Photos by Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
Buffalo, NY – It was a beautiful, summer like afternoon in Buffalo, and thousands decided to enjoy the warm weather by attending the 4th annual Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival- Music Day, located on the grounds of The Buffalo History Museum. This event was established to draw awareness to the Cherry Tree Grove in the Japanese Garden in Buffalo.
This year’s festival featured some great music, including two talented and upcoming Japanese (J-POP) acts: the alternative/rock band- The Molice, and a DJ/Musician- DJ Sashimi.
In addition, rock music legend and Buffalo native -Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls, was the host of the event. His not for profit -Music is Art, which was founded in 2003, was one of the event sponsors.
Takac, not only was the emcee of the afternoon, but he also performed on stage with DJ Sashimi , playing a Japanese string instrument called the Shamisen, on her remix hit of Michael Jackson’s, “Smooth Criminal.” He also played the Shamisen with the Niagara Taiko Drum Group, shortly after his appearance with DJ Sashimi.
Soon after, The Molice performed a loud and entertaining 30 minute set to the delight of the many gathered in front of the stage. The band consists of: Rinko(Vocals,guitar) , Yuzuru(guitar) and Paro(Drums). They just released a limited edition live DVD entitled, “LIVE AT SILO CITY.” The Molice will be playing 10 US dates, so far, this summer, so be certain to catch them if you can.
For Takac, this was another great festival event that he was directly involved with. His annual, “Music is Art” festival, which takes place in early September, is one of the most highly anticipated music events of the summer in Western New York.
The Molice, and DJ Sashimi both have merchandise available on Good Charamel Records, the record label owned and operated by Robby Takac. For more info, please visit www.goodcharamel.com
The Molice
DJ Sashimi with Robby Takac
Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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