Beautiful but cold morning in Gifu with fresh snow overnight. Some of the group made the 3 hour trip to Tokyo early to take advantage of some free time in the world’s largest city. Others (mainly those still recovering or suffering from the flu) chose to stay in Gifu and relax in the morning and headed straight to the gig at “Iron” Chef Hiroyuki Sakai’s Tokyo restaurant La Rochelle in Minami Aoyama.
Chef Hiroyuki Sakai at Isabella a cappella La Rochelle Concert. (Photo – Brenden Allen)
Unfortunately, Amy was sick and unable to sing (or even attend) this concert. Fortunately, some of the others were getting their voices back and Jesse was feeling a bit better and able to sing. The restaurant staff were fantastic with the organisation and running of the night with the PA and keyboard setup and ready when we arrived as well as a very capable floor manager / MC who kept the whole night running very smoothly. It was easy for us to focus on doing a great show and the audience were very responsive to the performance (and also bought lots of CDs!). We had a lovely meal here and all mobbed Chef Sakai after the show for photos.
Singing for our supper at La Rochelle. (Photo – Brenden Allen)
Group photo with the Iron Chef. (Photo – Brenden Allen)