Dearly Beloved: Jazz Impressions of Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy & VGM x Eternal Wind Music
Dearly Beloved, Eternal Wind Music
The Red Pavilion256 Ingraham Street, New York 11237
Dearly Beloved brings Eternal Wind Music to The Red Pavilion for a program of jazz impressions of Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy and other video-game music. The billed title points to the repertoire rather than a standard concert set: themes associated with those game worlds are recast through Eternal Wind’s arrangements. No performers or specific ensemble formation are listed for this date, though the project is led by guitarist and bandleader Owen Chen.
New York-based Eternal Wind is a flexible ensemble that can range from a jazz trio to a cinematic sextet. Chen’s arrangements draw on bebop, post-bop and contemporary jazz, while also incorporating classical, world music, pop and R&B elements. The group has built its book around music from Studio Ghibli films, anime and games, including Cowboy Bebop, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda; its debut album, The Ghibli Collection, was released on Origin Records. BroadwayWorld called the arrangements “tender, almost aching.” Paris-Move heard “a cinematic quality, painting landscapes and characters through melody,” describing the result as “not just music but immersive worlds.”
The Red Pavilion offers a striking blend of Asian neo-noir aesthetics and live jazz performances that create a captivating evening. The venue’s interior channels a 1960s Hong Kong vibe with red lanterns, velvet curtains, and smoky lighting that envelop the room in a cinematic glow. Guests can expect a dynamic program featuring jazz, cabaret, aerial performances, and culturally rich events that honor AAPI heritage. The space functions as a teahouse by day and transforms into a sultry nightclub with a full bar serving inventive Asian herbal cocktails by night. Shows often include multiple sets and sometimes late-night DJ sessions, encouraging both attentive listening and socializing. The Red Pavilion’s intimate stage brings performers close to the audience, making every note and movement feel immediate and immersive.