Contemporary jazz pianist, David Benoit, will be the headlining act at the inaugural Art and All That Jazz, Henderson’s fine art and music festival, performing a concert on Saturday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District. Admission is complimentary.
With a career spanning over 30 years, Benoit has become one of contemporary jazz’s most accomplished and admired artists, recording over 25 solo albums and receiving five Grammy nominations for his album, Every Step of the Way, as well as Best Instrumental Composition for his song, “Dad’s Room”, and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance for the GRP All-Star Big Band. In addition, Benoit released several Billboard chart-topping albums including Fuzzy Logic, Right Here and Heroes.
Benoit has a true admiration for Peanuts, the animated series that features Charlie Brown Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Linus, and other friends. To reflect his passion for the music created by the cartoon’s original composer, Vince Guaraldi, Benoit produced several tribute albums including Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years and 40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas. He has also composed original music for the Peanuts television specials for over 10 years, solidifying his name as Guaraldi’s musical successor for the iconic animation.
Over the years, the popular pianist/composer has endeavored on other musical journeys, taking the roles as conductor of the Asia America Symphony Orchestra. He has also led other renowned ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as well as symphonies in London, Nuremberg, San Francisco, and Atlanta.
Other accomplishments include composing film scores for movies directed by legendary actress, Sally Fields, and serving as a guest educator with the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. Last year, the pianist was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at The American Smooth Jazz Awards.
Currently, Benoit is touring across the country, performing popular hits from past albums and incorporating new material from his latest achievement, Earthglow. Fans will join Benoit on a musical expedition into a new territory, mixing soulful jazz with global, ethnic beats and rhythms, with this album. They will enjoy eclectic pieces like “Botswana Bosa Nova” and “Will’s Chill”, a song inspired by Will.i.am, the genius behind the group, Black Eyed Peas.
Art and All That Jazz will be held over Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 7 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday, May 8 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street. The fine art show will feature a variety of contemporary artists, fine craft, fashion and home décor artisans. In addition, the two-day festival will an assortment of entertainment, interactive activities for children and Piazza Colori, an adaptation of an Italian street painting festival sponsored by the Rotary Club of Green Valley.
For additional information, visit HendersonLive.com or call the City of Henderson Cultural Arts and Tourism Department at (702) 267-2171.