Concerts/Performances

Angela - the great performance of this year. I had heard a couple of their Stellvia songs before the con so was looking forward to seeing them. Fortunately, they gave a short performance during opening(so more pics on opening page) so people not familiar with their music would know to come back for more (plus the opening performance let sound problem be ironed out, as they had to play with a backup track as didn't have a band to back them and originally the backup was played much too loud and was drowning Atsuko out). One of the best parts was when Atsuko sung one song slowly a cappella while showing the crowd part of the para para routine for the song so they could perform it along with her. Hopefully will be seeing more from Angela in the US, and hopefully more J-pop acts will be booked at cons as I have enjoyed all that I have seen.

Cosplay Halftime - Piano Squall. He played 3 songs, 2 from Final Fantasy & 1 from InuYasha. He is very good, and I enjoyed his performance very much.

Cosplay Halftime - Para Para group. I thought several of the performers where very good, but thought it went a bit too long.

L'arc en Ciel - unfortunately no photos were allowed. Up until a few days before the con looked like some press pictures were to be allowed, I even bought a new lens for it. We had to submit our photo equipment to be judged by Sony as to whether we were to be allowed to shoot or not (since I use Sony equipment I was hoping to be found worthy). But a few days out all photo passes applications were cancelled. Also, press was restricted on number in seats, so even though my sister is the writer & I am the photographer I went to the show as had more interest as the way things were being handled turned her off. Unfortunately the press seating was bad, way on the side in the back of the area - you can find much more detailed reports elsewhere from people who actually got good seats. Some general descriptions of shots I was wishing I had a camera for: the line several blocks long sometimes 4-5 people deep, when L'arc first came onstage girl about 4 rows behind me put her hands to her face and I could tell she was saying Oh My God in disbelief she was seeing them, a young boy with what looked like his grandfather in attendence, people holding lights up during several songs. The concert itself was pretty good, the first couple of songs I found the band too flat but their tone improved as the show went on.