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About Me

Mentors

Evan Christopher, Marc Caparone, Nick Rossi, Clint Baker, and many more

Worked with Anat Cohen and Wycliffe Gordon at Stanford Jazz Camp 2022

Bandleader of

Nathan's Fearless Five (high school band)

Nathan Tokunaga Quartet (professional band)

Band Member of

Cafe Borrone All-Stars

Clint Baker's New Orleans Jazz Band

Sierra Stompers

The Jazzopaters, an Ellington Unit

College of San Mateo Little Big Band

and more

Awards

Stanford Jazz lifetime Shape of Jazz to Come Award

Stanford Jazz Outstanding Soloist Award

Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship

CMEA Solos and Ensembles, Superior

Big Bands & Orchestra

Stanford Jazz Miles Ahead Big Band, lead alto sax

College of San Mateo Big Band, tenor sax

Peninsula Youth Orchestra, principal clarinet

Festivals

The youngest featured artist of the

Monterey Jazz Bash by the Bay Festival

Three Rivers Jazzaffairs Festival

San Diego Jazz Festival

Hot Jazz Jubilee Sacramento

Healdsburg Jazz Festival

"I have to say, I’ve been doing this for almost fifty years professionally, and I’ve worked with some of the greatest clarinetists in the world. This fifteen-year-old young man, Nathan, is playing at a level I’ve seldom heard the depth of understanding of New Orleans Jazz as I’ve heard coming out of that horn of anybody."

- Steve Pistorius, Pianist, New Orleans

"Comforting to see the future of jazz in such capable hands as those of Nathan."

- Joe Carbery, Saxophonist, New Zealand

"Nathan is upsettingly good."

- Robbie Mann, Pianist, Sydney, Australia

"Thank you for doing this fundraiser. The New Orleans Musician's Clinic has been my primary care provider for many years and does wonderful work."

- Benny Amon, Drums, New Orleans

"SHEEEEEEEESH"

- Daniel Behrendt, Trumpet, Carlmont High

Venues

SINCE 2021

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