Deems Tsutakawa brings soul jazz piano to Marine View

Published 10:35 am Friday, July 13, 2012

This weekend as part of its free monthly concert series, Jazz LIVE at Marine View presents soul jazz pianist Deems Tsutakawa.

A native of Seattle, Deems is the second son of world-famous artist George Tsutakawa. At age 5, he began playing the piano. He won the annual Washington State Music Teachers Association Award at age 9. In high school, he turned his attention from classical music to jazz.

His passion to perform and write continued to grow from his days at nightclubs in Central Seattle and the International District to worldwide concert halls and clubs, from Tokyo, Japan to London, England. His second album launched the single “Tough Tofu,” one of the most enduring, infectious singles of modern jazz.

For his Marine View appearance, he’ll be joined by Steve Banks on drums, Dan Benson on bass and Leonard Berman on guitar.

The free all-ages concert begins at 5 p.m. July 15 at Marine View Church, 8469 Eastside Drive NE, Tacoma. Info: (253) 229-9206 or marineviewpc.org.