ASU Kerr

MAOSHO
2026-09-06 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Phoenix)
MAOSHO brings together two acclaimed Japanese musicians whose backgrounds span traditional and contemporary music. Jazz pianist and trumpeter Mao Sone joins shamisen performer and folk singer Sho Asano for a program that blends Japanese folk traditions with jazz improvisation.

The duo combines the sounds of Tsugaru shamisen, piano, trumpet and voice in performances that explore connections between Japanese music and jazz. Following a series of well-received concerts in New York City in 2025, MAOSHO continues to share a collaboration that bridges musical traditions while creating something new.

Performers

Mao Sone, piano and trumpet

Sho Asano, shamisen and voice

Program includes

Sakura Sakura Fantasy — Mao Sone

HAYASHI — Mao Sone

My Favorite Things — Richard Rodgers (arr. Sho Asano)

Yagibushi — Japanese folk song (arr. Mao Sone)

About Mao SoneMao Sone is a Japanese pianist, trumpeter and composer known for his work across jazz and contemporary music. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, he performs internationally as both a pianist and trumpeter.

About Sho AsanoSho Asano is a Japanese shamisen performer, folk singer and composer. A former child prodigy and award-winning performer, he has appeared throughout Japan and abroad, bringing traditional Japanese music to audiences around the world.

Feng E
2026-09-23 19:30 - 21:30
Taiwanese ukulele player Feng E returns to the United States.

Following a showcase at the 2026 Folk Alliance International Conference in New Orleans, Feng E brings his live performance to ASU Kerr. The concert offers audiences an opportunity to experience the skill and creativity that have made him one of the most widely recognized young ukulele performers in the world.

He gained international recognition at a young age through appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Asia’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent, and has built an online audience of nearly 1 million YouTube subscribers.

Did you know?If you purchase tickets in person at the box office or by phone at 480-596-2660 during box office hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday) or during shows, you pay NO FEES. Save up to 12% off your tickets by avoiding online convenience fees.

Comedy @ Kerr
2026-09-30 19:30 - 21:30
Get ready to laugh at our bimonthly comedy series, Comedy @ Kerr! Join us in the Kerr Studio in the heart of Scottsdale for stand-up comedy from rotating guests. This event is every other month on the last Wednesday.

THIS EVENT IS 18+, bar for 21+ with IDContent warning: There may be strong language and descriptions of adult situations.

Sari Beliak host and curatorInstagram @saribeliakSari Beliak is a writer, comedian and storyteller from Phoenix, Arizona. She is a former senior contributing writer to The Onion and has written for major comedy sites like The Hard Times, Reductress, ClickHole and National Lampoon. She was recently a guest writer on your favorite news quiz show “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” on NPR. She was a finalist for NBC’s Late Night Writers Workshop in 2020, which was an otherwise totally normal and chill year.

Christine Tassan & Les Imposteures
2026-10-09 19:30 - 21:30
For nearly 20 years, Christine Tassan & Les Imposteures have brought their distinctive blend of Gypsy jazz, swing and reimagined songs to audiences in Canada and around the world. Led by guitarist Christine Tassan, the quartet combines traditional influences with original compositions and inventive arrangements that showcase the versatility and musicianship of all four performers.

With seven albums and more than 600 performances to their credit, the ensemble has appeared at festivals and venues across Canada, Europe, the United States and China. Their spirited live performances and fresh approach to Gypsy jazz have earned them an international following and a reputation as one of Québec’s leading ensembles in the genre.

We3
2026-10-10 14:30 - 16:30
Celebrate 10 years of We3 in a special anniversary concert featuring audience favorites, signature arrangements and a few new selections!

Since their debut in 2016, the jazz trio has built a loyal following with performances that showcase the musicians’ chemistry and collaborative approach.

Presented in the intimate setting of ASU Kerr, this matinee offers cabaret-style seating, with beverages and snacks available before the performance and during intermission.

Join We3 for “10 Years on 10-10” as the group marks a decade of making music together.

See Jane Run: An Indo Story
2026-10-18 14:00 - 16:00
See Jane Run: An Indo Story is a solo memoir performance exploring identity, family history and belonging. Written and performed by Dr. Jane Vogel Mantiri, the show is followed by a talkback with the artist.

Drawing from her family’s experience as Indo refugees who fled Indonesia after World War II, Mantiri traces a journey shaped by displacement, assimilation and the lasting effects of generational trauma. Through personal storytelling, she examines themes of love, loss, resilience and cultural identity while reflecting on efforts within the global Indo community to preserve its history and traditions.

Following her 2025 appearance, Mantiri returns with this deeply personal work, part of an ongoing tour that includes performances in Indonesia, the Netherlands and across the United States.

Co-presented by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr. Co-directed by Andres Alcala and Jane Vogel Mantiri. Sound and projection design by Andres Alcala. Graphic design by Kaelan Strouse.

Content note: This play references violence, abuse and loss.

Rachael Gold and Shannon Wallace
2026-11-06 19:30 - 21:30
Tickets for our first release of 2026-27 shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. July 28. Want early access? Become a Friend of Kerr by joining the VIP Club! Learn more at https://asukerr.com/vipclub.

With decades of international performance experience, Shannon Wallace and Rachael Gold blend their talents into a mix of musical genres. They move across jazz, contemporary, Broadway, classical and original compositions while incorporating humor and storytelling throughout the performance.

The show is shaped by both the performers and the audience. Designed to connect with everyone in the room, each performance is engaging and personal.

About the artists:

Rachael Gold

Rachael Gold is a composer and producer, as well as a studio and touring musician. Over the past 30-years, she has performed extensively as a multi-instrumentalist and singer throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

She has recorded, toured and performed with many entertainers including Kathryn Crosby, Bernadette Peters, Frankie Valli, Bob Newhart, Rob Schneider (SNL), Sister Sledge, The Four Tops, The Platters, Donna Summer and William Joseph (David Foster/producer).

Rachael studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston. She graduated from the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles where she studied arranging and composition under legendary composers such as Dick Grove, Nelson Riddle, Clare Fischer, Tom Scott and Lalo Schifrin.

Gold has produced, written and performed on albums, jingles, TV and film. Her music has been performed and recorded by Mickey Mouse, Sarah Vaughan, Sister Sledge, Eye on Hollywood, and locally at the Arizona Science Center and Fort McDowell Casino.

Rachael’s favorite quote:

“It’s all about the flow.” – Kenny Werner

For more about Rachael: rachaelnicolegold.com

Shannon Wallace

As a professional jazz vocalist, Shannon Wallace has performed nationally and internationally throughout Europe, Asia and North America over the past 30-years.

Whether performing as the front woman of a 20-piece Big Band Orchestra or leading her own jazz ensembles, Shannon has worked with George Benson, Walt Weiskopf (Steely Dan), Gloria Reuben (film and TV actress and singer), Donny Osmond, Grammy-winning jazz musicians Marty Ashby and Lewis Nash, and Charles Lewis, a beloved local jazz musician and Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame recipient.

Shannon continues to work in television, music, entertainment, music education and health care. She can be heard and seen as a radio, television and internet host, as well as a jingle singer, but her most passionate work is being in service to humanity through music.

Shannon is a certified dementia practitioner and founder and CEO of Musical Memory Care, an in-person, live online and on-demand interactive music and movement workshop that has served participants in 40 countries.

Shannon’s favorite quote:

“Ignorance and arrogance are the artist’s indispensable allies. She must be clueless enough to have no idea how difficult her enterprise is going to be, and cocky enough to believe that she can pull it off anyway.” – Steven Pressfield

For more about Shannon:

www.ShannonWallacesings.com

www.MusicalMemoryCare.com

www.ShannonWallaceMarketing.com

Michelle Nicolo Prentice in SONGBIRD: The Greatest Voice You've Never Heard
2026-11-07 19:30 - 21:30
Acclaimed musicians and husband-and-wife duo Michelle Nicolo Prentice and Mark Prentice invite audiences to experience SONGBIRD: The Greatest Voice You’ve Never Heard, starring Michelle Nicolo Prentice.

This live, cabaret-style show is an intimate journey through the songs, stories and moments that have shaped two careers and one partnership. Drawing on decades of experience performing with some of the world’s most recognized artists, the show combines music and conversation with humor and personal reflection.

Michelle Nicolo Prentice, known for her vocal range and expressive performances, has been praised as “the voice of an angel” and “a singer’s singer.” Her collaborations span genres and generations, including recordings with Rod Stewart, Dennis DeYoung, Bebe Winans and Wynonna Judd. She has performed with the Sarajevo Symphony in recognition of the Dayton Peace Accords and recorded “Somewhere” from “West Side Story” with the Nashville Symphony under Kenneth Schermerhorn. She also appears on the National Endowment for the Arts’ “Great American Voices” CD alongside artists including Enrico Caruso and Leontyne Price.

Mark Prentice is a Grammy-winning record producer, songwriter, music director and multi-instrumentalist. With a career rooted in Nashville, his credits include Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Olivia Newton-John, Earth, Wind & Fire, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss. His work has spanned multiple genres and decades.

Together, the husband-and-wife team explores the careers, collaborations and experiences that inspired the title, SONGBIRD: The Greatest Voice You’ve Never Heard, offering a glimpse into the lives of performers whose contributions have helped shape the music audiences know and enjoy.

An Afternoon of Magic
2026-11-08 15:00 - 17:00
co-presented with The Phoenix Magic Club

An Afternoon of Magic features members of the Phoenix Magic Club performing a variety of magical entertainment, including sleight-of-hand, mind-reading, visual illusions and comedy magic. Designed for audiences of all ages, the family-friendly show offers an afternoon of mystery, laughter and fun!

Whether you’re a fan of magic or looking for a unique outing with family and friends, An Afternoon of Magic invites audiences to experience the wonder and excitement of live performance by some of the Valley’s passionate magicians.

VIP tickets

VIP ticket holders can enjoy a special close-up magic performance beginning at 2 p.m.

The main event beings at 3 p.m. and showcases a range of magical styles and talents from local performers.

Duo Fuerza, featuring James D'Leon and Alwen Yeung
2026-11-13 19:30 - 21:30
Tickets for our first release of 2026-27 shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. July 28. Want early access? Become a Friend of Kerr by joining the VIP Club! Learn more at https://asukerr.com/vipclub.

Duo Fuerza is a piano duo featuring international Steinway artist James D’León and pianist Alwen Yeung. Their four-hand piano concerts combine precision and visual artistry, and their coordination at one keyboard is as engaging to watch as it is to hear.

Praised for “exciting pianism filled with highly powerful emotion” and “sensitive playing and touch,” the duos programs span a diverse repertoire. From Johann Sebastian Bach and Franz Schubert to Astor Piazzolla and George Gershwin, Duo Fuerza showcases the range of four-hand piano performance. Their performances emphasize color, nuance and narrative, transforming familiar works into a shared musical experience.

A hallmark of their concerts is the “Conversations from the Piano” format, where the artists share background on each piece, helping audiences understand the music.

Beyond the stage, Duo Fuerza supports education and community engagement through residencies, masterclasses and outreach initiatives. As ensemble-in-residence at Georgia Southwestern State University, the duo performs nationwide, focusing on collaboration and musical connection.

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
2026-11-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-21 19:00 - 21:00
Tickets for our first release of 2026-27 shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. July 28. Want early access? Become a Friend of Kerr by joining the VIP Club! Learn more at https://asukerr.com/vipclub.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”, adapted by Joe Landry, reimagines the classic film as a 1940s radio broadcast performed live on stage, with a small cast of actors playing multiple characters and using vintage sound effects to tell the story of George Bailey.

The play captures the heartwarming tale of George’s life and the impact he has on his community, celebrating the power of community, hope and second chances. Filled with heart, humor and theatrical magic, this holiday event is a seasonal tradition for audiences of all ages.

Presented by Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company, which also produced “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney and the original musical revue “Songs From Film.”

Presented in collaboration with ASU Kerr for four performances Nov. 19-21, 2026.

Frank Ferrante's GROUCHO
2026-11-22 15:00 - 17:30
Don’t miss this Groucho Marx tribute show! Dubbed “nothing short of masterful” by the Chicago Tribune, award-winning actor Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed stage portrayal of the legendary comedian in this fast-paced, 90 minutes of hilarity.

The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style.

Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields and dignified Marx foil, Margaret Dumont. A show perfect for all ages!

Alicia Waller & The Excursion
2026-12-04 19:30 - 21:30
Join vocalist Alicia Waller for an evening of jazz, soul and vernacular sounds as she brings her ensemble, Alicia Waller & The Excursion, to ASU Kerr. Waller will perform material from her debut album, Louder Then, along with selections from her acclaimed 2020 EP, Some Hidden Treasure. Known for the luminous warmth of her voice and expressive approach to soul music, Waller has earned praise for creating a sound that blends richness, depth and emotional resonance.

Website (https://www.aliciawaller.com/)

Blue Bayou: A Linda Ronstadt Tribute
2027-01-23 19:30 - 21:30
Tickets for our first release of 2026-2027 shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28. Want early access? Become a Friend of Kerr by joining the VIP Club! Learn more at https://asukerr.com/vipclub.

Arizona’s Big Zephyr Band brings a rich blend of rock, blues, country, soul and R&B to the ASU Kerr stage for an evening of timeless grooves and heartfelt musicianship, with songs that feel both familiar and freshly alive. On this special night, the band turns its focus to the extraordinary life and legacy of Linda Ronstadt.

Formed in the Valley, Big Zephyr is known for its tight musicianship, thoughtful arrangements and the natural chemistry that comes from years of performing together. Drummer and bandleader Bill Babin anchors the group with crisp, steady rhythms, while Jaime Lee Frank delivers powerful vocals, expressive guitar work and flute textures. Mike Edwards drives the bass and vocals, Russ Edwards and JP Escobedo add layered guitars and harmonies and Dave Herring rounds out the sound on keyboards and vocals.

“The Blue Bayou: A Linda Ronstadt Tribute” celebrates one of the most versatile and beloved voices in American music. A 12-time Grammy Award winner and Kennedy Center Honoree, Ronstadt’s career moved effortlessly across rock, country, Latin music and the Great American Songbook as it shaped generations along the way.

From Laurel Canyon-era rock classics to country duets with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris, heartfelt traditional Mexican songs and lush Nelson Riddle arrangements, this performance honors the full spectrum of her artistry. Whether you know her as a rock icon, a voice of Americana or a trailblazer who refused to be confined by genre, this evening invites you to rediscover the depth and beauty of her legacy.

Join us for a soaring night of music and celebration where timeless songs meet a live performance designed for listeners of every generation, from lifelong fans to the next wave of music lovers discovering Linda for the first time.

Nic & Desi: Broadway to Hollywood
2027-02-05 19:30 - 21:30
Step into the golden age of entertainment with Nic & Desi: Broadway to Hollywood.

With credits including “Wicked”, “Jersey Boys”, “Mary Poppins”, “West Side Story” and more, this husband-and-wife duo brings vocals and tap dancing to the stage in celebration of Broadway, Hollywood and the Great American Songbook.

Broadway to Hollywood offers a contemporary take on vintage glamour, blending storytelling, humor and performance that leaves audiences smiling after the final bow.

Big Pete Pearson
2027-02-13 19:30 - 21:30
Tickets for our first release of 2026-2027 shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28. Want early access? Become a Friend of Kerr by joining the VIP Club! Learn more at https://asukerr.com/vipclub.

Join in celebrating Big Pete’s 80 years on stage and his 90th birthday!

Big Pete Pearson was born on October 4, 1936, and was raised in Austin, Texas. At nine years old he gave his first performance at a local bar. He became a regular at juke joints such as the Victory Grill, Charlie’s Playhouse, Big Mary’s Bar & Grill, Ernie’s Chicken Shack and Sam’s Showcase. Big Pete has not left the stage since. He is a veteran performer and songwriter of 80 years and has been on many festival and club stages throughout the world.

Pete came to Phoenix In the 1950s and has been involved in the Phoenix blues scene ever since. His physical stature and strong voice command attention. He is a father figure to many blues men and women who have developed their skills while playing in his band. Being one of the first two people inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 1995 and in the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, Big Pete is well-known throughout the world.

In recent years, Big Pete has been performing with his European band, The Gamblers. In the United States, he performs with his other band, The Big Pete Pearson Blues Band.

Over his career, Big Pete has worked with musicians such as Ray Charles, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Tina and Ike Turner, Big Joe Turner, Etta James, Aaron Neville and the Neville Brothers, Koko Taylor, Gate Mouth Brown, Johnny Ace, T.D. Bell, Big Mama Thornton, T-Bone Walker, Screamin’ J. Hawkins, Pinetop Perkins, Joey DeFrancesco, Buddy Guy, Janiva Magness, Erbbie Bowser, Blues Boy Hubbard, Candye Kane and many others.

Big Pete has recorded several albums. His most notable releases include “One More Drink,” “I’m Here Baby” — which reached No. 1 worldwide and won best blues album at the Independent Music Awards in 2007 — “Finger in Your Eye,” and his 2009 release, “The Screamer.” Since its release, “The Screamer” has reached No. 1 on blues charts worldwide.

In April 2012, Big Pete released “Choose,” his first album recorded with the Italian blues band, The Gamblers.

Today, Big Pete can be seen performing in Europe with The Gamblers. Songs from his latest album, “Stepping Out,” are played on the TV shows “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.”

Pete’s band:

Lead guitar: Scotty Spenner

Rhythm guitar: Jim Robertson

Bass: Curt Arndt

Saxophone: Chris Scowron

Drums: Claire Griese

Charity Lockhart, featuring Jermaine Lockhart and Friends
2027-02-20 19:30 - 21:30
America’s Got Talent star Charity Lockhart brings her eclectic vocal artistry to the stage, seamlessly blending classics, jazz standards, soul and gospel traditions, mesmerizing whistle tones and inspirational storytelling. Audiences will be taken on a powerful journey of perseverance, purpose and hope.

Tenor saxophonist Jermaine Lockhart grew up in music ministry under his father’s pastoral leadership and continues that legacy as horn section leader at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Deeply rooted in performance and purpose, he plays to move hearts and uplift spirits wherever his music is heard.

Lockhart has recorded with platinum producer Preston Glass and collaborated with Ray Parker Jr. and The Spinners. His albums “Back to the Sunshine,” produced by George Benson, and “Serious Business” both reached the U.K. charts, with “Serious Business” peaking at No. 5.

Learn more at https://jermainelockhart.com

Right in the Eye
2027-02-21 15:00 - 17:00
Right in the Eye is a multimedia performance featuring 12 films by Georges Méliès, the pioneering filmmaker and early master of cinematic special effects.

Performed live, three musicians play more than 50 instruments, including several rare and unusual ones, adding a new musical dimension to Méliès’ classic films.

Presented in a setting that complements the imagery on screen, the performance blends live music and film to highlight Méliès’ imagination and innovation. “Right in the Eye” brings new life to some of cinema’s earliest visual masterpieces.

Dave Stamey
2027-02-25 19:30 - 21:30
Tickets for our first release of 2026-2027 shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28. Want early access? Become a Friend of Kerr by joining the VIP Club! Learn more at https://asukerr.com/vipclub.

Dave Stamey has made it his life’s work to celebrate the rural American West. Over the past two decades, he has recorded 11 albums of original music, traveled hundreds of thousands of miles and performed thousands of shows in pursuit of that mission.

He lives in the far northeastern corner of Tulare County, California, where the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains begin just outside his back door.

This is cowboy poetry and western song from one of the great heroes of the genre. Dave has sold out every previous ASU Kerr show and prices will go up as the show gets closer; purchasing your tickets ASAP is highly recommended so you don’t miss out on this one!

Seeger: An Inconvenient Folksinger
2027-02-27 19:30 - 21:30
Spend an evening with the songs and legacy of Pete Seeger in Seeger: An Inconvenient Folksinger, a critically acclaimed multimedia solo performance. Set during a benefit concert advocating for the end of the U.S.-Cuban trade embargo, the show brings Seeger’s voice, convictions and music to life through a blend of storytelling and song.

Featuring beloved classics like “If I Had a Hammer,” “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “We Shall Overcome” and “Guantanamera,” the performance traces Seeger’s journey from musician to activist, including his experiences during the era of the Blacklist and his enduring commitment to justice, community and song.

Written and performed by international playwright and actor Randy Noojin, this heartfelt tribute captures the legacy of one of America’s most influential folk voices. Noojin’s career spans stage, film and television, with credits that include appearances on series such as “Boardwalk Empire” and “Royal Pains.”

Both intimate and inspiring, Seeger: An Inconvenient Folksinger invites audiences to sing along, reflect and reconnect with the music that helped shape a generation.

Charles Lewis Quintet + 1
2027-03-03 19:30 - 21:30
Tickets for our first release of 2026-2027 shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. July 28. Want early access? Become a Friend of Kerr by joining the VIP Club! Learn more at https://asukerr.com/vipclub.

Join us for an evening of Latin jazz with perennial ASU Kerr favorite Charles Lewis. Settle in for an uplifting night of lively rhythms and glorious grooves inspired by the music of Latin America, performed by a true Phoenix jazz legend.

Pianist Charles Lewis shares a special connection to ASU Kerr, having been a close friend of our namesake, the late Louise Lincoln Kerr. Through his engaging stage presence and charming storytelling, he brings to life the music, the history and spirit of the venue itself.

With lush ensemble arrangements and an inviting jazz-club atmosphere, this performance promises an energetic and joyful evening of live music in one of the Valley’s most intimate listening spaces.

Floyds Row
2027-03-06 19:30 - 21:30
Floyds Row is a folk collective that draws connections among early, classical, folk, newgrass and world music traditions. The ensemble has performed throughout the United Kingdom and the United States.

No two performances are the same. Floyds Row’s repertoire includes music by 16th- and 17th-century composers, arrangements of songs by artists such as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, and original compositions influenced by both folk and classical traditions. Performed on a variety of instruments, the ensemble’s music blends folk and classical influences in distinctive ways.

Opening performance by Chris Moyse

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Chris Moyse has been touring nationally since 2016, earning recognition as a 2017 Kerrville New Folk Winner and sharing stages with Joe Ely, Mary Gauthier, Ben Kweller, and members of Old Crow Medicine Show. His latest release, “Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers,” continues his tradition of thoughtful, finely crafted songwriting.

Gabriel Bey and Friends
2027-03-12 19:30 - 21:30
For one night only, composer, producer and performer Gabriel Bey assembles a handpicked group of musicians to bring his original music to the ASU Kerr stage.

The program spans a range of styles and textures, featuring the pairing of trumpet and didgeridoo, selections from Bey’s band, “Spooky Kool,” and new music composed specifically for this performance.

More than a concert, the evening brings together collaborators, friends and audiences to celebrate music, creativity and community.

Ken Koshio: A Story of Migration with Our Heartbeats
2027-03-13 19:30 - 21:30
Tickets for our first release of 2026-2027 shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. July 28. Want early access? Become a Friend of Kerr by joining the VIP Club! Learn more at https://asukerr.com/vipclub.

Ken Koshio: A Story of Migration with Our Heartbeats

A powerful, one-night-only experience of rhythm, spirit, and connection.

Born in Nagoya, Japan, and based in the United States since 1998, Ken Koshio is a singer, songwriter and taiko artist whose life journey bridges cultures, histories and traditions. From his early days as a folk-rock musician in Los Angeles to his Thousand Cranes Tour honoring 9/11, where he carried 10,000 origami cranes across America to Ground Zero, Ken’s work has always been rooted in healing, hope and human connection.

Now based in Phoenix, Ken discovered taiko drumming as a calling within his DNA. Trained by a Hiroshima atomic bombing survivor and certified in Hiroshima Jidaiko, he carries forward the spirit, memory and message of peace through rhythm.

“A Story of Migration with Our Heartbeats” is a deeply moving journey through music and storytelling, tracing the migration of humanity. Blending Japanese taiko, American folk rock and Native American influences, including collaborations with Hopi artists, Ken creates a performance that transcends borders and time.

At its core is the heartbeat, the rhythm shared by all life. Each beat carries resilience, prayer and the footsteps of our ancestors, connecting the memory of Hiroshima with the ancient wisdom of indigenous cultures.

This concert is a living prayer.

Come experience the heartbeat that connects us all.

Bob Shimizu
2027-03-20 19:30 - 21:30
Prescott-based jazz guitarist Bob Shimizu brings a contemporary approach to the genre influenced by artists such as Wes Montgomery, Chuck Loeb, Chris Standring and Pat Metheny.

Shimizu emphasizes a “melody-first” philosophy, blending traditional jazz elements with modern rhythms and arrangements that resonate with today’s audiences. Known for his commitment to high production values, Shimizu carefully assembles and rehearses top-tier musicians to create polished, engaging performances.

Returning to ASU Kerr, Shimizu looks forward to the intimate artist-audience connection the venue provides, calling it an “ideal setting for sharing music.”
