Seattle native Jeff Kashiwa knew he was destined to become a musician after being introduced to woodwinds in junior high school. He first gained recognition as one of the most compelling young saxophonists in contemporary jazz during his first year with the Rippingtons in 1989. Jeff performed hundreds of shows around the world and appeared on many of the band’s recordings. After a decade with the group, Kashiwa’s instincts led him toward new and more dynamic paths in his solo career. His departure surprised many, but he had his own musical story to tell. In 2004, Jeff founded The Sax Pack, a trio of saxophone headliners featuring himself, Steve Cole, and Kim Waters. The group delighted audiences with their “Rat Pack style” on tours across the United States and abroad. For the Rippingtons’ 20th Anniversary Tour, Jeff reunited with the band two years later and continued to record and tour with them for another ten years. Beyond performing, he also expanded into music education, directing various ensembles and teaching Music Technology courses at Shoreline Community College in Seattle.