JAM Project @ Otakon Primer
At the JAM Project events for Otakon 2008, there may be some stuff you’d like to know ahead of time. And unless you’re a JAM Project fan who goes to Otakon a lot, odds are you probably don’t know all of these.
1. It’s a bit of news for some still, so I’ll repeat it–Rica Matsumoto is taking a break from JAM Project activities this summer. Some fans are still holding out on if she’ll make it to America and the other tour stops, but it’s quite unlikely. It’s kind of ironic considering she’s the one who has been to Otakon already in 2003.
2. The concert at Otakon is part of their NO BORDERS tour, which started off in Japan and the international part of the tour began in Taipei this past month. Even without Matsumoto they were able to do most of their songs. Naturally some songs will be difficult (FREEDOM?) but looking at the set list it shouldn’t be a problem. Do expect each of the JAM Project folks to do solo songs at the show.
Speaking of which, you can check out the Taipei set list here.
3. Because it is a tour, the JAM Project roadies will be selling some of their tour merchandise at Otakon. We can pretty much confirm they will have at least t-shirts and CDs for sale. It’s hard to say what else they will bring, and in what quantities. However, there are some reports from Taipei and I saw a picture (and…can’t find it anymore) of what was on sale there. It’s a good bet that there will be less stuff at Otakon, simply because there are fewer roadies and it’s harder and more expensive to ship that stuff. But picture books, towels and bandannas are definite possibilities, along with sweat bands, stickers and whatever trinkets they decide to ship over. Not sure about DVDs because of region locks.
And as usual, they’re probably going to hawk the goods at the dealer’s room rather than at the venue itself.
One thing about T-shirts–it’s likely that they will have American-sized shirts on sale rather than super small Cospa type shirts that are from Japan. Good for us?
4. The venue is going to be at the First Mariner’s Arena, which is big enough for 14000 people. Back when L’Arc-en-Ciel played their show at Otakon 2004, people weren’t able to pack it out, but I hope it draws more than TM Revolution’s show at 2003 would… Well, who knows. Anyways, for people who are familiar of the ordeal you had to go through at the L’arc show, they should have some expectation of what things may be like at JAM Project’s show. In other words, you’ll likely to be standing outside if you are waiting in line. And Baltimore weather in August is, in a short word, hot.
As an aside, the Otakon masquerade this year will also be at the Arena.
5. While it’s not official and subject to change, the JAM Project show is going to be on Friday, August 8 in the evening, like 8pm. 8/8/2008 8pm. LOL superstitious Chinese numbers. Anyways, it’s better to stand in line at 6pm than 3pm, for sure. But this also means Friday night is going to be hot and bothersome since I’ll be pumped till like 11pm. And because First Mariner is a proper venue, there won’t be ticketing (cost $ for Otakon) and there won’t be anything allowed inside the venue as you would expect any other rock concert of that kind. No food and drink (probably not even bottled water), no camcorders and cameras, etc.
For Otakon goers that are commuting from outlier hotels and residences, a lot of cheap parking is near the Arena, so it should make going home after the show easier. Otakon’s website and their forum can help with that.
6. Of course, the ultimate highlight about American-style anime conventions is the opportunity for guests to interact with the fans. That means, yes, panel and autographs for JAM Project. While I don’t know any real details (besides those things will happen), you can pretty much bet on that like prior years, Saturday late morning/afternoon will be the prime time for autographs. Also it seems that Otakon is going to treat JAM Project as “one” guest, meaning all the JAM Project guests will have the same autograph session. This also means, more than likely, the five artists will sit on the same table and deal with just one line of fans at a time.
Otakon does have a set autograph policy on their website, but in years past they will deviate from it slightly to accommodate you as long as it’s not obstructive and if there isn’t a long line. But of course a lot of it depends on the guests and their managers willing to accommodate the fans too. What is definitely up in the air is the use of tickets; in some years prior Otakon gave out tickets who attended panels to make sure they get an autograph, in some prior years they did not bother and you just had to camp the line. Well, we’ll see.
7. Sort of related to the high cost of getting JAM Project to play at a con, JAM Project won’t be playing with a live band…I think. At least there won’t be one flying in with them I guess. Will that put their signature 10-minute version of SKILL in jeopardy, I don’t know.
There will likely be more information available as we approach the date. I’ll try to post as they come out in reasonable doses.
>>>8/8/2008 8pm
Would effectively make it the most awesome moment ever. Escpecially beecause it’ll be my birthday : 3
Cool, thanks for the primer. I was gonna walk in blind and hope for the best but at least now I won’t feel totally lost LOL
Nice primer. A guide always helps. :D
I’m not a huge fan, but a fan nonetheless. I’m still deciding if I’d watch the concert or not. I hate queuing.
Yeah, I hate going in a line for hours on end but it seems I just don’t hate it enough!
Gah… I won’t be able to stay that late for the concert.
I’m in despair. D:
Thanks for this!! I’m better equipped to take the plunge. … Wow. ^^ This is going to be one heck of a con… If I have to wait in line at 2pm on a hot Friday afternoon then I *will* do it … but otherwise, I’m not too bothered. ^^ I don’t think I’ll miss the show, at any rate.
It’s thanks to you that I’m going, anyway. :3 ^^ If Makkun busts out RONDO-Revolution I think I’ll end up bursting into tears.
>> If Makkun busts out RONDO-Revolution I think I’ll end up bursting into tears.
You ain’t the only one!
And I’ll be shameless about it, mouthing the words to the song as I stand there with my hands in the air. XD
Not really, but you get the idea. XD
NEWS!
At the JAM Project show, limited photography may be allowed! The word is no flash photography and no video photography, but if you got a dinky phone cam or know how to disable the flash on your camera, you can snap away!
I’ll repost this bit of news in a new post soon-ish.