by Kevin Jungnitsch

TLC

One of the greatest musical trios of all time, TLC has had a long spanning career that has had both its ups and downs. After losing founding member Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes to a car accident in early 2002, the group quietly faded away. However, last year the remaining members announced that they will be recording new material “soon.” How soon is still unclear, but the band is now touring and will be giving a performance at Billboard Live in Tokyo Midtown later this month. R&B and 90s music lovers will definitely be excited to hear TLC perform their hit songs.

July 17, 6 & 9pm
Nearest station: Roppongi
Tickets: ¥12,000–¥14,000
www.billboard-live.com

Cha

After this stunning acrobatic show made its world premiere at this year’s World Expo in Shanghai, the highly-acclaimed Cha is now going abroad. The stage show’s central theme focuses on cha, or tea, but don’t be fooled, as this is no regal, understated tea ceremony. Cha incorporates martial arts, dance, magic and mind-blowing stunts. The cast features several of China’s Cirque du Soleil veterans, so audience members can expect an impressive performance. Representing Chinese tea culture in an artistic fashion, this show starting next month at Bunkamura Orchard Hall is sure to make for an entertaining outing.

August 12–25, various times
Nearest station: Shibuya
Tickets: ¥5,000-¥9,000
Tel: 03-3477-3244

B.o.B

A recently debuted rapper and multi-instrumentalist, B.o.B has quickly become one of hip-hop’s hottest acts. The 21-year-old Georgia native gained international acclaim for his chart hit Nothin’ on You from his 2010 debut album The Adventures of Bobby Ray. The young talent isn’t afraid to experiment with his sound, as seen with his genre- crossing collaborations. The result is original sounding hip-hop tunes. His unique style and fresh approach have gained him fans even amongst those who wouldn’t normally listen to rap music. B.o.B will be doing a show at Ebisu Garden Hall later this month, making a great opportunity to see this rising star perform live.

July 25, 6pm
Nearest station: Ebisu
Tickets: ¥6,000
Tel: 03-3462-6969

Unit Sixth Anniversary

Daikanyama’s popular club Unit is celebrating its sixth anniversary this weekend with a roof-raising party. The German experimental music group Cluster will be headlining, with lots of other local acts rounding out the lineup. Cluster has been influential in the electronic and ambient music scene since its formation in Berlin over four decades ago. Live performances by Boris and Evala, visuals by VJs So in the House and Majio, and plenty of DJ sets by Tokyo’s top spinners are bound to keep partygoers hyped until the sun comes up.

July 3, 9pm
Nearest station: Daikanyama
Tickets: ¥4,000–¥5,000
www.unit-tokyo.com

Colombian Festival

On July 18 Colombia will commemorate its 200th national day, which will be celebrated in Tokyo with major showcase events. At Hibiya park from noon until the evening, several acts and live bands will play and entertain an expected crowd of over 2,000 guests. Popular Colombian musicians Calambuco, who have gained popularity among salsa lovers throughout Europe and the US, will be coming to Japan just for this special event. Head over to the park to enjoy traditional and modern Colombian and Latin American food, handicrafts and entertainment.

July 18, 12–6pm
Nearest station: Hibiya
Admission: Free

An Evening of Jazz

Jazz-lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to see Harvey Thompson and Yoshiko Saita perform with the Mike Price Jazz Quartet at the Tokyo branch of one of Kobe’s most popular jazz clubs. Thompson, a Detroit native but Japan-based jazz vocalist, will be singing alongside the lovely Ms. Saita, one of Japan’s most talented female jazz singers. Japan veteran Mike Price and his quartet will accompany on piano, bass, drums and trumpet. There are three performaces throughout the night, but the small venue means reservations are recommended.

July 7, various times
Nearest station: Roppongi
Tickets: ¥3,500
www.leglant.com/satindoll