EPK
Welcome to a sight and sound experience like no other!
You can go see a band or go and listen to a band, but with Jinokoya you will certainly have the best of both worlds… and be dancing the minute the experience begins.
Jinokoya is a High Energy Dance Party Rock band and is best known for not being tethered to just one musical style. A wonderful selection of tunes is cleverly mixed to create acoustically aesthetic sets that everyone can enjoy. And like a three-ring circus, there is always something visually taking place to provide entertainment for more than just the ears.
As an extremely versatile band, Jinokoya has performed as a full 4-member band, a power trio, a duet, and even solo. In addition to playing covers, Jinokoya has two CD’s with the same high-energy vibe that sets this group apart from the average band.
Videos:
Click on the images below to view media.
A Bit of History
( Pay attention, we may surprise the audience with a pop quiz)
Jinokoya was founded in 2009 when Mari (Keyboardist/vocalist) pursued her interest in the Japanese culture and became fascinated with the high energy music. She learned the popular covers of Japan, then began to infuse their dynamism into her own originals while including an eclectic mix of English and Japanese lyrics. Soon after, Jinokoya was playing Cherry Blossom Festivals, Cultural Art Festivals, Anime Conventions, and private parties for foreign nationals.
Besides playing the local scene, Jinokoya has performed at large events such as DC’s Food and Wine Festival at National Harbor, Battlefield Harley Davidson Mystic Faire, Otakon at Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore City Street Matsuri at Camden Yards, and even a live concert at Ongaku no Tomo Hall in Tokyo.
Meet the “Core Four”
Melissa
Multi-instrumentalist and entertainer. Keyboardist/Programmer, Bass, Guitar, and Vocals. Since 1986, Mari has performed with local Baltimore bands such as Dying Breed, Bleak October, Missing Children, Moment’s Notice, and Navassa.
Music has been the core of Melissa’s universe as far back as she can remember. Never did she imagine that pursuing her interest in Japanese culture would lead to performing for large audiences, singing Japanese at Cherry Blossom festivals and living her dream of playing a concert in Tokyo.
She’s also an actor and writer… but that’s another story she’s written and starred in.
Bobby
Bassist, vocalist….pick flicker, contortionist….
A native New “Yawka”, Bobby most recently shared the stage with Mari Houk during the Dying Breed lineup and was quickly amazed at her stage presence, and energy…. “Immediately I thought, Damn!!! This girl can rock!! When the opportunity arose to join forces with Mari for Jinokoya, I didn’t hesitate on my decision”
Bobby’s been playing bass since 1985… and since then has shared the stage with many artists such as Slaughter, Warrant, Firehouse, Vince Neil, The Black Crows….to name a few.
Jeff
Guitarist, vocalist
Jeff is just awesome… what can we say?
Butch
Drums and Percussion
Butch’s Profile coming soon!
Previous Gigs
- 510 Johnny’s, Bel Air MD
- Goofy’s Eatery & Spirits, Spring Grove PA
- Racehorse Tavern, Thomasville PA
- Riverwatch Restaurant & Marina, Essex MD
- Harley Davidson – Summer Live Music Series, Laurel MD
- Battlefield Harley Davidson – Mystic Fair, Gettysburg PA
- Hard Rock Café, Baltimore MD
- Tex Mex at Power Plant Live, Baltimore MD
- Accepted for Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival
- Hey Joe, Yokohama Japan
- Otakon Japanese Street Fest at Camden Yards, Baltimore MD
- DC Food and Wine Festival at National Harbor
- Ongaku no Tomo Hall, Tokyo Japan
- Harrison Auditorium “Celebrate Japan Fest”, Philadelphia PA
- Otakon at Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore MD
- Zenkaikon at Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia PA
