Akira Tana and Friends from Osaka

With Special Guests

Nicolas Bearde, June 28-29

Kim Nalley, June 30 – July 1

A self-taught drummer, Tana played semi-professionally while still at college. During his studies, he had the opportunity of working with Helen Humes, Milt Jackson, Sonny Rollins, Jaki Byard, George Russell, Sonny Stitt and other leading jazz musicians. He also played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and several of the classical music ensembles at the New England Conservatory and at the Berkshire Music Festival at Tanglewood. In the early 80s he continued to accompany major artists such as Al Cohn, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Jim Hall, Jimmy Rowles, Zoot Sims and Cedar Walton. He also performed with artists outside the jazz world, including Charles Aznavour, Lena Horne, and Van Dyke Parks. Tana recorded extensively during these years and in addition to albums with some of the foregoing also appeared with Ran Blake, Chris Connor, Carl Fontana, Jimmy Heath, Tete Montoliu, Spike Robinson, Warne Marsh and many others. In the early 90s Tana worked with James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Wess, Ray Bryant, J.J. Johnson, and the Manhattan Transfer, among others. With the bassist, Rufus Reid he formed the band TanaReid and, with Reid and Kei Akagi, the Asian American Jazz Trio.

Hideki Kawamura–Saxophone, Atsuko Hashimoto-Organ, Yutaka, Hashimoto-Guitar, Akira Tana-Drums and Percussion

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).