Kevin is an in-demand & multi-award-winning pianist,
arranger, and educator, from the Bay Area, playing jazz,
Afro-Cuban jazz, and salsa, (as well as for rock n' roll,
classic rock, soul, funk, top 40, and more). He's been
playing piano for 40+ years
(and drums for 20+).
As a music educator, he has given
college master classes on Afro-Cuban jazz and arranging
at various schools, including CSUMB, coached local jazz bands, taught at various jazz camps (including NMCUSD Jazz Camp along with members of Beyonce's original band in 2019), San Jose Jazz's Summer Camp, and others. He currently teaches elementary school music for the Oak Grove School District, where we was a 2020-2021 recipient of the Innovative Spirit Award and a 2021-2022 recipient of the OGSD Vision Award. Kevin was also a recipient of the 2024 Arts Leadership Award from Santa Clara County.
Educator
Performer
Kevin plays solo piano, in duos, trios, quartets, and
other various groups for countless restaurants, hotels,
weddings, wineries, music festivals, cruise ships
(Princess and P&O UK lines), speakeasy and Gatsby-themed parties, and many other events and venues! He has shared the stage with many great musicians, some of whom are Grammy winners and/or nominees!
Kevin has had the honor of playing at the Monterey Jazz Festival (2017 and 2023) to a standing ovation from a full-house with the Latin Jazz Collective w/John Nava (with whom he is the musical director and arranger for)! He has also played the Bay Area Latin Jazz Festival (2021 and 2022), and has graced many other stages.
Kevin is also the NorCal Product Specialist for Casio Musical Instruments.
Educational background
Kevin holds a B.A. in jazz (piano) studies, a B.M. in music education, and CA teaching credential. He went to San Jose State University where he studied piano with the late, legendary Frank Sumares. He also attributes much of his musical education to John Shifflett, Wayne Wallace (whom he studied arranging with), Dr. Aaron Lington, Dr. Dan Wyman, and Grammy-nominated Cuban percussionist, Bosco "El Gitano."
Current regular endeavors are
The Latin Jazz Collective w/ John Nava (pianist/musical director/arranger)
The Moonraker 7 (pianist/arranger/leader)
The Kool Kats (pianist/keyboardist)
Micaela Stites and the Soft Lights (pianist (with vocalist Micaela Stites)