A pattern has already emerged at this year’s festival: events specially created for the event. So far, we’ve got the Route 17 Rock’n'roll Orchestra as a specialty opening act, and the group of famous indie musicians backing J-pop star Chara for what is essentially her usual set. At the Field of Heaven, we’ve got Char, who is basically the Japanese version of Eric Clapton, presiding over a “jam” for two hours plus. Since Char is an ace guitarist, this is not much of a task, though the appeal may be limited. He does the usual blues and rock patterns, but spices it up with kayokyoku (traditional Japanese pop) and guest stars that at least a few people with recognize. I don’t know who Taishi Sato is, but he’s got a pretty impressive Afro and looks halfway decent in his tight jeans. He and Char traded licks during a funk number that turned into something like a sex dance. I was turned on. But the thrill didn’t last. Char has a lot of time to kill. -Phil