Chicago Jazz Piano Festival / Ptah Williams “The Rhapsody In Blue Centennial Concerts” and Benito Gonzalez “Letter to McCoy”

Celebrate the Opening Night of Chicago’s Exciting New Festival Dedicated Solely to the Art of the Piano!

Ptah Williams is one of St. Louis’ finest jazz pianists. He makes the piano breathe and dance. One of his great strengths is that he is able to shine both as a soloist and as an accompanist. As a soloist, he assumes centerstage with grace and confidence; as an accompanist he supports the soloist with a style that is varied and innovative, yet never overpowering. His style is unpredictable; when he performs, there’s no way to anticipate the musical direction he might choose to take, and following the twists and turns of his solo runs can be as exciting as a roller coaster.

Come and witness the captivating inaugural concert showcasing the exceptional artistry of Benito Gonzalez, a veteran of the bands of Kenny Garrett, Pharaoh Sanders, Billy Harper and many other giants of today’s modern jazz. Benito Gonzalez’s music reflects a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, drawing inspiration from the classic jazz repertoire while infusing it with modern elements and his own unique sensibilities.

His technical mastery, coupled with an emotive and expressive approach to improvisation, sets him apart as a solo pianist, and he is widely known for his unparalleled mastery of the music of McCoy Tyner, and is fluid in the literature of bebop and Latin jazz. . Prepare to be moved by an evening of soul-stirring melodies at Pianoforte Studios – Chicago’s prestigious concert venue. Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance and revel in the mesmerizing performance that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Join us on this extraordinary musical journey with Benito Gonzalez as we inaugurate the Chicago Jazz Piano Festival with an unforgettable night of solo piano brilliance.

Benito Gonzalez is a highly acclaimed pianist known for his remarkable talent, creativity, and deep understanding of jazz music. Born in Venezuela, Benito developed a strong passion for music at an early age and quickly rose to prominence in the jazz scene. Having discovered his love for the piano as a child, Benito Gonzalez pursued formal music education and graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. His time in the United States allowed him to immerse himself in the rich jazz culture, where he honed his skills and developed a unique style that captivated audiences and fellow musicians alike. Gonzalez’s career boasts collaborations with some of the most renowned artists in the jazz world, including Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride, Pharaoh Sanders and Antonio Sanchez, among others. His performances have taken him to prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, gaining him a global reputation as a virtuosic and versatile pianist. Benito shines in the solo piano format. He has released several solo albums that have been met with critical acclaim and have further solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary jazz.

There will be two show times each night: 7:30pm & 9pm.