Professional Luncheon,
Jero,
American Enka Singer

The speech and Q & A will be in English with simultaneous Japanesen interpretation.

The brightest new star in the enka firmament is Jero, a young American singer with African and Japanese roots.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Jero fell in love with the melodramatic and melancholy strains of enka ballads at an early age. At age five he was already singing enka to his grandmother, a native of Yokohama. Fulfilling a promise he made to her that he would become a professional enka singer, Jero moved to Japan at age 21.

Hard work and a firm focus on his goal resulted in a deal with leading Japanese record label Victor Entertainment. On Feb. 20 Jero released his debut single, "Umiyuki (Ocean Snow)," which reached No. 4 on the domestic hit chart thanks to the unique combination of Jero's hip-hop image and his smooth vocal stylings.

Jero will launch his first mini-album, "Covers," at a lunchtime press conference at the Club on June 24. We expect a solid turnout to catch this fast-rising (who will sing a couple of tunes during the event), so be sure to make your reservation early.

Sandwich: Pastrami, swiss cheese, tomato and basil pesto rye toasted sandwich.
Hot Lunch: Parmesan crusted chicken breast, garlic mashed potato, grilled brocollini, bell pepper butter.
Dining Room Special: Grilled sirloin steak, buttered roasted potato, sauteed spinach green peppercorn ragout.

Jero