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An accomplished pianist and B-3 player, Keiko Komaki hails from Kagoshima, Japan, and began playing the piano at just 5 years old. After graduation from Kunitachi College of Music, she quickly became more interested in the improvisation world of funk, blues, and jazz fusion rather than her classical roots. However, it was a few years later where she learned of New Orleans music. She later visited New Orleans for Jazz Fest and decided to take the bold step in 2006 to move to the city and make it as a musician.
Shortly after moving to New Orleans, Keiko began playing keyboards with the Late Marva Wright and the Wild Magnolias, performing at local clubs and touring until Marva passed away. Since then, she has played with many of the Crescent City’s most beloved musicians including Benny Turner, Charlie Wooton, Vasti Jackson, Brass-a-holics, Marc Stone, George Porter Jr, Johnny Vidacovich, and many more. She is also a member of the Playing For Change Band.
Donald Surtain Jr., who was often called the Jimi Hendrix of the violin by his peers, was born and raised in the 7th ward area of New Orleans. He started playing violin at the age of 6 years old and taught himself to play the instrument. Donald received his musical knowledge from NOCCA (New Orleans Creative Center for the Arts), he studied classical music, advanced 4 part harmony, and composition with Dr. Stephen Dankner and jazz with the late Ellis Marsalis, and Clyde Kerr Jr. He also studied music at Indiana University and Loyola University. In his professional musical career, he has toured in 48 states and Europe in various bands and musical genres (latin, southern rock, country, and funk). Other than being an exceptional musician, Donald gained experience as an actor on the big screen. He has performed on HBO’s “Treme” series (Season 4, Episode 3), and was also featured in a movie alongside Chiwetel Ewefor playing the violin in the Grammy award-winning movie 12 Years a Slave.
More from Keiko Komaki:
Website: https://Keikokomakimusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/keikokomaki17
Facebook: https://facebook.com/keikokomakimusic/
More from Donald Surtain, Jr:
https://instagram.com/donaldsurtain
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