Vocalist Ben Jones and Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer and arranger Laurence Hobgood appear on Monday, December 9 at 7:00 PM at Birdland. Both Jones and Hobgood are proud alumni of the University of Illinois, where their musical journeys began.
The duo performance celebrates their shared love of music ranging across the Great American Songbook, Broadway, pop, classical and prog rock. The show will feature songs by Herb Ellis, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stevie Wonder, Adam Guettel, Carole King and more.
Jones is an award-winning actor, singer, comedian and storyteller who has performed leading roles in over 20 productions, including Show Boat, The Soldier’s Tale, The Pajama Game, Tommy, Chicago and Sweeney Todd. As a soloist, he has shared the stage with Rita Moreno, Michael Tilson Thomas, Frederica Von Stade, Nathan Gunn, Isabel Leonard and the Bang on a Can All-Stars.
Hobgood is a Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, educator and Yamaha Artist known for his innovative approach to jazz arranging. A versatile creator, Hobgood seamlessly blends the worlds of jazz, classical, and contemporary music, creating a unique and captivating sound. Perhaps best known for his 20-year collaboration with vocalist Kurt Elling, he has released multiple albums of his own, including his trio recording, Honor Thy Fathers. He has recorded and performed with jazz luminaries such as Charlie Haden, Ernie Watts, Regina Carter, Stefon Harris, Jon Hendricks and John Pattitucci.
There is a $40 music charge and a $20 food and beverage minimum. For reservations, please call (212) 581-3080 or visit www.BirdlandJazz.com.
Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) in Manhattan.
