Sapporo City Jazz 'North JAM Session' Collaborates with Blue Note Tokyo! Special Event Featuring Akiko Yano and Mike Stern to be Held in August at Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Stage

Sapporo City Jazz, recognized as one of Japan's premier urban jazz festivals, is celebrating its 20th year. Its main stage event, 'North JAM Session', is teaming up with Blue Note Tokyo, which celebrates its 38th anniversary this November, to present a collaborative event titled 'North JAM Session meets BLUE NOTE TOKYO'. The event will take place on Sunday, August 30, at the Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Stage. Featuring a luxurious lineup of artists such as the Akiko Yano Trio, Mike Stern Band, and Ayatake Ezaki Trio, general ticket sales for the event will begin on Saturday, May 23. Blue Note Tokyo and North JAM Session Collaborate! An Outdoor Live Event to Enjoy Top Artists with a Picnic Vibe Sapporo City Jazz is widely cherished as one of Japan's leading large-scale jazz festivals. Launched in 2007 as an urban music festival, it gathers numerous professional and amateur musicians from July to December, with live performances and events held across theaters, parks, and other locations throughout Sapporo. For its 20th anniversary this year, the summer main event 'North JAM Session' returns to the Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Stage for the first time in two years. This time, it will be held as a special edition spanning two days on August 29 (Sat) and August 30 (Sun). The second day is billed as 'North JAM Session meets BLUE NOTE TOKYO', presented in collaboration with Blue Note Tokyo. It promises a luxurious open-air live experience where audiences can enjoy performances by top artists with a picnic vibe surrounded by great nature. It is set to be the ultimate musical experience to wrap up the summer. North JAM Session meets BLUE NOTE TOKYO [Event Schedule] Sunday, August 30, 2026 Doors open: 11:30 / Start: 12:30 *Expected end: 18:10 [Venue] Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Stage (2-75 Geijutsunomori, Minami-ku, Sapporo City) [Special Page] https://www.bluenote.co.jp/jp/lp/north-jam-session-2026/ [Performers] - Akiko Yano Trio featuring Will Lee & Chris Parker - Mike Stern Band featuring Dennis Chambers, Randy Brecker, Leni Stern & Lincoln Goines - Ayatake Ezaki Trio featuring Shuntaro Tsuneta & Sonoko Muraoka and more [Inquiries] Doshin Play Guide Takakuwa Bldg., 1-8-2 Minami 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City MARUZEN & Junkudo Bookstore Sapporo Branch, B1F TEL: 0570-00-3871 (10:00-19:00, Closed Tuesdays) Organizers: Blue Note Japan, Hokkaido Shimbun Press, FM Hokkaido, Doshin Bunka Jigyosha Co-organizers: Sapporo Art Park (Sapporo Cultural Arts Foundation), Sapporo City Jazz Executive Committee ----- [Ticket Information] *General sales start from 10:00 on Saturday, May 23! - SS Seat (Reserved Chair): 12,000 yen (tax included) *Free for preschoolers only if seated on a lap - S Seat (Free Lawn Seating): 9,900 yen (tax included) *Free for junior high school students and under only when accompanied by a guardian (up to 3 children per guardian) - Wheelchair Seat: 1,000 yen (tax included) *For 1 wheelchair user only *With helper: 13,000 yen (tax included) *For 1 wheelchair user + 1 helper *Within designated zones of SS Seats (Reserved Chair), limited quantity, purchase available through Doshin Play Guide - Parking Reservation Ticket: 500 yen *Limited quantity [Detailed Artist Information] - Akiko Yano Trio featuring Will Lee & Chris Parker This year marks the 50th anniversary of her solo debut! Akiko Yano, who has been generating buzz with her live album 'AKIKO YANO TRIO featuring Will Lee & Chris Parker Live at Blue Note Tokyo 2025', appears with her golden trio featuring Will Lee and Chris Parker. Together with Will, known for performing with David Sanborn and Steely Dan, and Chris, a former member of the legendary group 'Stuff', the trio will showcase a versatile repertoire ranging from original songs to covers in perfect harmony. You cannot miss this trio, which Yano calls her 'lifelong treasure'. Akiko Yano (Piano, Vocals) Will Lee (Bass) Chris Parker (Drums) - Mike Stern Band featuring Dennis Chambers, Randy Brecker, Leni Stern & Lincoln Goines Leading the contemporary jazz scene, the 6-time Grammy... (*Original text cuts off here)