LOS ANGELES (June 15, 2011) -- Tune in Tokyo brings its global pop sound to the Club Nokia VIP Lounge as part of Anime Expo 2011, presenting a night of J-Pop, K-Pop, Japanese Electro and Indie, and International Club Beats on Saturday, July 2nd. They will be joined by AX Idol Winner and J-Pop singer Stephanie Yanez, and LA-based hard rock band Dig Jelly, in a special acoustic performance. There will also be a Vocaloid-inspired fashion show sponsored by Q-Pop, featuring Japanese labels Sexpot Revenge, Algonquins, Super Lovers, and the Putamayo x Vocaloid Collaboration.   The event runs on July 2nd from 9 PM - 2 AM, and is welcome to all ages. The Club Nokia VIP lounge is located on the second floor, accessed by the elevators on the left side of the entrance. A convention badge is required for entry into Club Nokia.   To stay updated on all of the latest Anime Expo 2011 news, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook and check us out on YouTube.   About Tune in Tokyo Tune in Tokyo has been spinning J-Pop, K-Pop, and International Club beats since 2008, bringing the sound of modern Asian dance pop to clubs and special events throughout Los Angeles. This five member DJ unit, featuring co-founders Greg Hignight and Del Martin, and DJs Tora, Ally, and Leett, hosts monthly events at Royal/T Maid Cafe, Shop, & Artspace, and 2nd Street Jazz in Little Tokyo, and have also presented an array of live performances featuring musicians from the United States and Japan. Tune in Tokyo presents the best in Asian and global dance pop, weaving together cutting edge electro, dance rock, and Indie with the bold Japanese street fashion scene to create a unique club experience. For more information, visit www.tuneintokyoclub.com or http://tuneintokyoclub.tumblr.com/.   About Stephanie Yanez Stephanie Yanez is an American Jpop singer, Virtual Idol of Japanese anime avatar site TinierMe.com, and Anime Expo’s AX Idol. She has toured all over the States and in Japan. She has been seen on T.V. as the Tokyo Reporter for Anime Select’s Comcast On Demand documentary “Crazy Sexy Tokyo”. Miss Yanez has released numerous CD’S and singles which are all on iTunes, Amazon,etc. She has worked with Crypton Future Media, Gcrest, Aniplex USA, I’VE Sound, Geneon USA, Victor Entertainment, and Broccoli on numerous projects. She has opened up and shared the same stage with Kotoko, Yousei Teikoku, and Nikka Costa. She recently officially collaborated with Crypton Future Media’s Hatsune Miku and TinierMe with “Ultimate Miku World”, an exclusive song and music video. For more information, visit www.stephanieyanez.com.   About Dig Jelly Dig Jelly, fronted by female Rock 'n' Roll wild child Rayko, has been described as "Energetic, hook-driven, mind-blowingly, in-your-face modern rock with a lethal dose of pop." Featuring the alluring Japanese-born singer-songwriter/guitarist/pianist on lead vocals and piano who one critic acclaims, "Possesses the pipes to belt it out and scream with the best of them," Dig Jelly are ready to take the world by storm with the release of Predicate! For more information, please visit http://www.digjelly.com.   About Q-Pop Q Pop is your one stop destination for unique artist made goods, vinyl toys, rare records and japanese funky street fashion. Q Pop is the exclusive west coast seller of Harajuku fashion labels Algonquins and Sex Pot Revenge, as well as the exclusive US seller of Super Lovers. We also carry Swimmer, Hip Hero and many other creative and fun designers. Located in the historic Little Tokyo area of downtown Los Angeles, Q Pop features beautiful interior design by Justin K Thompson. It also features 2 large murals by renowned artists Kevin Dart, Chris Turnham,  and Elizabeth Ito. Q Pop is also a mini gallery space. Exhibitions, events, and performances take place regularly. For more information, visit http://qpopshop.com/ or http://qpopshop.blogspot.com/.   About Anime Expo Held annually in Los Angeles, Anime Expo is North America’s largest anime and manga celebration. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga and musical artists from Japan and get into the action through everything from costume play, karaoke and video competitions to exclusive screenings, non-stop video gaming competitions and the wildly popular Masquerade, in which fans transform themselves into their favorite characters through creative costuming, accessories and make-up and put on their own show before an audience of thousands.   AX 2011 will be held July 1 – July 4, 2011 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org.   About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®.   For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

"Korekuraide Utau (Sing in my own way) by Handsome Kenya" Directed by Kousuke Sugimoto article about song and animation

via http://www.japanstyle.info - we love this site!

From AX Idol 2004, a Japanese music label, the "Crazy Sexy Tokyo" documentary, and Tinerme.com to singing with Virtual J-Pop Star Hatsune Miku, Yanez talks about her passion for music, her victory at AX Idol 2004, and how she continues her path in the independent music scene.

Location for the panel:

LA Convention Center - Downtown Los Angeles California at ANIME EXPO 2011

Room: LP3

Time: 4:00pm

Date: 07/04/2011

For more information and updates:

anime-expo.org

stephanieyanez.com

twitter.com/kawaiistephanie

Link to Stephanie Yanez blog about new song

Article in LAWeekly

Interview on Japan-a-radio - transcript

Please join Stephanie Yanez for a Mochi Ice Cream Social Meet Up at MIKAWAYA, a Japanese Pastry Shop in Little Tokyo at 7:30-9:30pm  Please come by and hang out with Stephanie over a scoop of mochi ice cream.  Please RSVP on facebook - add her as a friend and follow her on twitter @kawaiistephanie to keep updated on her activities during the busy ANIME Convention activities.

Check out her website at www.stephanieyanez.com

Mochi Ice Cream Social Meet Up With Stephanie Yanez on Facebook Click Here   Friend Request her on facebook to be sent an invitation.

Please bring your cameras so you may take a picture with Stephanie - she will also have a camera crew that will be following her filming a mini-documentary about her and some of the fans.

Note for people that plan to attend the social:  MIKAWAYA sells Mochi around $1.50 - $2.00.  They have other items you may take a look at their reviews on yelp.com  This event is not sponsored and mainly just a gathering destination and a place to grab an after dinner snack for Stephanie and her band members/crew.

MIKAWAYA only takes cash - so make sure you have a few bucks in your wallet or purse  if you want to purchase any items at their shop.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 7, 2011) -AM2's Summer Festival stage heats up with acts including the Southern California based Melodic Metal band HEAT, the dynamic anime influenced band Midnight Shinigami, the alluring belly dancer Nocturra, and the ever-popular anime-pop sensation Stephanie Yanez happening this July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center. More info can be found at www.am2con.org

"AM2 is the place to be this 4th of July weekend," states AM2 representative Chase Wang, "we have huge acts and guests from Japan as well as amazing talent from the U.S. There is something for everyone at our family friendly event so come out and join us and have one of the best times of your lives this summer!"

The current edition of the AM2 schedule is available online at www.am2con.org. In addition, the week of the convention, attendees can download the Ani.me free phone application to access convention updated schedules, information, maps and more!

Band Descriptions

* HEAT-A Southern California based Melodic Metal band formed by vocalist IZUMI, that originated in the Los Angeles/San Gabriel Valley area in 2007. Inspired by the sound of many great names such as Siam Shade, Galneryus, and Onmyyoza, HEAT, as of 2011, currently consists of 5 very unique and talented musicians: IZUMI (Vo.), L (Gt.), S.W. (Gt.), KAZE (Ba.), and KINO (Dr.).

In 2007, HEAT released their 1st mini album Born to be Burn, followed by their first full album, Dark & Beauty in 2008 under their original line-up. As of 2011, original guitarist CHAOS parted ways with the band and S.W. as well as KINO have come on board, lending their skills towards the creation of new sounds and great energy within HEAT.

* Midnight Shinigami-In late 2010, six people met and combined their passion for music and anime, giving creative birth to the band called Midnight Shinigami (Gods of Death). Hailing from different parts of the world, Midnight Shinigami's members are just as diverse as their musical influences and playing styles. Among the top talent fronting this band are the megami MANDY MEFFORD and BRATHZO KARANOVIC, former guitarist from MAKENAI. From soft ballads to hard-driving metal, they're sure to have something in their repertoire that'll make anyone drop dead in pure aural bliss.

* Nocturra- Nocturra has been belly dancing for more than ten years, specializing in swords and noted for her eclectic choices of choreography and music. She has performed at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World in Altadena, the Los Angeles County Fair and other events. She is a member of Ad Hoc Consort and Danse Macabre and also frequently performs with drummer Ric Sarabia. During AM2, Nocturra will be joined by violinist/percussionist Joanne Wilborn, woodwind specialist Fred McCall and vocalist and mandolin player/percussionist Joyce Nunamaker McCall. In addition to her swordwork, she will perform a routine inspired by Chinese sleeve dance. In Nocturra's other life, she is an entertainment and features writer for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group and was the 2007/2008 Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Queen. She also sings, sews and always seeks new adventures.

* Stephanie Yanez-An American Jpop singer, Virtual Idol of Japanese anime avatar site TinierMe.com. She has toured all over the States and in Japan. She has been seen on T.V. as the Tokyo Reporter for Anime Select's Comcast On Demand documentary "Crazy Sexy Tokyo". Miss Yanez has released numerous CD'S and singles which are all on iTunes, Amazon,etc. She has worked with Crypton Future Media, Gcrest, Aniplex USA, I'VE Sound, Geneon USA, Victor Entertainment, and Broccoli on numerous projects. She has opened up and shared the same stage with Kotoko, Yousei Teikoku, and Nikka Costa. She recently officially collaborated with Crypton Future Media's Hatsune Miku and TinierMe with "Ultimate Miku World", an exclusive song and music video. Stephanie will be accompanied by Polo a Japanese guitarist/producer who has ventured out to the US. He recently performed at the American Music Awards pre-party and the Quiksilver VIP party.

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks (i.e. Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, etc.), retailers (i.e. Best Buy, Macys, etc.) and local restaurants (i.e. IHOP, Tony Roma's, California Pizza Kitchen, etc.). Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

Current Guests of Honors include Akihiko Yamashita, Miho Shimagosa, Scandal, Sadie, Kanon Wakeshima, kanon x kanon, heidi., Gashicon, IBI and MINT with more to be announced soon!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV's, Arcade, Summer Festival, World Cosplay Summit, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Rum Party Pirates, Masquerade, Cosplay Chess, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, AniMaid Cafe, AniMaid Cafe Host Club, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Partnerships include Ani.ME. and Cure Magazine

Prize sponsors include Atlas Games, Cosplay Wigs USA, FUNimation, Gaia Online and TokyoPop.

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

Also, 25% of all official Passport sales will be donated directly to Japanese Disaster Relief efforts.

About AM2
Located in Anaheim, California - AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 days) event with no general attendance/badge purchase requirement and is aspiring to be a key meeting place for fans that share a common interest in Asian music, Animation/Anime, and Comics/Manga. Nominal fees are charged for certain activities that attendees choose to participate in. AM2 will be held on July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.org

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause this event's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

French and Japanese Animation Industry gets it - Love American Animation, but Hollywood Industry needs to break away from the American animation genre formula - comedy/G-rated/musical (which has done well for business) and taking chances on more diverse storytelling and visual styles like the Japanese and French animation. US makes some of the best blockbusters, why not try making an animated blockbuster. Perhaps it is up to the live action director that will have to take that chance. Cameron did it with Avatar, we need more directors to make that leap.

CAT GIFS Curated from:

youtube.com/texasgirly1979

cheezburger.com

catgifpage.com

iheartcatgifs.tumblr.com

kittensandweed.tumblr.com

Featured Animation Gif THE POP TART | NYAN CAT prguitarman.com

Check Out More Music From Pauli Carman & CHAMPAIGN www.paulicarmanchampaign.com www.paulichampaign.com

Inspired by Fuzzy McGee & Luna (may she rest in peace) of StephanieYanez.com

House of Cosbys part 1 by biglu310

March 11, 2011 premiere launch of KaboingTV.

First animated online series from the site “ Frog In A Suit” each Friday from March 11 to March 25 .

 

From Joe Murray's blog click here