In this recital, pianist and composer Masa Ishikawa will perform with David Pope, saxophone, Sam Suggs, bass, and Karl Tietz, drums. Ishikawa has performed at various jazz festivals and concerts in Italy, China, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States.

In 2019, Ishikawa released his first studio album titled Dialogue, which consists of ten original compositions written for vibraphone, piano/keyboards, bass and drums. The 2nd original piano trio album, titled First Note, as well as the 3rd sextet album, titled Montage, were both released in 2023.

In March 2026, Ishikawa released his 4th original studio album, titled Migration. Having collaborated with various musicians from James Madison University, Ishikawa presents seven original compositions that are dedicated to various critters (ex, sandhill cranes, Japanese evening cicadas, fireflies, northern cardinals etc.) Through our daily lives, Ishikawa often realizes how much we, human beings, depend on other living things for our existence. He created this work to express his gratitude and respect for all these creatures.

As a native of Fukushima, Japan, Ishikawa collaborated with Eien Hunter on his composition Mujo Suite –music for jazz big band with taiko drums and shinobue to commemorate Japan's 2011 tsunami and earthquake tragedy. Several of his compositions have been published from UNC Jazz Press.