Four80East

Four80East is a Toronto-based electro-jazz duo that’s all about the groove. Drawing from their diverse musical influences, Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace have created a signature sound that combines electronic production with live instrumentation.

Since breaking out with their highly successful debut “The Album” in 1997, Four80East has been a mainstay on contemporary jazz radio, with eight studio albums and a double live album to their credit. They have scored several top-ten Billboard hits, including their most recent #1 in 2019 with Cinco Cinco Seis.

Although the band was born as a studio project, DeBoer and Grace have been able to transform their layered and captivating sonic productions into a high-energy live show, with the help of the many world-class musicians who join them on stage. They perform as a six-piece ensemble.

Jeff Kashiwa

Seattle native, Jeff Kashiwa became known as one of the most compelling young saxophonists in contemporary jazz during his first year with The Rippingtons back in 1989. Kashiwa performed hundreds of shows all over the world and appeared on many of the band’s classic recordings.

 After his decade long tenure with The Rippingtons, Kashiwa’s instincts led him to more dynamic endeavors through his solo career. It surprised many when Jeff left the group to venture out on his own, but he had things to say through his own music.

In 2004, Kashiwa founded The Sax Pack, a trio of saxophone headliners, featuring himself, Steve Cole and Kim Waters. The group released three CDs together and charmed audiences with their Rat Pack style reparte’ in tours across the U.S. and abroad.

In 2006, Jeff reunited with The Rippingtons for their 20th Anniversary Tour and continued to record and tour with the group until 2016. In addition to touring with The Sax Pack and his own group, Kashiwa has expanded his career to include the realm of music education. He now teaches in the same school district where it all began teaching various music ensembles and online Music Technology courses at Shoreline Community College in Seattle, Washington.