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Nathan Tokunaga

About Me

Nathan Tokunaga is a clarinetist and saxophonist from the San Francisco Bay Area, now based in New York City where he studies and plays regularly.  Inspired by early jazz and continually exploring new musical horizons, his music engages multiple generations.  Nathan has performed in hundreds of concerts at jazz clubs, swing dances, concert halls, festivals, and private events.

Michael Steinman, Jazz Lives, New York

"Beautifully evocative music… delicate and emotive at once." 
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Bandleader of

Nathan's Fearless Five

(High School Band)

Nathan Tokunaga Duo - Sextet

(Professional Band)

Big Bands & Orchestra

All the Strings You Are Orchestra, featured soloist

Stanford Jazz Miles Ahead Big Band, lead alto

Kyle Athayde Dance Party

Alex Mendham Orchestra

Gunhild Carling Big Band

Lindy Focus Big Bands

Stanford Jazz Orchestra

College of San Mateo Big Band

JALC SJA Clark Terry Big Band

Peninsula Youth Orchestra, principal clarinet

Awards & Honors

Essentially Ellington 2025

San Jose Jazz Commissions Award

JALC Summer Jazz Academy

Stanford Jazz lifetime Shape of Jazz to Come

Stanford Jazz Outstanding Soloist

Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship

CMEA Solos and Ensembles, Superior

Festivals

Caramoor Jazz Festival, NY

Healdsburg Jazz Festival

Monterey Jazz Bash by the Bay

San Diego Jazz Festival

Jazzaffair, Three Rivers

Hot Jazz Jubilee, Sacramento

Jazz on the Hill Festival, San Mateo

VENUES SINCE 2021

Photos: High Tea, Jerry Almonte, Jeff Liu-Leyco, Samathan Kunz, and Mike Lisching Photography
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