Casio Introduces Two New Musicians To Its Artist Program

Casio Introduces Two New Musicians To Its Artist Program

Jonah Smith and Steve Weingart Join Casio's Expanding Artist Roster

DOVER, N.J., Aug. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc. is pleased to announce singer-songwriter Jonah Smith, and well-known keyboardist Steve Weingart as the latest additions to its Artist Program. For decades Casio, a leading manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, has committed itself to providing aspiring musicians with the tools they need to inspire a passion to learn, love and create music. As such, the company's Artist Program fosters budding musicians by providing multiple levels of support. Smith and Weingart will join the current roster of artists including The Crystal Method, Joe Sample,Jonatha Brooke, Josh Charles, Tom Brislin, Karmina, and Kyle Morrison among others.

"We are excited to announce the addition of both Jonah Smith and Steve Weingart to our Artist Program," said Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio's Electronic Musical Instruments Division. "They are both extremely talented musicians and we look forward to their growth and continued success within the music industry."

Jonah Smith

Jonah Smith is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. Over the course of seven unique albums, he has pulled inspirations from a deep well of American blues and its offshoots including soul, country and folk. Though his sound is at times difficult to pin down, Smith is essentially a songwriter with the voice of a soul-singer. His songs have won Independent Music Awards and have been featured in many television shows including, "Good Morning America".

Smith has toured internationally for more than a dozen years and has shared the stage with many of his heroes including Little Feat and many performances as a guest singer with the legendary East LA band, Los Lobos. Smith has also performed at festivals including Bonnaroo, BAM festival in Barcelona Spain and SXSW. His song, "Big Umbrella" from his latest acoustic album, "In the Kitchen," is currently in heavy rotation on SiriusXM's Coffeehouse channel. In concert, Smith bounces back and forth between his keyboard and acoustic guitar often telling stories about the songs he has written and the places he has been. Smith will be using a Casio Privia Pro PX-5S digital piano during performances.

Steve Weingart

Steve Weingart is a talented keyboardist who has worked with such artists as Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, Vinnie Colaiuta, Robben Ford, Darryl Jones, Will Lee and Keith Carlock. Weingart spent years touring the world with drummer Dave Weckl's band in addition to writing and co-writing songs for numerous albums including 'Transition', 'Perpetual Motion', 'Live and Very Plugged In', and 'Multiplicity'. Weingart then became widely known for his work with Steve 'Luke' Lukather, a Los Angeles guitar session legend.

Weingart's latest project saw the continuation of the successful musical relationship between Weingart and Simon Phillips, co?producer and drummer, with the formation of the power jazz/rock group, 'Protocol II' (including guitarist Andy Timmons & bassist Ernest Tibbs). The group is currently touring in support of their CD, 'Protocol II'. Weingart will be using an all Casio rig consisting of two Privia PX-5S digital pianos and a XW-P1 performance synthesizer.

For additional information about Casio's Artist Program or portfolio of electronic musical instruments, please visit www.CasioMusicGear.com.

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.

SOURCE Casio America, Inc.

Casio America, Inc.

CONTACT: Christine Azzolino/Amanda Pecora, Coyne PR, (973) 588-2000, cazzolino@coynepr.com, apecora@coynepr.com, or S. Vander Schans, CASIO AMERICA, INC., (973) 361-5400, svanderschans@casio.com

Web Site: http://www.casioamerica.com


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