Kian Tatsuo Linam

Kian Linam is an 18-year-old pianist from the DC Metro area. A 2024 and 2025 YoungArts Award Winner and 2024 DownBeat Student Music Award Winner, Kian has performed alongside acclaimed artists such as Ashlin Parker & The Trumpet Mafia, Alison Crockett, Will “Mobetta” Ledbetter, Romeir Mendez, Shawn Purcell, and more.

Kian has performed at renowned venues and festivals, including Blues Alley, The Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, The Hamilton, The Carlyle Room, The National Press Club, Reston Town Center’s Summer Concert Festival, Mr. Henry’s, and others.

Since 2020, Kian has been the pianist for the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra under Michael Bowie and is mentored by Eric Byrd and Dan Nimmer of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He has also studied under Allyn Johnson and Ben Paterson.

Kian regularly performs as a soloist and leads the Kian T. Linam Trio/Quartet, featuring musicians such as Julian Berkowitz, Will Hazlehurst, Alphonso Young Jr., and others.

Most recently, Kian was commended by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates (lis.virginia.gov) for his achievements and was selected to join the 2025 NEA/Herbie Hancock Institute National Peer-to-Peer All-Star Jazz Quintet Tour in Kansas with the renowned Bobby Watson and Lisa Henry.

Awards

U.S. Army Blues Solo Competition Winner 2025| High School Division

YoungArts Award Winner 2025 | Jazz/Piano

Downbeat Student Music Award 2024 | Small Jazz Combo: Kian T. Linam Trio

YoungArts Award Winner 2024 | Jazz/Piano