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…
The Monterey Jazz Festival has announced that ticket sales are selling at a record pace for the 45th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival, Sept. 20-22. Fans who held Arena Tickets in 2001 are urged to renew their ticket orders prior to the May 31, 2002, deadline. Patrons interested in purchasing Arena Packages or Grounds Tickets are urged to call The Monterey Jazz Festival Box Office, (925) 275-9255, or order on line at the Festival’s web site ( www.montereyjazzfestival.org) as soon as possible.
Arena Packages, priced from $150, are good for one seat to all five Jimmy Lyons Stage concerts, access to all the continuous jazz entertainment presented on five other stages spread throughout the Monterey Fairgrounds (site of the Festival since 1958) and access to The Jazz Theater, with simulcasts of the Jimmy Lyons Stage concerts in addition to film presentations featuring Charles Mingus. The purchase of Arena Packages also allows patrons to renew their same seats every year. Grounds Tickets (from $25) allow access to five stages of continuous jazz entertainment featuring many of the artists appearing on the Lyons Stage, as well as a star-studded line-up of international and regional jazz artists, plus access to the closed circuit Jazz Theater simulcasts.
The Festival has also announced new artists added to the original line-ups. Tenor saxophone star Michael Brecker and noted pianist Brad Mehldau will join Charlie Haden’s Special Project. Vocalist Byron Stripling has been added to Dave Brubeck’s “Real Ambassadors” performance, joining Lizz Wright on vocals, and trumpeter Roy Hargrove. Christian McBride will also join Brubeck for a duet performance. Joshua Redman and Roy Hargrove will both showcase new bands at this year’s festival, along with selections from their newly released recordings. And new names have been announced for the Festival Grounds venues including Dave Stryker/Steve Slagle Quartet, Zubot & Dawson, Sylvia Cuenca Group Trevor Watts & Moire Music Quartet.
They join an all-star array of legendary and up-and-coming artists appearing at the 2002 Monterey Jazz Festival, including Dave Brubeck Quartet, Joshua Redman, Nancy Wilson & Ramsey Lewis, Mingus Big Band, The Heath Brothers, Don Byron, Randy Weston Sextet with special guest Billy Harper, Roy Hargrove & RH Factor, Etta James, Marcia Ball, Big Time Sarah, Charlie Haden Special Project, Paula West, “A Tribute to Bay Area Percussionists” Orestes Vilato, John Santos, and Michael Spiro, Michael Wolff & Impure Thoughts, Mingus Amungus, Rene Marie, Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Hammond B3 Blowout with Rhoda Scott & Houston Person/Masters of the Groove with Reuben Wilson and many more artists.
More information is available from the Festival Box Office at 925-275-9255 and on line at the Festival’s web site, www.montereyjazzfestival.org.
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.
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