The Jazz Voyager

Dashing off to the West Coast this Jazz Voyager is returning to one of his favorite night spots in Northern California called Yoshi’s. One of the world’s most respected jazz venues, earning a reputation as the Bay Area’s premier location for great Japanese cuisine and jazz.

What started as a humble idea amongst a trio of friends has become a true testament of the American dream. The dreamers were journalist and carpenter, Kaz Kajimura, painter and cook, Hugh “Hiro” Hori and artist Yoshie Akiba. In 1972 they set out to create a culinary experience introducing fresh seasonal Japanese cuisine to the Berkeley community. The friends decided to name the business after Yoshie. The menu of Chef Hiro cemented the Japanese cuisine into the DNA of the business making the 27-seat restaurant a popular dining destination for East Bay residents. In 1979, Yoshi’s moved to Oakland’s Claremont Avenue.

Two-time Grammy nominated jazz vocalist, composer and arranger Carmen Lundy is performing at my next stop. Hailing from Miami, she received her music degree from the University of Miami and after an early career in Miami, she moved to New York City. In 1978 she released her debut solo album Good Morning Kiss. She has recorded sixteen albums all while wearing hats as an actress and a mixed media artist and painter.

The venue is located 510 Embarcadero West Oakland, CA 94607. More information can be obtained by calling 212-581-3080 or go to birdlandjazz.com.

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