The US–Japan funk powerhouse NBTF, Nothing But the Funk, takes the stage. NBTF is a supergroup born from the organic connections sparked by drummer Shō Numazawa’s study abroad and activities in America. Fronting the heavy groove is Numazawa, and the lineup also features Carl Perazzo (percussion), who once co-founded “13 CATS” with him and is now a central figure in the Santana Band; Eddie M. (sax), who has been active in Prince & the Revolution and Sheila E.’s bands since 1984; Raymond McKinley (bass) and Nate Mercero (guitar), also from Sheila E.’s band; Steve Baxter (trombone), familiar from the Al McKay All Stars; and Toshiyuki Mori (keyboard), Japan’s representative connected through Suga Shikao & The Family Sugar. In addition, Yu Sakai, who is celebrating his 10th anniversary since debut this year and whose latest album Yu Are Something has been the talk of the town, will appear as a special guest. Experience the unprecedented, tsunami-like funk sound as seven Americans and one Japanese representative gather once again.