When: September 01, 2007 - September 02, 2007
Where: Okinawa City Koza Sports Park
Entrance is free. Expect to pay a premium for other things like disposable cameras, parking and food. Sort of like any other big event on Okinawa.
The beer festival kicks off on Okinawa beginning on Saturday with a grand opening celebration at 4 p.m.
The stage opens on Saturday the 1st of Sept.,and live music will begin around 5:15 p.m. with Akidas. Bourbonz follows at 5:55 P.M., with Emi Tawata at 6:35 p.m.
The Orion Beer Campaign Girls make the official “Kampai” toast at 7:20 p.m..
Then up next will be the special live performance by Okinawa very own Johnny Ginowan Band at 7:40 p.m.
A huge fireworks display rounds out the evening at about 8:55 p.m. Saturday, and at 8:50 p.m. on Sunday.
More than 200,000 visitors have come to the festival in past years, and organizers are expecting atleast that number this year. The Eisa Festival celebrates its 52nd year. Look for brilliant colored costumes and uniforms unique to each small community performing. Some eisa groups are using the same costumes today they’ve used for more than 300 years. The music accompanying the dancers will be all Okinawan. Some dances work in various karate moves as Okinawa’s Uchinanchu heritage is spotlighted.
Coolers and lawn chairs are not permitted. No alcoholic beverages are permitted to be brought onto the festival grounds, beleive men there will be plenty there.
On Sunday the Orion Beer Stage starts with Glean Piece at 5:20 p.m., followed by Hisano at 6 p.m . Minamukani Drops performs at 6:40 p.m., and the Orion Beer Girls take to the stage for a Kampai at 7:20 p.m. Diamantes takes center stage for the main evening performance at 7:40 p.m..
A Broadband movie of what to expect to see. Not the actual beer fest but it is a great intro into Eisa Dancing.
links:
http://www.orionbeer.co.jp/event/beerfest/bf2007/koza.html The Orion Beer's Summer Festival announcement from Orion Beer.
http://www.orionbeer.co.jp/orionclub/girl/2007/blog/blog.php The Orion Beer Girls. Sayaka, Shizuka and, Shihoko.
http://www.orionbeer.co.jp/top.html Orion Beer website.
