Above / David Benoit will perform Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown on stage at The Wentz. (Photo courtesy North Central College)
North Central College welcomes David Benoit–five-time, Grammy-nominated veteran composer and pianist performing his Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown Dec. 12.
The performance begins at 8PM Saturday, Dec. 12, in the College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave.
Tickets are $55 and $40; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
Above / When David Benoit arrives to tickle the ivories, Wentz Concert Hall will be decked out for the season. (PN File Photo)
Brief Bio of David Benoit
One of contemporary jazz’s most acclaimed artists for more than two decades, Benoit will perform his Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown for a holiday tour with special guest Jane Monheit. The Grammy-nominated vocalist joined Benoit on his newest release “2 in Love.” With a love for “Peanuts” music by original composer Vince Guaraldi, Benoit has chosen a perfect time to tour: This year is the 50th anniversary of “A Very Charlie Brown Christmas,” the first of many TV specials.
Since launching his recording career in 1977, Benoit’s expansive career as a contemporary jazz pianist has included more than 25 solo recordings. His ’80s releases “This Side Up,” “Freedom at Midnight” and the Grammy-nominated “Every Step of the Way” are considered influential genre classics.
His prolific output since 2000 includes several prominent Charlie Brown-related projects, including “Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years” and the star-studded “40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas.” These reflect his lifelong passion for the music of original “Peanuts” composer Vince Guaraldi and solidify Benoit’s role as his musical heir.
Benoit has released the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charting albums “Fuzzy Logic,” “Right Here, Right Now,” “Full Circle” and “Heroes,” which paid homage to the pianist’s top jazz and pop influences. He also wrote “Botswana Bossa Nova” and “Will’s Chill,” two unique pieces unlike any he had done before. These became the foundation for the overall global music concept behind Benoit’s stirring and provocative new CD “Earthglow,” his first set of original material in four years.
Thanks for supporting the arts!
North Central College’s 2015-2016 Fine and Performing Arts Season is partially sponsored by Nicor Gas, Advanced Data Technologies, BMO Harris Bank, Savant Capital Management, USG Corporation, Monarch Landing, Naperville Special Events and Cultural Amenities Fund, Illinois Arts Council Agency, DuPage Foundation and Naperville Development Partnership.
This exhibit is among many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. North Central offers a variety of venues accommodating a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public.
For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and more, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).
