Kǎi on the Keys has the next generation of Chicago-based music at her fingertips as a prolific pianist, vocalist and music director. She is a Downbeat-winning musical director and 312 Music Awards nominee. Kai reaches for exemplary musicianship by honoring the legacy of musicians before her and building a loving community around her. 

13 countries have indulged in music by Kai on the keys (and counting). You can find her on cruise ships, private yacht charters, festivals, and clubs across the globe.  Dueling Pianos clubs such as the famous Redhead piano bar, Howl at the Moon, Backstage Santa Barbara, 526 Main in Detroit, and many more keep her on their roster. She maintains a repertoire of over 1,000 of the most iconic songs that stood the test of time and are still requested today all over the world.  Her broad repertoire list informs her signature sound, which is rooted in a lineage of influential self-accompanied artists such as Nina Simone, the bold keystrokes of Elton John, and the modern elegance of Alicia Keys. Kai truly knows how to accent a party while bringing her music to private events. She has entertained Fortune 500 companies and small business, nonprofit fundraisers, engagements and weddings.

Kai a trusted keyboardist and background vocalist for rising stars and established artists in pop, R&B, Hip Hop, and Reggaeton.  She has the unique ability to replicate patches, beats and loops from scratch with Ableton.  This skill paired with repertoire spanning many genres and a focused stage presence makes her an elevating force for performing artists. Kai shares the stage with pop singer Aya Ito, Funk/Hiphop group Chicago Loud 9, Neo-soul group Scenic Route, Reggaeton artist Nino Augustine, house dj Ron Carroll, rapper Allen The Official, and many others. 

Listed as the Top Local Act in Chicago, Kai is the keyboardist with Chicago Loud 9; an upbeat hiphop and funk-soul band described by Illinois Entertainment as "pitch-perfect brass paired with razor sharp vocals." The 9-piece group creates a lush sound driven by horns, layered harmonies and intricate guitar lines. Their lead singer Duke and MC/rapper Dhan Dee lead the crowd through a danceable and high-energy set of original songs from their catalogue of  5 released albums.  They are known for their electric single, "Bright Nights" composed about the vibrant nightlife in Chi-town.  Kai is heavily involved in their songwriting, recently debuting her new song Windy City Breezes with the band. The band specializes in energizing crowds as a cold opener or main act at festivals and shows.

Sketch comedy and cabaret show producers put Kai on the keys when they are ready level up their show.  Kai is a Music Director with The Second City, whose alumni including Bob Curry and Jane Lynch. Building sound effects on QLab and underscoring piano music are her wheelhouse, allowing her to help create the scene and punch jokes. She is also a force to be reckoned with as a collaborative musical comedy songwriter. She began on the Music Director scholarship program with the SEcond City Inaugaural Victor Wong Fellowship. This was  first all-Asian cast at Second City performing their sold-out debut show on the ETC stage titled It's A Bao Damn Time.  She has since worked on the Stir Friday Nights shows, the Black Excellence Revue: Black by Popular Demand, The Second City 65th Anniversary show, and  has toured to with their Blue Touring Co.