4 days of music and counting

monday afternoon here in Minoo. i was just thinking i went to see a concert on friday, saturday and sunday night after arriving here last thursday night. but actually, Noriko`s Father is singing now so that makes the 4th day in a row of music. the big concert will be on wednesday at Osaka-jo Hall...KOBUKURO. and the good news this morning was that someone "picked up" my trip for next saturday and sunday so i do not have to return home on thursday. and as of 5pm on monday, there are 4 people trying to "pick up" my trip for next monday and tuesday which means i would be able to stay thru the weekend...and go to the Kobe Matsuri for more music and samba dancers...and that sounds like a photo or two. last saturday i went to a concert of "fushigi na" (mysterious) music at Cafe Bar Hashimototey. Cafe Bar Hashimototey is a very interesting looking 100 year old Japanese-style 3-story wooden building/home which was refurbished a couple of years ago. it is on the trail to the beautiful Minoo Waterfall. the first floor is a cafe and there are rooms on the second and third floor which can be rented out by the hour for such things as birthday parties, meetings, etc. there is also a small room you can rent for about $5 per hour just to take a rest. i think all the rooms look out on to the forrest. i am sure there is a waiting list in the autumn as the leaves begin to change colors. on saturday there were two bands. both were entertaining but the first band had an electric sitar and you gotta love a band with an electric sitar. on sunday Noriko drove me to Senri-chuo (shopping center and more). she wanted to buy a mixer/blender at the new Labi Building. one of her "seniors" recommended mixing carrots with apples for a healthy nutrious drink. and from 5pm, i sat and listened to some good "street live" music for a couple of hours. one of my favorites, the singer/songwriter Ryo was there. and a very lively "gospel" group called Brown Eyed Soul. i bought some pink carnations to take to Noriko`s Mother for HaHa no Hi.