On Lakecia Benjamin’s latest recording, “Phoenix,” the jazz saxophonist captures the fiery performance that has been realized at international festivals as well as on-stage with such acts as The Roots, Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder. Pulling from jazz, soul, and funk, Benjamin’s music soars live and on record. She was part of the Monterey on Tour show with revered jazz vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater and Kurt Elling, which included a concert at the Lincoln Center.
The charismatic Benjamin routinely engages her audiences on the mic and she is usually the most stylish in the venue. A recent concert in Germany saw her dressed in gold from head to toe, matching her trusted sax. However, that fit still could not outshine her massively impressive live performance, which the Wall Street Journal called “assertive and vital.”
Community Jazz Showcase
Thursday, January 18, 7:30pm / Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring the Purdue Jazz Band and jazz bands from Tippecanoe County.
Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix
Friday, January 19, 8:00pm
Loeb Playhouse at Stewart Center
Jazz Festival Competition and Clinics
Saturday, January 20, 8:00am – 6:00pm
Various locations
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED, details
Educator Judd Danby talks with GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin about her musical roots, pursuing mentors, her album Phoenix, and overcoming fears. Lakecia headlines Purdue’s 2024 Jazz Fest on Jan. 19, 2024.
Watch a short preview of Lakecia Benjamin’s upcoming performance at Purdue.
Jazz that is sprinkled with the rich flavors of funk and soul.
The New Yorker
