David Benoit and Brian Culbertson: Piano 2 Piano

Two of the highest profile keyboardists in contemporary jazz, David Benoit and Brian Culbertson, make a unique pairing in an acoustic piano performance “Piano 2 Piano” on Friday, March 16, at 8:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

Benoit’s career as a contemporary jazz pianist has included more than 25 solo recordings and 32 total recordings since 1977. Among his ‘80s releases, This Side Up, Freedom at Midnight, and the Grammy-nominated Every Step of the Way, are considered influential genre classics. Among his other Grammy nominations are those for Best Instrumental Composition and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance.

Culbertson, originally from Decatur, Illinois, has distinguished himself as a contemporary jazz musician since 1994. His 2001 release Nice & Slow (featuring special guest trumpeter Herb Alpert and singer/songwriter Kenny Lattimore), spent six weeks at  No. 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart due to the No. 1 singles “Get It On” and “All About You.” Other albums include Come On Up (2003), It's On Tonight (2005) and A Soulful Christmas (2006). He produced a different kind of album in 2008 Bringing Back the Funk, a salute to ‘70s soul music that he co-produced with the legendary Maurice White and that features an impressive slate of musicians.

Benoit and Culbertson will perform some of their best-known compositions, along with original music they’ve collaborated on specifically for this project. Tickets are $35-$30 for general public and $27 for seniors, (60 years and older) and Buffalo State faculty and staff. Any student with ID can purchase a ticket one hour prior to the show for $15.
For more information or to order tickets, call (716) 878-3005 or go to www.buffalostatepac.org/page/purchase-tickets/.