Piedmont Jazz Alliance Presents Yayoi Ikawa at Southeastern Center For Contemporary Art

"Yayoi is a wonder, that comes along very rarely in each generation. A big intellect, with a big emotional spectrum, and totally unique sound... She can do anything she thinks or feels.”
— Gil Goldstein (arranger/pianist)

Delight in an extraordinary jazz experience as the Piedmont Jazz Alliance and Future of Jazz Coalition bring you Yayoi Ikawa, a masterful pianist, composer, and bandleader.

Born in Tokyo, Japan, and musically raised in New York, Yayoi embodies ingenuity and compassion. A versatile artist, she has cultivated a rich career spanning multiple countries, seamlessly integrating jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, classical, and world music into her repertoire....

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"Yayoi is a wonder, that comes along very rarely in each generation. A big intellect, with a big emotional spectrum, and totally unique sound... She can do anything she thinks or feels.”
— Gil Goldstein (arranger/pianist)

Delight in an extraordinary jazz experience as the Piedmont Jazz Alliance and Future of Jazz Coalition bring you Yayoi Ikawa, a masterful pianist, composer, and bandleader.

Born in Tokyo, Japan, and musically raised in New York, Yayoi embodies ingenuity and compassion. A versatile artist, she has cultivated a rich career spanning multiple countries, seamlessly integrating jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, classical, and world music into her repertoire.

Completing her studies at New School with the prestigious Henry and Gill Block scholarship, Yayoi’s international journey includes teaching at the International Jazz and Dance Academy in Slovenia alongside her mentor Reggie Workman from 2003 to 2004. Her collaborations with legendary artists like Michael Carvin, Howard Johnson, and Michal Urbaniak showcase her musical depth and prowess.

Yayoi holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan. She currently serves as the music director at First Baptist Church in Piscataway, NJ, and teaches jazz piano at City College of New York and Brooklyn College, continuing to inspire and educate future generations of musicians.

Journey through Yayoi’s unique musical world for an unforgettable evening of artistry and the transformative power of jazz.

Secure your tickets now! This performance is a must-attend event for music lovers seeking an immersive and soulful experience.


This performance is a sponsored project of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, celebrating 75 years of uplifting, creating awareness, and providing support to grow and sustain artistic, cultural, and creative offerings throughout the region; and funded through ARPA supported by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.

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