Keiko Matsui to Make Feinstein's at the Nikko Debut, 5/7-9

Hotel Nikko San Francisco and Michael Feinstein are thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui to Feinstein's at the Nikko for three performances only - Thursday, May 7 (8 p.m.); Friday, May 8 (8 p.m.); and Saturday, May 9 (7 p.m.). Tickets for Keiko Matsui range in price from $45-$60 and are available now by calling 866.663.1063 or visiting www.ticketweb.com.

Located within Hotel Nikko (222 Mason Street, San Francisco), Feinstein's at the Nikko presents a wide range of entertainers from stage and screen all within an intimate 140-seat cabaret setting. There is a $20 food and beverage minimum per person inside the showroom which guests can use towards cocktails as well as a variety of small plates crafted exclusively for Feinstein's at the Nikko by Executive Chef Philippe Striffeler, through Restaurant Anzu. Cheese and dessert platters will also be available in the showroom.

Keiko Matsui made her US recording debut in 1987 with the recording "A Drop of Water." "Under Northern Lights" followed in 1989 and her subsequent albums of note include "No Borders" (1990), "Night Waltz" (1991), "Cherry Blossom" (1992), "Doll" (1994), "Sapphire" (1995) and "Dream Walk" (1996), which remained on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart for over 15 months and further cemented her reputation as a force to reckon with. In 1997, she launched a tour dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer, and released a four- song CD entitled "A Gift of Hope" that benefitted the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization. Her music was prominently featured in "Say It, Fight It, Cure It," a Lifetime special profiling several courageous women battling breast cancer. "My fans come from all backgrounds and I have been approached by various foundations to join in their efforts. When I hear of a cause that resonates with me that I can dedicate my music to then I am always willing. It is my way to show gratitude and give back," states Keiko Matsui. In 1999, the pianist performed at "A Golden Moment," a skating concert featuring Olympic figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi, Tara Lipinski, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Katarina Witt, which benefitted the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 1998 saw the release of her album "Full Moon And The Shrine," which was accompanied by the acclaimed PBS-TV special "Keiko Matsui: Light Above The Trees." In 2000, the special earned Keiko a National Smooth Jazz Award for "Best Long-Form Video Achievement" and she was honored with an award for "Best Female Artist." She claimed the award again in 2001. In 2002, she released the poignant recording The Ring, which was meant to communicate a message of peace, compassion, and humanity to listeners around the world.

Keiko Matsui's CD "Deep Blue" (2001) topped Billboard's Contemporary Jazz charts for three consecutive weeks. Keiko is the first Japanese artist to achieve this honor. In 2003 she enjoyed success with her recording "The Piano," which featured reinventions of some of her most loved original works. In 2004 the title track of Keiko's "Wildflower" was used to support the United Nations World Food Programme's efforts in Africa. "I decided I wanted to support the WFP after learning about the tremendous problems in Africa and how humanitarian assistance can change people's lives for the better," shares the activist." Keiko has also collaborated with A3M (Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches) in numerous charity concerts. In addition proceeds from her 2001 mini-CD, "A Gift of Life," went to The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation in support of A3M. In December 2009, the highly sought-after pianist was asked to put together a Christmas show at the Blue Note club in Tokyo, which was a major success and in November 2010 she made her highly anticipated debut at the Blue Note in NY, which was sold out. In 2011 Keiko recorded with fellow pianist Bob James on a four hand piano project called Altair & Vega. Keiko's depth as a composer has also allowed her to contribute music to soundtracks in Japan, the U.S. and Russia. She also released her critically heralded Top 5 Billboard Recording "The Road..." which featured Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona and saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Jackiem Joyner among others.

All seating at Feinstein's at the Nikko is cabaret style and available on a first-come, first-served basis within the section purchased. Guests who purchase the prix-fixe dinner at Restaurant Anzu will receive a complimentary section upgrade (subject to availability) and get to choose their exact seat locations within the upgraded section.

Guests of Feinstein's at the Nikko can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options before performances. Kanpai Lounge, located in Hotel Nikko's lobby, offers light cuisine, a full bar and specialty cocktails. Restaurant Anzu, Hotel Nikko's intimate restaurant located on the second floor, serves sustainable California cuisine enhanced with Asian flavors. Restaurant Anzu will also offer Feinstein's at the Nikko guests a special three-course prix-fixe dinner ($45 per person) prior to all performances. Reservations can be made by calling (415) 394-1100.

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