“Equally melodic and assertive, her sound feels rooted in tradition, yet broad enough to encompass R&B and Latin music; its pronounced funk suggests allegiances to hip-hop and dance.” – The New York Times

Three-time GRAMMY–nominated New York-based saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator Lakecia Benjamin offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk. In addition to honing her chops early with Clark Terry, she is also a noted accompanist for vocalists — among them Gregory Porter and Theo Crocker. In January 2023, Benjamin released Phoenix on Whirlwind Recordings. The 12-track, mostly original set was performed by her septet and produced by Terri Lyne Carrington. Phoenix featured many guests including Dianne Reeves, Georgia Ann Muldrow, Patrice Rushen, Wayne Shorter, Wallace Roney, Sonia Sanchez, and Angela Davis. The album led to three GRAMMY nominations, and universal praise. In addition to performing, Benjamin also became an educator, teaching at Jazz at Lincoln Center and at Jazz House Kids.

Her warm, resonant tone — that has been compared to Johnny Griffin’s — lends itself to any form of music she chooses to play. This is one TD JazzFest 2024 performance that you won’t want to miss! Zaccai Curtis keyboards, Elias Bailey bass, EJ Strickland drums

Opening for this evening will be the Attila Fias Trio