Def Leppard's Phil Collen & Yukiko Matsuyama to Play University of La Verne's Morgan Auditorium, 8/17

There is no rest for the Def Leppard lead guitarist, PHIL COLLEN, as he will join the internationally acclaimed Koto Artist YUKIKO MATSUYAMA at a special concert August 17th at 7:30 pm in the University of La Verne's Morgan Auditorium.

COLLEN, a cross-cultural entity himself, is proud to perform alongside internationally acclaimed Koto artist, Yukiko Matsuyama, who blends world, jazz, new age and pop music on the Koto, a 13-stringed, 7th-century Japanese instrument. Add to the line-up a few special friends - legendary drummer James Gadson, sizzling saxophonist Greg Vail, and djembe drum master Steve Biondo - and you have the "World Music, Rhythm-and-Blues and A Little Funk" concert!

"When I was asked to perform with James Gadson," COLLEN explains, "I felt like I already knew him due to the amount of times I've watched Bill Withers' performances. It's a pleasure to just have the opportunity to groove with him. I look forward to blending what I do with James' great drums and the virtuoso Koto playing of Yukiko Matsuyama."
In Def Leppard news, this fall, fans can look forward to "VIVA! Hysteria - Live at the Joint, Las Vegas," a live album and film scheduled for release on October 22nd. The film will also play during a special theater engagement on October 2 and 8 (visit fathomevents.com for a list of theaters).

Tickets for the "World Music..." show are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at KotoYuki.eventbrite.com.