Schedule

saturday, August 10, 2024 at 4:30-5:40 pm (Main Stage)
Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 10 pm (jazz after dark | Elks Lodge)


This phenomenal trumpeter hails from Kobe, Japan, where his first musical forays were with his school’s big band. Takuya left his home for the U.S., where his musical education deepened, first at Berklee School of Music in Boston, and then the New School in New York City. In both towns he dove into the musical scenes connecting with his peers and sharing his own talents. It was in Boston he met upcoming jazz vocalist José James, who invited Kuroda to record with him. He appeared on James’ 2010 sophomore album, Blackmagic, and on No Beginning No End—for which he also wrote the horn arrangements. José produced Takuya’s Blue Note recording, Rising Son, continuing their fruitful musical partnership. A purveyor of a blend of post-bop and contemporary soul-jazz, Takuya brings to our stage his mesmerizing take on next-generation jazz. His playing is lean and sinuous and deft. We hate to gush, but he is amazing.