Aiko Shimada – Jazz at the Center

Vocalist Aiko Shimada blends jazz standards, originals, and reimagined covers into intimate, deeply expressive performances.

With a rich, luminous tone and syncopated, subtly polyrhythmic phrasing, she favors sincere storytelling over showy technique and typical jazzy stylization.

A Sacramento‑based artist, Aiko Shimada spent two decades in Seattle touring, recording five albums, and collaborating as a genre‑defying singer–guitarist–songwriter. Her 2001 album Blue Marble was released on John Zorn’s Tzadik (produced by Eyvind Kang) and features the legendary jazz guitarist Bill Frisell; she has also toured with Robin Holcomb, and in 2007 she was invited to collaborate with the world‑renowned pianist Jessica Williams at The Triple Door. Aiko has also recorded and performed with NYC bassist Lonnie Plaxico (who has played with Art Blakey, Max Roach, Steve Coleman, Cassandra Wilson, and many more) and appeared at the Vancouver Jazz Festival, Bumbershoot, and other Pacific Northwest festivals.

Now based in Sacramento, she leads jazz ensembles, hosts a monthly jam in Roseville, curates the jazz + free‑improv series Resonant Threads at Signa Rare Plants, and mentors emerging musicians. Expect an evening of honest and heartfelt music —perfect for listeners who value nuance, mood, and musical storytelling.

Selena Delgadillo on piano

Cindy Huang on saxophone

Mark Collins on upright bass

Steven Phan on drums

At the Center

The Center for Musical Arts proudly presents our “at the Center” concert series, where our goal is to give Sacramento musicians the event space they deserve. Music school by day, concert venue by night—our listening room features a stage, baby grand piano, and an intimate 30-seat capacity.