ME on the turntables at Cyber TRANCE Final - 12.30.06.
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: One of the velfarre resident originals - John Robinson at Cyber TRANCE Final - 12.30.06.
J!-ENT 35
PHOTO: (Top) John Robinson receives an ovation.
(Bottom) Cyber TRANCE fans await JOHAN GIELEN’s appearance - 12.30.06.
36 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
PHOTO: JOHAN GIELEN performs at Cyber TRANCE Final - 12.30.06.
J!-ENT 37
PHOTO: The man of the evening — JOHAN GIELEN at Cyber TRANCE Final - 12.30.06.
38 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: (Top) JOHAN GIELEN completes his final performance at velfarre.
(Bottom) DJ DRAGON congratulating JOHAN GIELEN - 12.30.06. Photo by T. Hasegawa
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 39
PHOTO: A final performance by DJ DRAGON, DJ TETSUYA and DJ MA ME at Cyber TRANCE Final - 12.30.06.
40 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
COUNT DOWN TO THE F U TURE>>LAST DANCE
PHOTO: T. HASEGAWA
THE FINAL NIGHT OF
velfarre
J ! - E N T C OV E R S V E LFA R R E ’ S F I N A L N I G H T
DECEMBER 31, 2006
A VISUAL T RI BU T E
W I T H P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T. H A S E G AWA
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 41
PHOTO: Preparations for the final night of velfarre. A shot of the entrance to the popular disco club for it’s popular Count Down New Year’s Eve
event. The club would have its doors open from 8:00 P.M. on New Year’s Eve through noon on New Year’s Day. Photo by T. Hasegawa
I
t was the final night and final morning of the popular club velfarre.
On New Year’s Eve was the final
New Year’s Eve event “Count Down
To The Future>>LAST DANCE”
which started at 8:00 PM.
Featured for the “Count Down To The
Future” event were former and current
resident DJ’s JOHN ROBINSON, TETSUYA, DRAGON, MITSUKI, Remo-con,
TOSHIO UEKI, URAKEN, DJ BOSS,
DJ SHU and MA ME with special surprise
guests planned for the evening.
For the “LAST DANCE” event that
went on through the early morning featured
DJ SHINKAWA, YO*C, Q’HEY, UIROH,
MONOBE, NAKAHARA, ROGER
JORDAN, ENERGY-DAI, MINAO ISHII,
KEN-GEE and more surprise guests.
Also in attendance were VJ’s air,
GrooveLovers, MASAKATSU ITO, R-A
and ecran.
The event brought in thousands of people
who shared one last memory of the club
from the moment the doors opened, up to
the moment when the doors offically closed
down.
42 J!-ENT
Although, the club is no longer open, the
velfarre name continues.
On March 14th, Avex released the album “velfarre Cyber TRANCE FOREVER”
(ACVD-23267) which features many songs
that were not included with the “velfarre
Cyber TRANCE - Complete Collection”.
Also, an exciting but yet non-official message was given before the closure of the club.
At the final Cyber TRANCE event
on December 30th, mega producer and
musician Komuro Tetsuya (TK) stated that
velfarre will be back.
With Avex being one of the largest companies in the world and also for its history
with working with night clubs, anything is
possible. Maybe velfarre will be back.
For now, velfarre will be remembered for
so many things.
velfarre will be remembered for being on
the cutting edge of bringing music artists,
DJ’s, dance troupes and many other talent
from Japan and outside of the country to its
club.
velfarre will be remembered for SEF
GOLD for Para para, Eurobeat and Hyper
Techno on Thursdays.
velfarre will be remembered for REGGAE PUNCH after midnight on early
Friday morning.
velfarre will be remembered for SOUND
BASE, bringing R&B and hip-hop to the
club early Saturday mornings.
velfarre Will be remembered for being one of the hottest clubs for Cyber
TRANCE on Saturday nights.
velfarre will be remembered for it’s
AFTER HOURS events Sunday morning
through noon with various events such as
UNITED, LOADED, END UP, PLANET
LOVE.
velfarre will be remembered for being hip
with the latest fads and music trends.
And velfarre will always be remembered
for what it has contributed to the music
scene for 12 years.
velfarre may have closed its doors but I
have no doubt the name will continue .
I somehow feel that a velfarre will live in
some form or other but I do believe that
velfarre will be back. Someday.
= DENNIS A. AMITH
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: velfarre before the club opens for its final New Year’s Eve Count Down event. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 43
PHOTO: The line to get into velfarre for COUNT DOWN TO THE FUTURE gets larger as people are in heavy anticipation for the final event. Photo by
T. Hasegawa.
44 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: As velfarre staff welcomes people inside the club, the main stage is easily packed with thousands of people. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 45
PHOTO: DJ John Robinson rings in the New Year. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
46 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: It’s 2007 and partying on the final morning at velfarre continues. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 47
PHOTO: JOHN ROBINSON on the turntables at velfarre’S COUNT DOWN TO THE FUTURE.
PHOTO: It’s 2007 and partying on the final morning at velfarre continues. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 49
PHOTO: DJ TETSUYA on the turntables at velfarre’S COUNT DOWN TO THE FUTURE.
PHOTO: DJ’s DRAGON, TETSUYA and MITSUKI and (bottom) Remo-con share one final performance at velfarre. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 51
PHOTO: The party continues with DAY AFTER at velfarre. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
52 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
PHOTO: Long time DJ’s of velfarre say their final thank you to the crowd. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 53
Final Messages
J!-ENT asked a few of the long time performers and DJ’s of velfarre to give their final thoughts about
their feelings of velfarre and its closure.
A FEW WORDS FROM SONIC GROOVE ARTISTS MAX
REGARDING THEIR FINAL PERFORMANCE AT velfarre
REINA: MAX started with velfarre and I saw our eleventh
year live memory flashing on the stage. It’s very sad that the
place where our history exists has now disappeared, but I
was very glad to share the final stage with people who love
velfarre. Thank you, velfarre... Great job!
AKI: I felt that it was uplifting and better than usual because
of the last performance at my favorite club velfarre where
there are so many memories. Our fans and MAX became one
and we were all very excited. That was very exciting and an
enjoyable performance which became a very important
moment in my life.
A FEW WORDS FROM avex tune ARTISTS m.o.v.e
REGARDING THEIR FINAL PERFORMANCE AT
velfarre
t-kimura: velfarre was a very important existence for
a Japanese night club scene. velfarre had a power
that made it possible to move new trend music into
main stream of Japan. velfarre gave stimulation to
horizontally egalitarian music society in Japan. The
owner is my friend and the staff are very clever. I enjoyed being involved with the club for business and
for persona. I’m very sad about the club closing. But
the reason they closed was not a management matter, it was about the equity of the land. I hope velfarre
will be born in another place in the near future. Needless to say that live performance was so wonderful.
I think this is not the end, this is just a ceremony to
create something new.
motsu: I was deeply concerned with our last
performance at velfarre. But I am happy to share
emotions with a lot of our fans. When we were done
performing, I kissed the stage like Michel Jackson
did. That is a good memory for me.
yuri: velfarre was the first place where we did a live
performance, also the first place where we filmed our
first music video. But I don’t feel it really is closed.
There was unique atmosphere at the final “LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS” performance. It was like high
school student who was waiting for their graduation
ceremony. It’s hard to express the atmosphere in
words.
54 J!-ENT
J!-ENT | APRIL 2007
Final Messages
A FEW WORDS FROM LONG TIME velfarre PERFORMER & DJ JOHN
ROBINSON REGARDING velfarre
JOHN: I was there from the beginning - when I used to perform almost
everyday, until the end - however I was not playing there on a daily basis
anymore. To see people happy is always the greatest satisfaction of
anyone working in the entertainment business. Some of the best times
for me were during the trance boom when Planet Love was drawing
thousands of people for the after hours parties and also much earlier
than that when I used to perform regularly on stage.
I think it is really sad that it’s gone - I would say that in the early days,
many people claimed that velfarre wasn’t a “real” club & that it was
”corporate clubbing”. To a certain extent, that may have been true in
the early days but the club was allowed to grow & mature and I think
in the end, it was very much a real super-club and that it will be missed.
There was always the comparison to Juliana’s Tokyo as well, however
Juliana’s only lasted 18 months, velfarre was 12 years!
Being asked to comment on the farewell of velfarre is, understandably,
extremely difficult. It’s as if I have to say goodbye to a dear friend.
It probably means more to me as I was involved from the very, very
beginning. Even before I had finished working at Juliana’s Tokyo. I even
remember when we set up different sound systems in rehearsal studios
around Tokyo so we could decide what would be best for us.
To all the friends and great people I have worked with over the years, to
the customers who made the club what it is, I can say that velfarre was
a very special club & I will miss it terribly. Here’s hoping that someday in
the future, we might be able to revisit velfarre in some way.
(photo by T. Hasegawa)
A FEW WORDS FROM WORLD REKNOWN CYBER TRANCE DJ FERRY (SYSTEM F)
CORSTEN REGARDING velfarre
FERRY: velfarre is one of the most memorable clubs I have ever been to. Not only the
Cyber TRANCE parties were amazing but also the after hours parties were off the hook! I
still remember the massive mirror ball with the white canvas tent around it.
This is something I have never seen anywhere else. The velfarre staff I have worked with
was always great fun and professional… Our private parties is surely another thing I will not
forget. Thank you so much for making my stay in Japan a special one.
(photo by T. Hasegawa)
A FEW WORDS FROM LONGTIME velfarre PERFORMER YOJI BIOMEHANIKA REGARDING velfarre
YOJI BIOMEHANIKA: My favorite memory of velfarre was when all performers play “B2B” at the end of every party. That
was the most enjoyable.
velfarre is a space where the positive spirits of Mr Yamano, chief manager of velfarre, are reflected. His attitude made velfarre
one of the best clubs in the world. velfarre was the world’s leading club. It’s sad of course, but the future that I expect to him
is much bigger than the sadness of closing. I’ll never forget the time that we’ve shared at velfarre. I’ll
develop my music with the great power that every velfarre fans gave me. Thank you very much.
APRIL 2007 | J!-ENT
J!-ENT 55
PHOTO COURTESY OF velfarre ENTERTAINMENT
velfarre
T H A N K Y O U F O R T W E LV E E X C I T I N G Y E A R S
O F M U S I C A N D PA R T Y I N G .
YOU WILL BE MISSED.
J!-ENT
www.j-entonline.com
J!-ENT
Written by the staff of J!-ENT, an entertainment and pop
culture website celebrating its 15th Year Anniversary in 2008.
www.j-entonline.com
Dennis A. Amith is the owner of
the multi-disciplinary communications and design business,
nt2099 media and entertainment
and founder of the entertainment and pop culture website,
J!-ENT. Graduating from California State University, Fresno
with an educational background
in mass communications and
journalism, Dennis A. Amith has
interviewed and featured many
talents and industry professionals in the United States, Europe and Asia and is recognized for promoting the entertainment and pop culture
of different countries to an International audience. Currently residing in California.
Michelle Tymon, has contributed
to J!-ENT since 1996 as a translator of Japanese music lyrics
and her promotion of Johnny’s
Jimusho groups. Michelle’s work
includes her involvement as a
translator, writer and photographer for J!-ENT. Michelle has
interviewed bands, talents and
industry professionals. Michelle
currently runs media
operations in the Northwest
region of the US for J!-ENT and
is a graduate of the University of Washington. Michelle
grew up with both cultures, living in Japan and the US.
She grew up watching Japanese TV shows and anime and
listening to Japanese music and has been a fan of Japanese entertainment all her life. Other than translating, her
interests include writing, art, music, and entertainment.
Michelle’s dream is to one day live in Japan and work in
the Japanese entertainment industry in some way.
Hiroshi Tagawa, has contributed
to J!-ENT since 1996 as a translator of Japanese music lyrics and
Japanese entertainment news.
Hiroshi is in charge of J!-ENT
operations in Japan and graduated from Kanagawa University
with an educational background
in Business. Hiroshi currently
resides in Japan and is a business
owner and a teacher.
Mamiko Kubota, has contributed to J!-ENT since 2006
as a correspondent on the Japanese club scene in Japan.
PHOTO: T. HASEGAWA

J!-ENT: A Tribute to velfarre - nt2099 media and entertainment

Transcription

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