Information and photo provided by Kluso
This weekend when you venture back out to the Gate 2 area, look up for the street side sign proclaiming the entrance to Live Music Bar Jet.
Pull open the classic tuck n’ roll covered doorway, watch your step up the short flight stairway and you will jump back in time to a dark and cozy classic 70s-style rock bar.
This is the home of JET. They are an Okinawa original. During the heady days of the Vietnam War era, rock music was heard 24 hours a day on American radio stations here. It was only a matter of time before local musicians created their own brand of rock n roll.
Thus, in 1969, high school friends Jimi, Etsu and Taki formed Okinawa's first indigenous American-style rock hand. They used the first letter of their names to create the band name. Playing near Kaclena and witnessing F—4 and F—105 fighters blasting through the Okinawan skies makes the name even catchier.
The band and the bar have managed to survive by consistently providing a great mix of classic rock tunes. Hits include mainstay rock bands such a Journey, Heart, Led Zeppelin, Doobie Brothers and Santana.
JET leader and bass player Taki is the only original member that remains. However, he is joined by Ko-chyan on drums, Eddie on lead guitar and Mimi on keyboard and vocals.
The bar is open Friday and Saturday, from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. The bands start playing sets starting at 9 p.m. and rocks on till 1:45 a.m. Drink specials abound, there is always a good crowd and friendly mix of locals and Americans. Plus there’s no cover. Visit <http://jet-okinawa.com>.
No comments:
Post a Comment