George Benson News

As live performances return to venues throughout Southern California, Irvine Barclay Theatre has announced nearly 20 shows that it has added to its season, which kicks off on September 19 with the country chart-topping trio The Gatlin Brothers.

The Muny's production of the hit jukebox musical, Smokey Joe's Cafe is now on stage at the historic theatre in Forest Park! What did the critics have to say? Check out the reviews.

The Monterey Jazz Festival have announced that tickets for its 64th edition have sold out for the weekend of September 24-26. Tickets went on sale to the general public on July 14 and officially sold out on July 20.

The 64th Monterey Jazz Festival has announced the second wave of performers and an additional Grounds stage at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, September 24-26, 2021.

Irvine Barclay Theatre will kick off a new season on September 9 with an array of renowned artists including country chart-topping trio The Gatlin Brothers; multi-Grammy-winning jazz artist Pat Metheny; internationally-acclaimed song stylist Michael Feinstein; and author and social commentator Fran Lebowitz.

Musicians, students and music lovers around the world can enjoy a series of entertaining and educational online events featuring prominent performers July 18-23 during the Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy® summer intensive.

Grammy-winning vocalist Catherine Russell and stage and screen stars Telly Leung and Solea Pfeiffer will join Michael Feinstein as professional mentors at this year's Songbook Academy summer intensive, the nation's leading youth music program focused on the timeless standards of jazz, pop, Broadway and Hollywood.

Sammy Figueroa has long been regarded as one of the world's great musicians. As one of the music's leading percussionists he has played on countless records and is well-known for his versatility in a multitude of musical styles. Tickets are now on sale for his performance at Omaha Performing Arts July 8th, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

The 27th Annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival has announced the addition of a simmering summer jazz concert on July 16 from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. to its year-long concert series.

After over 18-months of quiet, there will be live jazz music once again at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. “After such a challenging year, we can't wait to reunite the jazz community in Monterey and to celebrate our resilience,” says Colleen Bailey, Executive Director.

Dawn Derow lit up The West Bank Cafe with a very eclectic mix of favorite golden-age Broadway standards, newer Broadway sounds, pop songs, and even a touch of the operatic. Ms. Derow has a voice that is warm and as comforting as an old friend. She is capable of soprano arias and smokey torch songs and navigates both equally well. I was particularly impressed by her Bassa-nova-tinged version of George Benson’s “This Masquerade,” and her Sweet Dreams,” in which she managed to evoke Patsy Cline without imitating her.

Saxophonist, composer, producer, and vocalist Eric Darius likes to play by his own rules. Fearlessly pushing all musical boundaries, he is one of the most exciting musicians to enter the Contemporary Jazz scene in the last decade.

Beginning in June, live jazz concerts will resume at The Nash, the leading jazz club and educational center in Phoenix. Dennis Rowland and Diana Lee will be the first concert held at the venue, after over 14 months of closure.

The convo begins with a discussion of labels versus indie, as the two go over the many pros and cons of both. After a slew of label conflicts in the early days, Frampton found success for his album ‘Come Alive’ with A&M, which at the time was the biggest independent label.

Having spent much of the past 4 years on the road with US blues guitar juggernaut Joe Bonamassa, gracing stages such as Royal Albert Hall, Red Rocks Colorado and The Greek Theatre LA, Jade is thrilled to be returning to Australia to launch Weather The Storm with shows in Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne in May, June and July.

Gold Coast Jazz Society brings Award-winning Jazz Singer Nicole Henry to Broward County on May 12th, Henry is sure to magnetize excitement and attraction in this beloved venue after a year of theater closure. 

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra Executive Director Lea Petrie today announced the 2021-2022 season which includes the much-anticipated performances of Bird Lives and Hallelujah Holidays.  All performances will be held at the Helzberg Hall of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (1601 Broadway, KCMO 64108).

This fast-moving concert features songs written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who created hit tunes for some of the greatest recording artists of the era.

Tawkin' With the Roses, the weekly talk show hosted by veteran actress Bonnie Rose and cabaret star Stephen S. Miller (aka “Mama Rose”), welcomes Terry Burrus as the guest for today's episode.

With Conditioner McCluskey and Kirkbride truly encapsulate our past year’s experience, with enough joy and radiance to lead us back outside into the wide world with one another.