One of the more exciting days on the calendar — International jazz Day — is on the horizon and Portland will have a chance to celebreate it in style this year. This Sunday, April 30 at the 1905 welcomes acclaimed artist Benny Benack III for a pair of performances.
The trumpeter and vocalist from Philadelphia has been building an impressive resume since coming up through the ranks of the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Following in the sizable legacy built by his grandfather, trumpeter Benny Benack, and his saxophonist / clarinetist father Benny Benack, Jr., the 32-year-old artist has enmeshed himself in the jazz and pop worlds. Over the course of his still-fresh career, he has shared the stage with everyone from Ben Folds to the late Joey DeFrancesco. He has recorded two albums of his own, including 2020's A Lot of Livin' to Do, which featured contributions from vocalist Veronica Swift and bassist Christian McBride.
He arrives in Portland ahead of the release of his third album, charmingly-titled Third Time's the Charm, and brings with him a crack band that includes drummer Joe Peri, bassist Alex Frank, and pianist Mathis Picard. Of this new album, out on June 30, Benack III says, "[It's] the maturation and culmination of everything I’ve been developing artistically across my playing, singing and writing."
Benack III and his band will play two sets at the 1905 on April 30 in celebration of International Jazz Day at 7 and 9 pm. These shows are sure to sell out quickly, so don't wait to reserve your spot for what is sure to be a magical night of music.