Bio

Mikailo Kasha is an award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader based in Miami, Florida. Currently considered to be among “the top 1% of bassists worldwide”, as stated by Scotty Barnhart of the Count Basie Orchestra, Kasha is a dynamic bandleader, versatile sideman, and a prodigious voice on both upright and electric bass.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Kasha is an alumnus of renowned incubator programs including the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars, San Jose Jazz All Stars, and the Stanford Jazz Institute. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Florida State University, studying under bassist Rodney Jordan and pianist Marcus Roberts, and completed a Master’s in Jazz Performance at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. He is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Live Entertainment Management at Frost.

A three-time DownBeat student award winner, Kasha received the 2022 “Jazz Soloist” award in the graduate division and an “Outstanding Performance” award for his trio. He also earned an Outstanding Soloist award in 2019. Kasha has been mentored by leading jazz figures such as Rufus Reid (Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute), Christian McBride (Jazz Aspen’s JAS Academy), Ben Wendel (Siena Jazz Workshop), and Maria Schneider (Generations Workshop, Switzerland).

In 2024, Kasha premiered the music from his upcoming record at the Stanford Jazz Festival with his working trio featuring star saxophonist Dayna Stephens. He has also appeared at festivals like San Jose Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival, and hallowed Bay Area venues like Café Stritch, SFJazz, Mr. Tipples, and Club Deluxe. As a sideman, Kasha has collaborated with Nestor Torres, Nick Finzer, Dave Meder, Stephen Scott, and Sal Valentinetti.

Beyond performance, Kasha is deeply committed to jazz education and community leadership. He serves as the Executive Director of the Miami Jazz Cooperative, is on faculty at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, and leads the High School Honors Jazz Combo at Miami Country Day School.