Official Biography (courtesy of Kevin Howard)
Kevin Howard began his musical career as a jazz keyboardist over twenty years ago. He is mainly self-taught but gives credit to Pittsburgh’s fine jazz educator, Carl Arter, with whom he studied. Notable jazz artists George Duke, Jeff Lorber, Bill Evans, Joe Sample and Gino Vanelli have inspired him. Kevin’s musical goal: "I want to create songs that touch the soul of people and allow them to escape their day to day struggles." Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Kevin is the founder of the award-winning contemporary smooth jazz group "Serious Inquiry." The group’s awards include three "Best Jazz Performer Awards" from renowned local radio station, WAMO; the Harry Schwab Excellence in the Arts Award, WQED Radio Station; Best Jazz Band Award, Champions Association, Pittsburgh City Paper; top three jazz performers. Kevin, along with his band served as Pittsburgh’s WJJJ Smooth Jazz Band for more than two years, performing at various events sponsored by the radio station.
In addition Kevin has served as music director for one of Pittsburgh highly publicized events "Celebrating East Liberty gallery of stars" which paid tribute to artist such as Billy Strayhorn, Gene Kelly, Mary Lou Williams and other greats who’s careers starting in East Liberty. The event also featured a performance from singer Adam Wade. Kevin Howard has emerged as a solo artist, and along with his same core band has headlined in concerts at Parkersburg, WV Jazz on the Green and Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-culture Festivals, Jazz under the Stars in Harrisburg, PA, the International Festival in Baltimore, MD, and the National Urban League Convention in Pittsburgh. Most notably, Kevin has shared the stage with well know jazz artists George Benson, Marion Meadows, Najee, Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, Norman Connors, Dwayne Dolphin, Kenny Blake, Pieces of a Dream, Roger Humphries and Joe McBride. Kevin’s has three CD’s, "Random Groove", "Collage", and "Special Edition" which includes special guest Marion Meadows, Rohn Lawrence, Dwayne Dolphin, and Rodney McCoy. Kevin Howard’s smoothing jazz sound will have you yearning for more… Together with his band, the sounds you will experience are tantalizing, smooth and mesmerizing. They project energy and charisma in concert that is the essence of the Kevin Howard Experience. Kevin is a true entertainer.