Yoko Noge and Jazz Me Blues Band

Yoko Noge is an inventive band leader/singer/pianist. Yoko’s band, the Jazz Me Blues melds an incredible mix of Chicago blues, jazz, Japanese music and Yoko’s compositions. From 1978 to 2010, the band performed at venues such as the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Asian American Jazz Festival. She tours in Europe and Japan regularly. She has been chosen as “Chicagoan of the Year” by the Chicago Tribune and “100 Japanese the world respect” by the Newsweek Japan. In 2014, Yoko was awarded the Foreign Minister of Japan’s commendation for “promotion of understanding between Japan and the U.S.A.

This year’s performance for the 27th CAAJF Features: Yoko Noge on key/vocal, Bill McFarland (Trombone), Phillip Castleberry (Bass), George Wells (Vocal/Percussion), and William “Bugs” Cochlan (Drums).