CCPA Welcomes Back Keyboard Sensation Keiko Matsui on Sat., Apr. 29, 8:00 PM

CERRITOS, CA – Keiko Matsui, who lit up Billboard’s Jazz charts with the albums Sapphire, Dream Walk, and Deep Blue, returns to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) with special guest saxophonist Kirk Whalum on Saturday, April 29 at 8:00 P.M. Tickets start at $40.

With her unique musical formula that blends Asian and Western influences, acclaimed keyboardist KEIKO MATSUI has easily become one of Billboard’s No. One female Contemporary Jazz figures and a two-time recipient of the Oasis Award for “Best Female Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year.” The Los Angeles Times calls the musician’s performances “precise and accurate, executed with … articulation.”

Matsui’s harmonious Euphoria is the latest album in a long string of acclaimed works. She has dazzled legions of fans and critics with her Jazz-charting album Whispers From the Mirror and her Latin-infused Journey to the Heart. Much of her music and compositions revolve around nature, including A Drop of Water, Night Waltz, Cherry Blossom, Full Moon, The Shrine, and Moyo (Heart & Soul). Echo reached No. Five on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

 Aside from Matsui’s Smooth Jazz Awards, Matsui garnered the 1997 Essence Award from the American Society of Young Musicians, which honors talents whose “vitality tends to capture the very spirit and soul of audiences worldwide.” The keyboardist has collaborated with Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Bob James, and Hugh Masekela.

KIRK WHALUM’s wide-ranging, long-lasting career encompasses the acclaimed albums Colors, Cache, The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter III, and the Grammy-nominated Joined at the Hip. The tenor-saxophonist has collaborated with industry greats Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, and Quincy Jones. Whalum’s work is featured in some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, including The Prince of Tides, Boyz n the Hood, and The Bodyguard. Considered 11 times for Grammys, Whalum has won two Stellar Awards (Gospel music’s highest honor). “When you experience … Whalum’s music, you are enchanted with an inspiration that can reach the depths of your soul,” cheers Smooth Jazz Times.

For tickets or more information, call (562) 916-8500 or go to cerritoscenter.com.

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