New York jazz star Benny Benack III is bringing his smooth vocals and fiery trumpet skills to town, joined by powerhouse vocalist Mar Vilaseca and a killer lineup of top-tier musicians. Expect a night of swinging standards, post-bop grooves, and serious jazz chops.

Benny Benack III: Trumpet/Vocals

Benny Benack III isn’t just a masterful and passionate trumpeter—he’s got that post-bop style down, channeling the spirit of legends like Kenny Dorham and Freddie Hubbard. But that’s only half the story. He’s also a smooth and seasoned jazz vocalist, delivering classic standards and original compositions with a post-Sinatra flair. His killer stage presence, razor-sharp pitch, and technical precision allow him to seamlessly blend intricate improvisation with original lyrics, showcasing a rare level of musical talent. Oh, and he’s a pretty damn good pianist too.

Beyond leading modern jazz ensembles on international tours, Benny has shared the stage with big names across different music worlds, including Josh Groban, Ben Folds, and fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi. He’s a familiar face at New York’s top jazz clubs like Birdland, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Mezzrow, and the iconic Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel. He’s also performed alongside the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and the Minsk Philharmonic.

Featuring: Vocalist Mar Vilaseca

Singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Mar Vilaseca hails from Barcelona, Spain, born in 1998. A graduate of the Barcelona Conservatory, she later earned a master’s degree in jazz from Juilliard, studying under Wynton Marsalis, Carla Cook, Elio Villafranca, and Donald Vega—securing the prestigious JCAF award in 2022.

Mar has worked with a long list of top-tier artists, including Hermeto Pascoal, Joe Saylor, Benny Benack, and Emmet Cohen. She’s taken the stage at major festivals like the Barcelona Jazz Festival and Guangzhou Jazz Festival and performed at legendary venues like Jazz at Lincoln Center and Birdland. In 2020, she dropped her debut original album, Find The Way.

Jon Thomas: Piano

Based in New York, Jon Thomas is one of the most exciting young pianists in the jazz scene today. He holds a master’s degree from Juilliard and a bachelor’s from The New School, where he trained under heavyweights like Benny Green, Dan Nimmer, Aaron Parks, and Taylor Eigsti.

He’s played alongside jazz greats like Samara Joy, Marquis Hill, and Jazzmeia Horn, earning a reputation as a rising star with both skill and soul. Regularly performing at iconic spots like The Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, Smalls, and Minton’s Playhouse, he’s also a fixture on the international jazz festival circuit.

Joe Peri: Drums

A powerhouse drummer, percussionist, and educator, Joe Peri has been a staple of the New York jazz scene since 2009. He’s played everywhere, from Smalls and The Jazz Gallery to Dizzy’s and Birdland, and currently teaches jazz drums at the Manhattan School of Music’s pre-college division.

A Manhattan School of Music graduate under the mentorship of renowned drummer John Riley, Joe has worked with an impressive roster, including Peter Bernstein, Seamus Blake, and Aaron Goldberg. He even contributed to Love For Sale, the Grammy-winning album by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.

Caleb Tobocman: Bass

Holding it down on bass is Caleb Tobocman, a regular in the New York jazz circuit. He’s played at staple venues like Smalls, Mezzrow, and The Jazz Gallery. A Manhattan School of Music alum, he’s also performed with some serious heavyweights, including Grammy-winning drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts.

Partial Program 29 Apr/3 May [Rhythm@Romance: Ballads of Love]:

What a Difference a Day Makes 

I’m Confessin’ That I Love You 

Darn That Dream 

I Cover the Waterfront 

Partial Program 2 May [Sounds of Brazil: Bossanova Classics]:

Triste

The Girl From Ipanema

No More Blues/Chega De Saudade

Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)

*Program is subject to change

• Jazz & Concerts
• Live Music