International women of mastery
Two great things will go great together when South Korean pianist, vocalist and composer Maria Kim joins Oregon singer-songwriter Halie Loren for a rare one-night performance at the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Wednesday, July 29.
Kim has emerged as one of Asia's leading contemporary jazz artists, earning international recognition for her expressive vocals, virtuosic piano playing and sophisticated songwriting. Her award-winning 2021 album "With Strings: Dream of You" received the 2022 Korean Music Award and was recognized by Japan's Jazz Critique magazine. She has also received the Jazz Artist Award at the Korean Entertainment Arts Awards, cementing her place among Asia's most celebrated jazz musicians.
Her recent recordings continue to attract international attention, including "Misty Blue," featuring acclaimed trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III, and her 2025 release "Love Letters." Kim is currently touring internationally, with performances at renowned venues including Blue Note and Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai.
Joining Kim is Halie Loren, whose blend of jazz, folk, Latin, blues and pop has earned fans on four continents. Across 10 albums, Loren has collected multiple international honors, including four Billboard Japan No. 1 jazz albums as well as No. 1 jazz releases in Canada and Japan.
Loren first drew international attention when her debut jazz recording, "They Oughta Write a Song" was named Best Vocal Jazz Album at the 2009 JPF Independent Music Awards. Her original compositions have continued to earn recognition, including an Independent Music Award and an Emmy Award for the music video "Noah." Whether performing in intimate jazz clubs or major concert halls, Loren is known for her emotional depth, expressive phrasing and ability to forge a close connection with audiences.
"Maria Kim and Halie Loren each bring extraordinary artistry to the stage," said Lincoln City Cultural Center Program Director Jason Corso. "Together they'll create a performance that celebrates the beauty of collaboration, improvisation and the universal language of jazz. It's a remarkable opportunity to hear two internationally respected artists sharing one stage in Lincoln City."
The concert will feature elegant jazz standards alongside original compositions, showcasing the chemistry between two internationally respected performers whose careers have taken them to audiences around the world.
Wednesday's concert begins at 7 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. Tickets are $30 for table seating and $20 for standard seating. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org.