Kuni Mikami performed with Lionel Hampton Orchestra from 1991 to 2002. During that period he also played with various talented musicians and jazz vocalists such as: saxophonist Illinois Jacquet, vocalists Dakota Staton and Melba Joyce. He also performed with The Duke Ellington Orchestra at world famous Birdland Jazz Club in New York City for 8 years. Currently he is performing with the New Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He had performed on tours in South Africa, Philippines, Brunei, Austria, Greece, Ecuador, Honduras and Dominican Republic with his own trio. Kuni Mikami was born in 1954 and raised in Tokyo, Japan. In 1974 he immigrated to New York City to pursue his dream as jazz pianist. He was introduced to the Be-Bop Master, Mr. Barry Harris and became his first Japanese pupil. At a same time Kuni attended Jazz Mobil Workshop, studied with world class piano accompanist, Mr. Norman Simmons. Those two pianists influenced Mikami tremendously. Kuni was a regular player at the Jam sessions joints, such as Jazz Cultural Theatre, Jazz Forum and Tin Place. Met many follow musicians and the paid performance opportunities came in through these connections.