For immediate release:

The Luckman Presents
SMOOTH JAZZ AT THE LUCKMAN

WHAT: Smooth Jazz at the Luckman
WHO: Keiko Matsui, Phil Perry, Jeff Kashiwa & The Coastal Access Band
WHEN: Saturday, October 30, 2004, 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Harriet & Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Cal State L.A.
TICKETS: $60/$55/$50. Discounts available for students, seniors, groups. Box Office: (323) 343-6600 / Ticketmaster: (213) 365-3500 or www.ticketmaster.com
DINNER: Dinner reservations may be made through the Luckman Box Office at (323) 343-6600.
INFO: www.luckmanfineartscomplex.org

LOS ANGELES – The Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State L.A. is pleased to announce our first-ever Smooth Jazz event, headlined by pianist Keiko Matsui. The concert will take place on Saturday, October 30, 2004, at 8:00 p.m., and will also feature vocalist Phil Perry and saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa. Before the concert, a special four-course dinner with wine pairings will be available at the University Club. At 7:00 p.m., a free pre-show talk by Paul Goldstein, program director of 94.7 THE WAVE radio, will explore the “Origins of Smooth Jazz.”

Opening the concert will be saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, formerly of the Rippingtons, whose solo efforts with The Coastal Access Band have earned him a spot as one of smooth jazz’ most popular performers over the last five years. Tight melodies and strong rhythms, with an occasional retro soul jam, are signature to the group, comprised of Mr. Kashiwa and four other talented jazz musicians, including keyboardist Dave Kochanski.

For years the inspirational vocals of singer/songwriter Phil Perry have cast their magic spell on audiences across the world. Starting with a doo-wop group, the Montclairs, Mr. Perry went on to develop his quality solo career as a well-known jazz vocalist, creating romantic melodies that truly make an impact on the listener.

The transcendent piano playing of Japan native Keiko Matsui will complete the evening. Sometimes called “the First Lady of Contemporary Jazz,” the innovative musician has captured the hearts of the world’s audience as easily as she has captured numerous awards. The flowing, emotional playing is part of Ms. Matsui’s quest to find the perfect melody, contributing to an unforgettable experience of live music.

Smooth Jazz at the Luckman expands the Luckman’s year-round music series into a new genre for the 1,152-seat venue, currently well-known for straight-ahead and Latin jazz, blues, and the Luckman Jazz Orchestra conducted by James Newton. A full schedule of events and exhibitions is available by calling (323) 343-6600, or online at www.luckmanfineartscomplex.org.

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