Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan and Roberta Flack will headline the 24th Annual Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival “Three Days of Divas” scheduled to take place at Hart Plaza Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 through Sept. 1.
Younger divas Lizz Wright, Nneena Freelon and Hiromi will join the three 30-year veterans at FDIJF to help headline the event.
According to festival director Frank Malfitano, this year’s lineup has all the diva qualities: “Incredible voices, unforgettable songs, unique styles, and unparalleled performing careers.”
Men will play the festival as well.
Freddy Cole, Natalie’s uncle, will be co-headlining the event and is expected to play with Natalie on Sept. 1 at the main stage.
Peter Cincotti, Joey DeFrancesco, Ron Carter, James Moody, Russell Malone and Benny Green, the Caribbean Jazz Project, Ronnie Cuber’s Cubism, Russell Gunn, Greg Osby, and Ed Cherry are among other artists already confirmed.
Detroit’s history of music and automobiles come together every year as the Ford Motor Company joins the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts and other sponsors to highlight past and present jazz.
For more information, go to www.detroitjazzfest.com.
Benjamin possessed a fluid, round sound on the alto saxophone, and he was often most recognizable by the layers of electronic effects that he put onto the instrument.
Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
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