Bio
Patrick Kao is a jazz guitarist and proud Aboriginal Taiwanese musician known for his flexible and expressive approach to the guitar, with a deep-rooted passion for swing music from the 1920s to 1950s. A graduate of Capilano University in 2022, Patrick studied under Vancouver guitar legend Bill Coon and had the opportunity to perform with acclaimed artists such as Peter Bernstein and Renee Rosnes on the BlueShore stage.
Following graduation, Patrick became an active performer across Vancouver, building a reputation for his warm tone, rhythmic sensitivity, and dedication to the early swing tradition. In 2024, he moved to New York City to further his studies at the Tribeca Jazz Institute, where he trained closely with modern guitar masters Peter Bernstein and Pasquale Grasso, and was inadvertently mentored by some of the finest musicians on the NYC jazz scene. During his time there, he also performed with top-tier artists including Rodney Green and Alexander Claffy, both faculty members at the Institute.
Now based back in Vancouver, Patrick remains an active performer and educator, continuing to explore the rich language of early jazz guitar while contributing to the local scene with his authentic voice and deep musicality.
