Jazz Legend David Benoit Plays Musical Homage to Peanuts At the Paramount

What happens when a prominent contemporary jazz pianist/composer/three-time Grammy Nominee, a two-time Grammy Nominated jazz vocalist, a Latin Guitarist Grammy Nominee and a Broadway Chorus Director team up at the Hudson Valley’s most exciting theatre? Be in the audience as jazz pianist David Benoit and his musicians, are joined by vocalist Jane Monheit, and the Hudson Valley All-Star Chorus to present “David Benoit’s Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown”, on Thursday evening, December 3, 2015 at 7:00PM. You will quickly find out how the musical chemistry ignites when the Paramount Hudson Valley produces this remarkable collaboration.

With 25 albums under his belt, David Benoit has been recognized for his Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums, has performed at The White House for three U.S. Presidents: Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and George Bush, Sr. and has musical directed and/or performed with the likes of Kenny Loggins, Faith Hill, David Sanborn, Lanie Kazan, Ann-Margaret and Connie Stevens, to name a few. After the death of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, he released a memorial album entitled Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years. He also provided music for “Peanuts” in later specials. His memorable debut at The Paramount Hudson was so overwhelming, that audience members rallied for his return, this year.

The featured vocalist for the evening, the stunning and brilliant Jane Monheit, is well known for her 10 records and 2 DVD’s. Her unique vocals can be heard in movie soundtracks and on television (Christmas at the White House, the Capitol Fourth of July Celebration, and The National Memorial Day Celebration, Letterman, The View, The Today Show) as well as in live performances with a symphonic orchestra, in theaters and prominent jazz clubs around the country. She sings everything from The Great American Songbook, to pop favorites to Jazz standards, with flawless delivery, tender nuances and unmatched vocal control, the basis of her Grammy Nominations! Local fans are in for a double treat – When Benoit and Monheit perform together, it is magic!

Peekskill Middle School’s choral director, and Grammy Nominee Larry DelCasale, wears the hat of the evening’s choral conductor. The Hudson Valley All-Star Chorus consists of young singers from the Peekskill Middle School (where he is a music teacher), The Haldane School District in Garrison and The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts, a music school in Croton. DelCasale coupled his expertise in the music business when working closely with Benoit’s arrangers, coordinating and sharing the choral music and rehearsal tracks for the young singers to learn at their respective schools. He will be the choral conductor of over 60 young voices for the Benoit show.

Carol Arrucci, Broadway children’s vocal conductor and producer of last years sold-out “String Pulse” concert at the Paramount, which included 250 local school-aged singers, string players and dancers, is the choral assistant to Mr. DelCasale. She remarks, “With the popularity of the recent ‘Peanuts’ movie, and annual TV viewing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, families can continue to enjoy the music of Vince Guaraldi’s classics, along with some other jazz treats and holiday favorites. Mr. Benoit’s performance at the piano is a perfect bridge for young children to learn to appreciate live music and for adults to admire. We are familiar with the Charlie Brown tunes from television, and now, we watch live musicians perform the recognizable tunes on stage. This will heighten everyone’s musical experience as these jazz greats improvise and create exciting renditions of familiar holiday tunes. This show is for the whole family to enjoy together!”

Tickets for the beloved “Peanuts” musical homage, “David Benoit’s Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown”, featuring vocalist Jane Monheit and the Hudson Valley All-Star Chorus can be obtained online at www.paramounthudsonvalley.com/events or by calling the box office at 914-739-0039. The box office, located on 1008 Brown Street in Peekskill is open Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays, 1:00-6:00 and on Saturdays 12:00-6PM.