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Keala Kaumeheiwa is a Lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he teaches Jazz Combo Ensembles. Born in Oswego, New York, and raised in Marquette, Michigan, he received a Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied jazz and classical music under renowned bassist Richard Davis. After moving to New York City, Kaumeheiwa performed with the New York String Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Subsequently relocating to the Boston area, he furthered his jazz bass improvisation studies with legendary bassist Ron Carter as part of the inaugural class at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at the New England Conservatory. Throughout his career, he has performed with notable jazz figures including Jimmy Heath, Jackie McLean, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, and Harry "Sweets" Edison. Since 2001, he has been a prominent figure in the Boston jazz scene, performing at venues such as Sculler's Jazz Club, Ryles, Wally's Jazz Cafe, and Regattabar.