Check out Michael Kocour

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Kocour.

Michael, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
A music teacher played Oscar Peterson’s recording of “C Jam Blues” for me when I was in the 8th grade, and I was hooked on jazz music from that moment on. My dad told me to keep playing professionally until the money ran out. I’m still on this plan.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m a jazz pianist, organist, composer, and teacher. My art is a result of decades of practicing, performing, and listening. I play music to build community, and my music continues to reflect my musical experience in Chicago (my home town) where I heard and performed music in a wide variety of styles and interacted with musicians and audiences from a broad array of cultural backgrounds. Having now lived here for nearly 14 years, I’m delighted that my music is beginning to reflect the transformative energy of the Phoenix music scene.

Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
Making a living as an artist has always been difficult of course and artists have always had to compete for public attention. Now that our computers and cell phones give us access to art (and mindless distraction) from all over the world, we have more competition than any time in human history. This is why I choose to advocate for local and community art and for live performance in general.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You’ll find me at ASU School of Music, The Nash in Phoenix, The Jazz Showcase in Chicago, wherever you access recorded music, or perhaps at a house party you host! And when you find me, please say hello.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.michaelkocour.com
• Email: michael.kocour@asu.edu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.kocour

Image Credit:
Mark Sheldon
Carrie Motzing
Michael Woodall

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.