Kalafina to Perform at Anime Central 2013

First full band performance in the U.S. comes to the Akoo Theatre Friday, May 17

ROSEMONT, IL - January 23, 2013 - Anime Central is pleased to announce Kalafina will be performing on the first night of the convention, May 17, 2013, at the Akoo Theatre in Rosemont, IL. This performance will be Kalafina's first full band performance in the U.S., and Anime Central is excited to bring this unique treat to U.S. fans.

Kalafina is a Japanese female vocal trio produced by the hit-making sound producer, Yuki Kajiura. Keiko, Wakana, and Hikaru, the members of Kalafina, have voices that perfectly match the music composed by Kajiura. Each member takes the main vocal in turn, with alternating backing vocals and part variations, and their beautiful harmony captivates the audience to lead them into the world of Kalafina's mystical music.

Kalafina made their spectacular debut on January 23, 2008 with "Oblivious," and the remarkable accomplishment of charting three singles in a row on the Oricon Top 10 Weekly Singles Chart with their second single, "Sprinter/ARIA," and their third single, "Fairytale." All three of these songs are used as the theme for the anime series, "Kara no Kyoukai - Garden of Sinners." This anime changed the history of single theater showings and became a megahit with cumulative DVD sales of over 600 thousand copies.

Their first album, "Seventh Heaven," which could be portrayed as a homage to "Kara no Kyoukai -- Garden of Sinners," was released in March 2009. This album made a sensational debut at #8 on the Oricon Weekly Album Charts. Released simultaneously was their fourth single, "Lacrimosa," which was used as the ending theme for the hit anime "Kuroshitsuji -- Black Butler." Consecutively collaborating with such hit animes, Kalafina's sound has established true compatibility with the atmospheres created within these animes.

Kalafina consecutively released their fifth and sixth singles, "Storia" and "Progressive," and their seventh single, "Hikari no Senritsu," released in January 2010, debuted at #7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart. Kalafina's seven singles since their debut had all charted within the Top 15 in a row on the Oricon Charts, which was a tremendous accomplishment. Their second album, "Red Moon," was released on March 17, 2010 and charted at #5 on the Oricon Chart.

Kalafina's 3rd album "After Eden" was released on September 21, 2011, and charted at #3 on the Oricon Chart. Same entitled nationwide tour drew approx. 14,000 attendees in total, and this shows how much solid reputation Kalafina is earning.

The following singles "Kagayaku Sorano Shijimaniwa", "Magia", "to the beginning" and "Hikarifuru" had been used as the theme songs of hit animes such as "Black Butler II", "PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA" and "Fate/Zero". With this powerful tie-in and the fan-base they have established through their performance, they are enjoying increased popularity in Japan and abroad alike.

Ticketing information will be released on Anime Central's official web site and will only be open to those who have already purchased admission to Anime Central 2013. Please see details at http://www.acen.org.

The Akoo Theatre is located just across the street from Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, well within walking distance of all of Anime Central's activities. Transportation for those with physical disabilities will be available. Please see Special Needs if you require assistance.

Anime Central is the Midwest's largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture convention. The convention is held in Rosemont, IL, just outside of Chicago and 5 minutes from O'Hare Airport. As part of its mission, Anime Central brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and U.S. sectors of the animation and manga industries, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture. Anime Central is sponsored by the Midwest Animation Promotion Society, a registered 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization.
http://www.acen.org

Kalafina
http://www.kalafina.jp

SME Records Inc. (group company of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.)
http://www.sonymusic.co.jp

https://www.facebook.com/SMEJ.international

Kalafina to perform at Anime Central 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Akoo Theatre, Rosemont, IL
http://www.acen.org/content/kalafina