Carolina Jazz Concert Series Finale: David Benoit's "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

David Benoit, the pianist credited with firmly planting music from "The Peanuts" television series in the jazz world, brought tunes from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to Charlotte Saturday night.

Selina Albright, Jamey Tate and David Hughes joined Benoit onstage at CPCC's Halton Theater. Benoit, a huge fan of Charles Schultz's characters (especially Schroeder), said he not only loved works originally performed by musician Vince Guaraldi in the 1960s but also was honored to have been asked to write music for the newer Peanuts television specials.

The Quail Chorusters, the choir from Charlotte's Quail Hollow Middle School, with about one hour of rehearsal time, completed the lineup and joined Albright, Benoit, Hughes and Tate onstage to sing "Christmastime Is Here" and other songs.

A highlight of the show was Benoit's and Albright's performance as Schroeder and Lucy. Benoit played Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" while Albright sang to Lucy's unrequited love.

The performance was the final event in the 2011 Carolina Jazz Concert Series, which is part of The Jazz Diva productions. In 2012, the series returns with a new lineup, including George Benson in March.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jazz music
• David Benoit
• Selina Albright
• David Hughes
• Jamye tate
• quail hollow middle school
• halton theater
• jazz diva events
• charlotte jazz
• a charlie brown christmas
• smooth jazz
• contemporary jazz