April 26, 2011
News for Anime Central 2011:
J-pop group Flow to perform at Anime Central and FanimeCon
Rosemont, IL / San Jose, CA (April 22, 2011) - Anime Central and FanimeCon announced today that the internationally renowned Japanese pop band FLOW will perform live at their annual conventions. FLOW is visiting the United States to promote their new album, FLOW ANIME BEST. They will perform in Rosemont, IL, on Friday night, May 20, for Anime Central, and they will return to San Jose, CA for FanimeCon's MusicFest during Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-30, 2011.
Originally formed in 1993 by TAKE (guitarist) and his older brother KOHSHI (vocalist), the band was named FLOW in 1998 and quickly evolved into its current line-up in 2000 after GOT'S (bassist), KEIGO (vocalist), and IWASAKI (drummer) joined the original two. After their indie debut in 2001, FLOW went on to release their first major album "SPLASH!!!". They later released "GO!!!", which eventually became the opening song for Naruto.
FLOW's West Coast punk sound defines numerous anime shows, including international favorites Naruto and Eureka Seven. While catchy melodies leave plenty of hooks in listeners' heads, the band's empowering lyrics perfectly complement anime messages of moving forward and seizing moments.
FLOW's new album, FLOW ANIME BEST, collects ten of their best songs and more, creating a denser experience than plain "Best of" albums. The tunes are familiar not just as chart-topping hits, but also for the power and emotion of their television tie-ins. The album releases May 10, 2011.
For more information about FLOW, please visit their official web site at www.FLOW.mu and the Sony Music site at www.sonymusic.co.jp/FLOW.
About Anime Central - Anime Central is the Midwest's largest Asian pop-culture convention. Started in 1998, the show attracts almost 20,000 people to Rosemont, IL (outside Chicago) to celebrate anime, manga, and Japanese culture. A volunteer-run event presented by the non-profit Midwest Animation Promotion Society, Anime Central truly embodies a For Fans, By Fans mentality. Visit www.acen.org for programming details and more information.
About FanimeCon - FanimeCon is Northern California's largest anime convention. Packed with videos, costumes, music, games, parties, tournaments, panels, and guests from around the world, this annual celebration of Japanese art and popular culture entertains a colorful spectrum of fans and friends. Over 16,000 enthusiasts joined FanimeCon 2010, and 2011 promises to be another record-breaking year. FanimeCon will return to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center during Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-30, 2011. Visit www.fanime.com for the information you'll need to gear up for FanimeCon 2011.
