Step into the golden age of jazz with rising stars Benny Benack III, Robbie Lee, and Shenel Johns as they introduce students to the heart and soul of America’s music. Featuring the smooth sounds of iconic crooners like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, this special performance blends unforgettable classics with the rich history of jazz. More than just a concert, this program explores jazz’s roots in New Orleans, its evolution through swing and bebop, and its power to bring people together through rhythm, improvisation, and storytelling. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of jazz—designed to inspire the next generation of listeners and musicians.
“Jazz calls us to engage with our national identity. It gives expression to the beauty of democracy and of personal freedom and of choosing to embrace the humanity of all types of people. It really is what American democracy is supposed to be.” – Wynton Marsalis