Toshiko Akiyoshi is a Japanese American jazz pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader who, over the course of a six-decade career, has made a unique and vital contribution to the art of big band jazz. A major figure in jazz composition, she has received 14 Grammy nominations and holds the honor of being the first woman to win the Best Arranger and Composer awards in Down Beat magazine's Readers Poll.  Support provided by American General Media, Bumble Bee's Baja Grill, City of Albuquerque–Mayor Richard. J Barry & The Cultural Services Department, Eisbach Facial Plastic Surgery PC, Hilton Hotel of Santa Fe, New Mexico Cancer Center, Thornburg Investment Management, and Verve Gallery of Photography.