Grammy Nominee Tests Acoustics at Soka University

Jazz musician and nine-time Grammy nominee Kenny Barron took the stage at Soka University's new Performing Arts Center to help test the building's acoustics.

More than half of the theater was full Friday evening to watch Barron perform. The center has not officially open and is still in the testing phase with its acoustics.

"This is part of the month long test we've had," said David Palmer, general manager of the center. "Your feedback is very important to us."

Halfway through the marathon of jazz piano, the crowd had a 15 minute intersession giving guests a chance to provide feedback on the performance.

"He's just unbelievable and he just keeps on going," Joyce Rabinov said. "The acoustics inside the hall are great."

Barron played some of his well-known songs, including Theme #1 from the film Another Harvest Moon.

"I wrote the music for the film [Another Harvest Moon] and then I wondered if it ever came out," said Barron. "Then one day I looked it up on the Internet and found that it was released, but I wasn't credited with the music. I did get paid a lot though."

After his performance Barron met with members of the audience to sign autographs.

"His hands were so strong and he's had such a strong performance," said Ann Rowland. "He's very entertaining."

As for the acoustics in the theater?

"So far, so good," Barron said.

Go online to find more information on Barron and Soka University.