Last month I had the privilege of writing for Kent Magazine about Darren Motamedy, a popular contemporary jazz artist who is also an award-winning band director for the Kent School District. I’ve interviewed him and I sat through one of his classes at Ridgewood Elementary, but I wanted to hear him play live, so a girlfriend and I went to Kona Kai Coffee Co. (4th and Gowe, downtown Kent) last night to see Darren and his band play. In a word, WOW!
I fell in love with Darren’s music the first time I heard it, but nothing can duplicate walking into a music venue and 
hearing and seeing him live. Whether he is playing the saxophone, flute or another instrument, you can see that he feels his music, body and soul. At the same time, guitarist Frank Seeberger played some soulful music as part of the group and with solo parts. Percussionist Akim Finch was in his element too with his drums, chimes, wooden frog and other percussion instruments. I tried to dislike Akim because of his Yankees’ hat (I’m a die-hard BoSox fan), but I couldn’t help but love him too.
After a set of smooth jazz, some of Darren’s students played with the band while others did solos including several very talented young ladies from Ridgewood. The show wrapped up with a jam session
featuring Darren, Frank, Akim and the seven guest students for the Kona Kai audience, packed with jazz lovers, Darren’s fans and parents looking on. The 3+ hour evening was a great way to wind down after a long week.
“We’re passing music from one generation to the next,” Darren said.
If you get the chance to see Darren Motamedy and his band play locally, I highly recommend it. You can visit his website for scheduled appearances, or see him at Kona Kai Coffee Co., Muckleshoot Casino (Auburn) and other area music venues.
To Darren and company, great show!
mr.motamady,
U are the greatest musician ever! C u @ school!
McKenna
Mr. Motamedy is the best music teacher in the world! I have learned so much from him! He has taught me the clarinet and now the saxaphone!It would be a great loss to the Kent School District if they lose Mr. Motamedy because of the budget cuts!
Mr. Motamedy you are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Teaching in Kent is great for many reasons……Kent has traditionally supported their art programs! The art programs in turn help to build and sustain student growth in the core academic fields……..and many of my students come to school just for music…….
I teach because I love to empower my students with the greatness of music and the life changes that music gives to those who embrace it….and of course….
I teach because I have AMAZING STUDENTS!
Mr. Motamedy
I think Mr. Motamedy is the best is the BEST teacher EVER!!! If we cut music out of the school budgets, I will be heart broken. Mr. Motamedy has blessed my family and me with my flute playing. His class is my favorite, and I alsways look forworwd to it. When we have band, I feel so excited, and it makes my day to play my instrument.
Elena
Darren Motamedy is such a wonderful music teacher, you can tell he is doing what he loves to do, teaching all of us that are lucky enough to be in his class. Please don’t put the music program in jepordy due to the budget cuts. Darren loves to teach and his students love to learn. Please keep the music program part of the Kent School District.
Alexander West
5th grade percussion
Grass Lake Elementary
Mr. Motamedy is the best music teacher ever!!!! Even though I am going into 7th grade in the fall, i will still come to the Kona Kai concerts that he preforms at. Thanks for everything Mr.Mo!!! Erin, Elena, me, and I think Mackenzie will miss you so Ridgewood oo much! See you on the 10th!!!!!!
McKenna B. elementary
All of my students are amazing people! I am so happy that they will continue to come to Kona Kai to grow musically. There are so many musical leaders in my schools……Keep pluggin’ away kids! I’ll miss you all this summer!
We are fortunate to have someone with Darren Motamedy’s talent and passion in our community. He used to substitute teach for my band class at Kent Jr High back in the early 90s (I’m dating myself!) and made an impression on me then. The entire class enjoyed the passion and freshness he brought. Mr. Motamedy has played an important role in my love and appreciation of music (I’m learning to play the bass right now and am picking up the flute again) and I enjoy catching his performances whenever I can.
Hi Mr.Mo!!!
Have a gd night!
McKenna- NW