A Look Back at The Frijas' Journey in Japan: Amy Rivard Live at Cozmo's Cafe

"It's a small world after all..."

How bizarre it was to hear that a fellow Canadian, better yet, a fellow Windsor-ite happened to be performing in a metropolis like Tokyo. What's even more, we both graduated from the same high school, as well as the University of Windsor, in Ontario, Canada. Ever since the high school drama presentation days, I've always known Amy Rivard to be a very talented musician, who was such a happy, outgoing and friendly person, to boot. She was one of those individuals you just knew would become a star one day...and she definitely has!

Coincidentally, I learned through a friend that Amy Rivard was touring in Tokyo with the highly acclaimed group, Celtic Woman. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend neither of the three shows during the last week of November. However, after contacting her directly through email (yay..the the perks of knowing her personally), she informed me of another performance promoting her new CD titled Amy Rivard Cashmere. Her solo jazz performance was held at Cozmo's International Lounge & Cafe in the downtown Shibuya district, on December 7. I was thrilled and just knew I wanted to be there for support so I gathered three of my girlfriends and we enjoyed a night out listening to Amy's sweet voice. Her live performance was phenomenal! Her voice sent chills up my spine! My friends were absolutely amazed and willingly purchased her CD! Amy was so sweet to spend time with us signing the covers.

Miyuki, Keiko, Amy, me, and Meiri

Toasting to Amy's success with a delicious mint Mojito cocktail. Kanpai!

The Japan scene is nothing new to Amy Rivard. She resided in Tokyo for over a year while performing as a singer/dancer/actress for Tokyo DisnerySea. She completed her contract in January 2007. A month later in February 2007, she was hired to sing first soprano for Celtic Woman, thus sending her to Ireland to begin her training.

Up to now, her thriving career includes a plethora of impressive achievements including singing in the renowned broadway production Riverdance, The Roy Orbison Tour and Camelot. Throughout Canada and the United States, she has also performed several theatre and cabaret shows, which included the SilverSea 6 Star Cruiseline as principal singer. Currently, she is touring worldwide with Celtic Women. Clearly, there's no stopping Amy!

I was happy to read an article about Amy and her new connection with Celtic Woman featured in the local Japanese/English magazine, Metropolis (November 7, 2007 Issue #711). Her solo performances were also listed separately in the Metropolis events columns. As you can see, she has been well-received by many Japanese fans and it was evident at Cozmo's Cafe with the crowds of people who attended her show.