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When

Occurs on Saturday April 6 2024

Approximate running time: 2 hours

Venue

Shea Center for Performing Arts
William Paterson University- Shea Center
300 Pompton Rd
Wayne NJ 07470

Event Notes

× Keiko Matsi

The internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and humanitarian, Keiko Matsui, has worked with everyone from Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Bob James, and Hugh Masekela. There is a reason why the stunning, soft-spoken, and petite powerhouse with such a commanding presence at the piano has amassed a devout following through the years. “When I tour around the world and witness how my music cuts through our differences and connects everyone, it makes me feel euphoric!” exclaims Keiko. Keiko harnesses this joy on her anticipated new and 30th recording Euphoria (Shanachie Entertainment). She enlists an all-star contingency of special guests including vocalist, and daughter of Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway, trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Mike Stern, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, vibist Joel Ross, harmonica player Grégoire Maret and pianist/arranger John Beasley. Keiko is also joined by her touring band, bassist Rico Belled, guitarist JP Mourao and drummer Jimmy Branly, who she credits for making the rigors of touring bearable. Euphoria promises to be a watershed moment for Keiko as she has poured her heart and soul into this project and the result is an utterly inspiring and epic statement. Keiko declares, “At the core of this album is beauty, strength, energy, love, and hope. These are all the things in life that we need to move forward on a new path. This music is dedicated to a new era.”

She recalls, “I unconsciously receive inspiration from the things around me, like people I meet while traveling, events happening in the world, the news or the movies,” explains the pianist. A master storyteller, Keiko Matsui crafts passionate, emotive, and timeless anthems colored with rich harmonies and global rhythms. From tender love songs to reggae-tinged and soul-stirring tracks to stunning melodies and cascading piano, Keiko Matsui’s draws from many influences and appeals to fans from all backgrounds.

Her music was prominently featured in Say It, Fight It, Cure It, a Lifetime special profiling several courageous women battling breast cancer. Her 1998 album release Full Moon And The Shrine was accompanied by the acclaimed PBS-TV special Keiko Matsui: Light Above The Trees. Keiko Matsui’s CD Deep Blue (2001) topped Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts for three consecutive weeks. She is the first Japanese artist to achieve this honor.

Keiko who masters the delicate balance between career and motherhood (she has two daughters) feels an urgency to leave the world a better place for future generations. “I want to make a positive impact for children in this generation and the future. Keiko succeeds in conjuring a harmonious affair on Euphoria. As a humanitarian, Keiko strongly supports causes that resonate with her. She dedicates her music to show gratitude and give back. In 2004 the title track of Keiko’s Wildflower was used to support the United Nations World Food Programme’s efforts in Africa. Keiko has also collaborated with Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M) in numerous charity concerts. In addition, proceeds from her 2001 mini-CD, A Gift of Life, went to The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation in support of A3M.

The highly sought-after pianist continues to solidify her place as one of the most significant and thrilling pianists in contemporary jazz. Keiko concludes, “During the past few years, I have witnessed the loss of life and seen people's sadness and it has been really painful, but it has helped to remind me of the precious gift of time and the importance of gratitude for what I have now,” confides Keiko.” “Euphoria is my gift to my fans around the world.”

Reserved Seating: Gold Circle $60 . Orchestra/Front Loge $53 . Rear Loge $47 . Obstructed $47 . Senior and WP Community 10% and Group 15% discounts are available. Please visit the box office.

Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. There is an additional $5 charge PER TICKET if purchased at the box office on the evening of the show.

This performance is being sold to full capacity. Please take your personal comfort level into consideration prior to purchasing tickets.



No Refunds or Exchanges. All Sales Are Final.



Additional discounts may be available by calling the Box Office.
There is a $4 per order fee for all sales not made in person at the Box Office.
Box Office hours are Monday and Friday 10 am - 2 pm, Tuesday through Thursday 10 am - 4 pm and one hour prior to the event.
There is a $5 per order fee for mailed or printed tickets. E-Tickets/Print at Home tickets are included in the purchase price.
Discounts are limited to a maximum of 2 tickets. All additional tickets will be at the full public price.
All programs, artists, dates, policies, prices and times subject to change.
Valid government photo ID required for all transactions.
Lobby opens 60 minutes prior to event.
Late Seating is at the discretion of the management. Late Seating is not available for all events.

No Refunds or Exchanges. All Sales Are Final.

Please remember to advise our box office of wheelchair or other special needs prior to purchasing your tickets so that we may better assist you.

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