Cultural History to be made in Tampa Bay, Worlds Best Conguero; Giovanni Hidalgo to perform with Japanese performer, Rie Akagi and her “Japo-Boricua” Latin Jazz Band, in first U.S. Tour; joined by Grammy Winning Perfomer Lannie Battistini; Thursday – April 10^th, 2008

Imagination meets reality at this once in a lifetime cultural performance of 3 world famous musicians. 

Verizon FIOS and Telemundo present “East Meets West” Cultural Concert Performance. (El oriente llega occidente)

Produced by Latin Times Magazine and Hands in Motion Music, “East meets West” features an incredible display of culturally enriching effects, VIP guests will enjoy a delicious –traditional menu representing “Japan” and “Puerto Rico”, a stunning stage design and the most exciting Latin Jazz that Tampa Bay has ever scene!   

Featuring Rie Akagi “The Magic Flute” and her “Japo-Boricua” Latin Jazz Band, direct from Japan, this is her First US Caribbean Tour, with a special performance by Grammy Winner Performing artist: Lannie Battistini And his “Hands in Motion” Latin Jazz Quintet.   PLUS the Special Performances by world famous, Master Conguero Giovanni Hidalgo!!

Event will be hosted by the connoisseur of Jazz, Mr. Al Santana himself, of Tampa Bay's Jazz station WSJT.   Many dignitaries will be in attendance, and confirmed guests include the "Deputy" Cónsul General of Japan, The honorable Naohito Watanabe who will welcome our friends from Japan guests to the United States.

Performance Schedule:    Thursday, April 10^th, 2008

Event Location:        Green Iguana (9202 Anderson Rd – Tampa, FL)

Number of Guests Expect: 1,800 – 2,000

Tickets available at www.handsinmotionmusic.com go to events.

Sponsors: Verizon FIOS, Telemundo Tampa, Green Iguana, Latin Times Magazine, Hands in Motions Music, Vaya DJ., Presidente Beer, Cirsco Roofing, Don Q Crystal, Sakana Sushi, Jason’s Hauling, RFC (Real Fighting Championships) Reeves Import Motorcars, Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce of the Gulf Coast, Boricua.com, Japan Foundation,

Workshop Schedule: April 9 at 1pm. Rie has also been invited to conduct a workshop in The Players School of Music in Clearwater. Owner of the establishment, Mr. Jeff Berlin is a talented bass Jazz Bass player, who has recorded with such legendary artists such as Al DiMeola, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Larry Coryell, Bob James, Dave Liebman, Herbie Mann, and Ray Barretto.

Press Conference scheduled for Tuesday April 8, -2pm- at Sakana Sushi Restaurant, 2908 Gandy Blvd., Tampa, Fl 33611- An array of Sushi will served.

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