Jeff Kashiwa with Urban Jazz Coalition Early Show

Jeff Kashiwa

Seattle native, Jeff Kashiwa became known as one of the most compelling young saxophonists in contemporary jazz during his first year with The Rippingtons back in 1989. Kashiwa performed hundreds of shows all over the world and appeared on many of the band’s classic recordings.

 

After his decade long tenure with The Rippingtons, Kashiwa’s instincts led him to more dynamic endeavors through his solo career. It surprised many when Jeff left the group to venture out on his own, but he had things to say through his own music. 

In 2004, Kashiwa founded The Sax Pack, a trio of saxophone headliners, featuring himself, Steve Cole and Kim Waters. The group released three CDs together and charmed audiences with their Rat Pack style repartee in tours across the U.S. and abroad. 



In 2006, Jeff reunited with The Rippingtons for their 20th Anniversary Tour and continued to record and tour with the group until 2016. In addition to touring with The Sax Pack and his own group, Kashiwa has expanded his career to include the realm of music education. He now teaches in the same school district where it all began teaching various music ensembles and online Music Technology courses at Shoreline Community College in Seattle, Washington. 

In 2021, Kashiwa released his 11th solo album titled Sunrise, featuring his band, Coastal Access as well as guest performances by Marc Antoine, Tom Schuman and Phillipe Saisse. Jeff is in his 14th year as an Instrumental Ensemble and Music Technology instructor, and Department Chair at Shoreline Community in Seattle, WA.

Urban Jazz Coalition

The Urban Jazz Coalition (UJC) has been one of the hottest live performance ensembles on the contemporary jazz scene for some time now and 2025 marks the celebration of this ground breaking band’s 30th Anniversary as a performing group! UJC has electrified audiences performing their unique and energetic blend of R&B/Jazz/Fusion at a multitude of prominent jazz festivals around the country, including The Capital Jazz Festival, The Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz Fest Supercruise, The Boscov/Berks Jazz Festival, The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, Jazz Fest West, The Russian River Jazz Festival, River Raisin Jazz Festival, and many more.

UJC’s music has also been featured in network television programming, international film soundtracks, regional advertising campaigns, and as part of an eclectic group of artists on a Gospel/Jazz compilation project released by Capitol/EMI Records.

In addition to the notoriety “UJC” has earned as a self contained group, they have also become one of the most in-demand back up groups in the smooth jazz genre, having performed as sidemen for a number of top smooth jazz artists.

Food & Bar: Our full food and drink menu will be available before and during the show.