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Messages - BobMakihara

#1
Thanks for the love everyone! I am happy that so many felt that my music added to the positive spirit of the con. I will most certainly be back next year with more tunes and more skills!
#2
My plan is to improve my "Saxophoniness" for next Fanime:

1) Learn and arrange more game/anime/geek songs.
2) Form a group of other musicians to play songs with me.
3) Play at more cosplay gatherings.
4) ???
5) Profit

I have an entire year to practice, which means my repertoire will be expanded and I will try to play songs that are harder and longer.  ;)

--Mkali (Fanime Sax Guy)
#3
When the head (accidentally) came off, I saw that there was an Arduino chip attached to the roomba. Someone nearby that was able to hear our conversation was controlling it - I am guessing through a Bluetooth connection like a Wii-mote or something.

Technical notes aside, the pink bubble was HILARIOUS.
#4
Quote from: Freeden on May 29, 2012, 11:08:03 AM
Quote from: BobMakihara on May 28, 2012, 11:44:05 PM
I decided to be more active this time around and play sax, dance all over the place, and generally be more social. It has resulted in my best con experience yet.

You were awesome on that sax dude. It made the con more interesting.

Thank you so much! I am glad I was able to contribute to the experience. ^__^
#5
Hi everyone!

Although I have been attending Fanime for years, this was the first time that I brought my sax with me. I have to say that I was blown away by the encouragement and complements that I received from various folks at the con. I was really touched by how many people let me know that my music uplifted their spirits or helped the long lines feel less frustrating. I will treasure this experience for years to come. Among the highlights were:

-Being requested to play "Careless Whisper" (that George Michael song/Sexy sax man song) a total of 68 times. I only turned down 3 requests. XD
-Nearly moving someone to tears after playing Lilium
-Trolling the protesters with a RickRoll and "Why can't we be friends"
-Jammin' with 4 Guitars
-Playing Zelda tunes with an Ocarina player
-Playing "Cupcakes" while a pinkie pie cosplayer sung along
-Making up a song about the pink bubble robot
-Playing in the pre-reg line for 5 hours straight
-Randomly playing with The Super Soul Bros. at Iguanas
-Playing "Eyes on Me" for the Final Fantasy gathering mock wedding/real proposal

For the folks who took video of me: If you are planning to post vids online, would you send me a pm or or hit up my YouTube channel to let me know?

Edit:  Vids that I have found so far are here! Includes the "Pink Bubble" song!, Final Fantasy Mock Wedding, and other randomness! ^__^

Edit 2:  I was rather happy with this jazzy version of Epic Sax Guy. XD

Once again, a HUGE thank you to everyone stopped to listen, chat, request a song or just shake my hand.

Much Love,

Bruce aka Mkali
#6
I decided to be more active this time around and play sax, dance all over the place, and generally be more social. It has resulted in my best con experience yet.
The artist's alley was of high quality and absolutely superb!
Dealer's room was pretty cool, too.
Stage zero was the hotness. Well done!
I LOVE that psycho donuts was there. Now if we could only get the Mogo's truck to park at the con all weekend...
So many well designed and exuberant cosplays. Fantastic!
Mini schedule! YES!
Frequent shuttle service! YES!
Cosplay gatherings rocked!

As far as improvements...
This convention keeps getting better, and because of that it keeps getting bigger.

Crowd management. I don't know how many people ended up attending, but I am willing to guess that there was a bigger than normal jump in attendance. There were pretty huge lines on Sunday afternoon, for goodness sake. I have never seen that at another Fanime. The hallways were full of people... how about extending the "no stop zone" next to stage zero all the way through the convention center? You can make it into a highway that has fun exits and everything. ^_^

It is time to revamp the registration system.  Something that can clear more than a few hundred clients every hour. I know the reg staff worked their asses off and had a lot of setbacks that were out of their control, and I appreciate all the staff that stayed until midnight on Thursday even though you were supposed to be outta there at 8. Fanime is growing, and this process needs to grow in a way that prevents 7 hour waits for pre-reg (your most enthusiastic client base) and doesn't burn out the staff. I have every expectation that the Fanime staff will rise to this challenge, as they have improved the con over the years. I love how Fanime has grown, it is still my favorite and hands down the best con on the west coast. Keep up the good work.

It would be nice to have a dedicated space for general dancing. There is a significant contingent of lockers, poppers, breakers, kpop, jpop, house, hip hop and etc. dancers at the con. Many circles get started with anything from a small boombox to a full blown mobile DJ set, but then have to be broken up because of the obstruction they cause. I know the standard response would be "that's what the rave is for", but dancers frown on the rave a bit because
-it is too dark to see detailed moves
-the music that is being played may or may not be 'dance-able'
-heat and stench (vomit on the dance floor?! @_@)
Those are the reasons I hear dancers complain about the most. If there was a flexible space set up for instruction (a la ballroom dancing), battles, circles, and performances, then it would prevent disruption from random circles forming in the walkways in addition to creating a kick ass place to hang out and giving fanime DJs more opportunities to show off their skills.

It would be nice to have the con schedule a bit earlier. It would be extra nice if I could have an online version of the schedule in which I could click an event/panel and it would add that event to my google/iOS calendar. Wishful thinking here, it is a lot of information to process and package in such a limited time.

Overall, best Fanime experience I have had. I love the work that the staff puts in to make this event bigger and better every year.
#7
A HUGE thank you to everyone that listened, gave encouragement, requested careless whisper. XD
#8
This con keeps getting better, and because of that it keeps getting bigger.

I don't know how many people ended up attending, but I am willing to guess that there was a bigger than normal jump in attendance. There were pretty huge lines on Sunday afternoon, for goodness sake. I have never seen that at another Fanime.

It is time to revamp the registration system.  Something that can clear more than a few hundred clients every hour. I know the reg staff worked their asses off and had a lot of setbacks that were out of their control, and I appreciate all the staff that stayed until midnight on Thursday even though you were supposed to be outta there at 8. Fanime is growing, and this process needs to grow in a way that prevents 7 hour waits for pre-reg (your most enthusiastic client base) and doesn't burn out the staff.

I have every expectation that the Fanime staff will rise to this challenge, as they have improved the con over the years. I love how Fanime has grown, it is still my favorite and hands down the best con on the west coast. Keep up the good work.

#9
Count me in! I will be DeeJay from Street Fighter! MAX OUT!
#10
Quote from: YoureMyHiro on May 14, 2012, 02:15:26 PM
Hey Everypony! ... I was planning on playing for fun just about anywhere however when I read about this gathering, I thought it might be cool to play my "MLP FIM: Fanime Is Magic" set there! I just wanted to gauge whether or not this would be okay with the majority of those involved.

I can vouch for the tastiness of these beats, transformed me into a dancing fool in 10 seconds flat. xD

I will be there as a humanized Big Macintosh...  but with a little hip hop flavor? Here are the shoes I will wear.

Looking forward to seeing fellow bronies and pegasistahs!
#11
Thanks for the luck and the encouragement! Some of them have been pretty tough to crack, but I am really looking forward a weekend of tasty jams!
#12
Quote from: sugarpunch18 on May 13, 2012, 12:47:13 AM
Try Thank You by Dido! :D

Very nice song... I may be able to swing this, but the anime/video game stuff takes priority. Thanks for the suggestion!
#13
Awesome, Vest and badge made it on time! Now to take some crash course lessons in makeup application...

Quote from: BSaphire on May 08, 2012, 07:20:11 PM
I sent you a reply to your PM. *Shhhhh it's a secret* :P


Yes yes! Hush hush! XD

Quote from: YoureMyHiro on May 08, 2012, 08:12:20 PM
Ive got a request: Can you stop being so awesome and super bad ass with your way cool self?  ;) ;D
Also.....
Maybe play the old teenage mutant ninja turtles cartoon show theme song?

Lol I will give it my best shot. ^_^ request noted my good man!

Quote from: Aoi Memori on May 09, 2012, 09:52:02 PM
I will make sure to try and hunt you down to hear Space Lion! XD Do you have a set time/date for this already? Cuz I seriously will just be there and request it of you XD <3

Awesome, I look forward to it! I plan to be playing all day Saturday. Depending on how things go, maybe all weekend.

Quote from: Mr Lex on May 10, 2012, 07:50:27 AM
"Bad Dog No Biscuits" and "Too Good Too Bad" from Cowboy Bebop would be awesome to hear.
I have a feeling the requests are going to be swamped with Cowboy Bebop tracks, but there's a good reason for it!

Aww yeah, more Cowboy Bebop! The thing about Bebop songs is that they are usually complex jazz pieces and thus more difficult to learn, but they sure as hell sound good once you learn 'em. I will do my best - especially Too Good Too Bad (I love that tune)!

Quote from: Kazansky on May 11, 2012, 09:32:26 AM
Epic sax guy please :D

LOL done! Complete with awkward/awesome saxophone humping... ;)

Quote from: maitosis on May 11, 2012, 09:14:52 PM
How about the Baccano opening?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msg8ypnLqaw

Hearing that live would kind of make my life.

Awesome song, I think I can learn this pretty quickly. Thanks for the request!

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and the requests so far, I am really looking forward to playing for everyone. The playlist has now ballooned to over 30 songs! I have my work cut out for me, so off to practice! 
#14
Quote from: Aoi Memori on May 06, 2012, 11:33:15 PM
That sexy sax part from Space Lion from Bebop.... That would be beyond wonderful to hear live...

Hey, that is a VERY sexy sax. Simple melody, but I hope I can bring half as much sexy tone to this tune in my attempt. Added!

Quote from: Angelx624 on May 07, 2012, 03:21:07 AM
You should totally play this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIAR31mzsU8

Just saying. :'D

EDIT: Omg, I'm such a dork, I just now saw your sig. WELL THEN! XDDD

LOL! Yeah, looks like this song is obligatory given my cosplay. Still waiting on the vest and the Class S patch. Thinking about wearing makeup to really bishie-fy myself. What do you think? XD

Quote from: DarkFujin on May 07, 2012, 05:12:29 PM
The Fragrance of Dark Coffee, jazz version, from Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations. :D
Quote from: Angelx624 on May 08, 2012, 04:59:59 AM
Ohmygod yes, I second this. * u *

Smooth... so smooth... yes, I think I can put together a truncated version of this. I might have to lean against a wall and pretend smoke a cigarette while I play it, though. ^_^

Quote from: SweetNiar on May 07, 2012, 06:15:27 PM
Nearly most of Cowboy Bebop would be great playing on the sax.  A nice slow song from that series that would sound nice on a sax would be Rain ^^

I am focused on Tank! for my main Bebop number, but I will also try to bring a decent Space Lion (slow and soulful). I will work hard to do it justice! I will check out Rain for sure, but no promises! :)
#15
Quote from: virilevocalist on May 02, 2012, 11:29:17 PM

Awesome! I'd bring my acoustic and my glass slide, but the riff patterns he plays are pretty difficult for me. The guitar riffs are pretty idiosyncratic in and of themselves but still nothing compared to his sax performance.

Just an interesting side note: All instruments on this track were written and played by the composer,and for the most part, the whole OST lol. Tsuneo Imahori is one of my favorite composers. He also did Gungrave and Hajime no Ippo. Before he got into anime/game osts he played in an experimental jazz band called Tipographica and even collaborated with the legendary drummer Tatsuya Yoshida of Ruins/KoenjiHyakkei fame. Yoko Kanno handpicked Tsuneo Imahori to play guitar in The Seatbelts! /fanboygush

Anyway, I digress. I'll keep an eye out for ya, dude!

Wow... Tsuneo Imahori has unworldly skill. Thank you for (re)introducing me to him, at the time I watched Trigun back in the day I wasn't as much of a music guy. Now I will be wading through the entire soundtrack! 
Sweet, look forward to seeing you and picking your fanboy brain for more info! ^_^

Quote from: Jeimizu on May 03, 2012, 03:33:09 AM
Can you do "Baker Street?" Nothign to do with Anime, but an awesome piece of sax music.

And there is a character from One Piece called Igaram who plays sax. Sorta. His shoot bullets.

Baker Street does indeed have some saxy badassery. XD Pleasantly surprised by this request!
Given that Lisa Simpson did a cover of this song, it has enough "Geek Cred". Added!
Igaram looks so... I mean that hair is out of control! I may have to put that cosplay together for next year. Thanks for the tip!
#16
Quote from: Fashwiing on May 02, 2012, 03:44:43 PM
One of the guys from Uta no Prince-sama plays the sax, though I'll be the first to tell you that it's not that great of a show. Dunno how up to it you'd be, to cosplay one of the guys from an otome game/anime.

Don't mind cosplaying as a bishi... I think I might go for this. Just ordered the patch/badge, hopefully it gets here in time!
Thanks so much for the tip, I really appreciate it!

Quote from: virilevocalist on May 02, 2012, 07:43:48 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EitMZJXt3FE

Tsuneo Imahori - Trigun OST - "Permanent Vacation"

Can anyone drop a blues slide guitar riff on acoustic? lol

O_O Holy... that is some of the most exciting sax playing I have ever heard! That sax player is everywhere! I might be able to find a blues set to play over... I know I am going to regret this, but...

Challenge Accepted.

Quote from: Eliteslayer on May 02, 2012, 08:03:57 PM
I'd suggest a few things from Pokemon. Not just the anime main theme, but the video game one as well http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdJQopRuH1E or the battle theme http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jmty_NiaXc The theme to Team Rocket's base might be cool too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kiKM2f2j_o

Since you know Still Alive from Portal, perhaps "Want You Gone" would be a good addition? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVVZaZ8yO6o


Pokemon main theme, check. Blue/Red theme - awesome, will do! I will try the battle theme, it sounds like it needs two players to serve it justice though.
Love the Team Rocket hideout song! Classic creepy video game music, brings back memories!
Want You Gone will be added. Simple melody, awesome song. Heard it once before when I watched my brother beat Portal 2.
Thank you so much for the suggestions!

Off to practice! ^__^
#17
Quote from: Aoi Memori on May 01, 2012, 06:33:08 PM
Something from Majora's Mask? XD Anything Zelda, really. You add Zelda and a sax and you may have a fangirl in me o3o

Excellent! I added Stone Tower Temple and Song of Healing to my list.
Here is a preview of me playing a bit of Lost Woods from Ocarina...
#18
Ha! I forgot about this! Sexy sax man is sexy. Added!
#19
Edit: This has been one hell of a con. I played sax for at least 7 hours every day, starting with the monster pre-reg line on Thursday. A very enthusiastic thanks to everyone that stopped by to chat, cracked a smile, tapped a foot, selected a song, or listened to me play. Thank you!

Greetings folks!

Finally made enough time to do some practice over the year, and finally bringing my saxophone to Fanime. The playlist so far:

  • Lost Woods, Ocarina of Time (practice preview)
  • Overworld Theme, Super Mario Bros.
  • Lilium, Elfen Lied (practice preview)
  • Music A, Tetris
  • Level Intro, Pac Man
  • Epic Sax Guy, Epic Sax Guy
  • Still Alive, Portal
  • Moonlight Densetsu, Sailor Moon
  • Main Theme, Zelda
  • Sexiness, Naruto
  • Daily Life, Naruto
  • Hedwig's Theme, Harry Potter
  • 90s Cartoon Theme, Xmen (practice preview)
  • Victory Fanfare, Final Fantasy VII

Edit: Additions! (Suggestions that I can pick up quickly)


  • "That George Michael song" (Careless Whisper), George Michael
  • Stone Tower Temple, Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask
  • Song of Healing, Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask
  • Main Theme, Pokemon Anime
  • Opening Theme, Pokemon Red/Blue
  • Team Rocket Hideout, Pokemon Red/Blue
  • Want You Gone, Portal 2
  • Baker Street, Gerry Rafferty
  • Sekai no Hate Made Beleive Heart, Uta no Prince-Sama
  • Godot's Theme (The Fragrance of Dark Coffee), Phoenix Wright
  • Space Lion, Cowboy Bebop
  • Active Heart, Gunbuster
  • Chemical Plant Zone, Sonic 2
  • Main Theme, TMNT 90s Cartoon
  • Gun's & Roses (Opening Theme), Baccano!
  • Too Good Too Bad, Cowboy Bebop
  • ...

Edit: Feelin' Crazy List! (Songs that will be tough to pull off, but will try anyway)

Question 1: As you can see, the list is a bit old school. Does anyone have requests or suggestions for a wandering sax player? I have a few weeks until the con, and I will be practicing every day. A: Thanks for all the requests! I will work hard and do my best to play each and every one at the con!

Question 2: Anyone out there know of an obscure anime character that plays sax other than Midvalley, Epic Sax Guy, and Gren? I would like to cosplay, but it seems like these three are done to death.  A: Wow, Ren Jinguji from Ota no Prince-Sama and Igaram from OnePiece added to my cosplay list. Serious Thanks!

Question 3: Is there any kind of nerdy musician gathering in the works? I know there was a small group of drummers/guitar players last year, and I heard about some live music going on at Iguana's down the street from the convention center. I would love to coordinate a jam session with music minded anime/game nerds.  A: Confirmed that Iguana's will have live music/open mic Thursday nite starting at 8pm. I will be there! ^_^

TL;DR: I am a sax player looking for song requests, cosplay suggestions, and a possible meetup with other nerdy musicians. Hit me up!
#20
Looking forward to this, never participated in a speed dating event before. Good luck everyone! ^_^