Remembering Mark Izu

photo by Diana Li from KSW’s 45th Anniversary Celebration

All of us at KSW at saddened to hear of the passing of our former Executive Director, Mark Izu. During Mark’s eight years as ED in the 80s and 90s he shepherded many groundbreaking projects highlighted by the establishment of the long running SF Asian American Jazz Festival which showcased some of the biggest Asian American musicians in Jazz and beyond. Mark, himself, was an incredible musician and multidisciplinary artist and through the years was an important advocate for SF’s Japantown. As an artist and organizer Mark had opened so many doors and elevated the arts in our shared communities. Our condolences to his friends and family and to his wife, Brenda Wong Aoki, who has been an important part of KSW’s history, as well. He will be greatly missed. Thank you, Mark, for all that you’ve given us.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/mark-izu-obit-20034770.php