On July 14, 2024, a corporate summer reception was held at the Ohwada Ballroom in the main building of Kobe Portopia Hotel. Located on Port Island in Kobe, the hotel is well known for its refined banquet facilities and exceptional hospitality, and is widely used for corporate parties and award ceremonies.
As seen in the photos, the spacious hall with its high ceilings was illuminated with elegant blue and purple lighting, highlighting the stage silhouette and creating an atmosphere perfectly suited to live jazz performances.
Delivering the full charm and richness of standard jazz
For this event, BanMusic Artist Agency arranged a six-piece jazz band along with a complete sound system. The ensemble featured Kiyoshi Kanamaru (piano), Daiki Tsutsumino (guitar), Hiroyuki Nishio (upright bass), Motoki Sugino (saxophone), Shuhei Terasaki (trumpet), and Motohiro Shioiri (drums). This full-scale lineup delivered the true appeal of standard jazz, with each musician weaving in expressive solos. As seen in the photos, their performances gave the stage a strong and refined presence, further elevating the atmosphere of the venue.
For the welcome performance, the band presented familiar favorites such as “L-O-V-E,” “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Paper Moon,” and “Smile,” warmly greeting guests with gentle, inviting tones. During the main set, the program focused on requested numbers including “Suzukake no Michi,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” and “Moonlight Serenade.” A diverse selection of pieces—such as the cinematic “Stardust,” the emotionally rich “Black Orpheus,” and the jazz classic “What a Wonderful World”—created a sophisticated musical backdrop that blended seamlessly with conversation around the tables.
In addition, our agency handled all sound operation and engineering, carefully controlling the band’s dynamics throughout the performance. The sound was finely balanced to ensure clear, even coverage from the stage to the back of the room, resulting in audio quality optimized specifically for a hotel banquet setting.
For companies in Kobe planning corporate events, summer receptions, or commemorative occasions, incorporating live music with a jazz band is highly recommended. We offer flexible plans tailored to your event size and specific needs, and would be pleased to discuss the best option for your occasion.
View Kiyoshi Kanamaru’s profile
View Daiki Tsutsumino’s profile
