Benny Benack III: The Magic of Manhattan

Emmy-nominated trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III returns to SFJAZZ with The Magic of Manhattan, a celebration of the songs and artists that have defined New York City's musical heartbeat, from Broadway to 52nd Street. Following his sold-out 2024-25 Broadway tribute Some Enchanted Evening, Benack presents a jazz-inspired journey through the city's Golden Age and beyond, featuring everything from Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" to Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York."

As a third-generation musician from Pittsburgh, Benack brings both technical virtuosity and entertainer's charisma to his performances. His dual mastery of trumpet and vocals creates the rare experience of watching what feels like two soloists performing simultaneously—seamless transitions between his warm, post-Sinatra vocal style and lightning-fast trumpet work that can bend him into dramatic backbends. Recent live performances reveal an artist who "oozes charisma at every turn," with audiences responding so enthusiastically that jazz clubs can feel like rock concerts, complete with screaming and "hootin' and hollerin'."

Benack's trumpet playing is visually and audibly thrilling—the speed of his fingers, the emotional content of his face, and the visible musical journey he takes audiences on. His vocal interpretations showcase intricate phrasings and personal storytelling that set him apart in the crowded field of male jazz vocalists. Whether delivering intimate ballads or high-energy swing numbers, he maintains an infectious joy that makes it impossible not to smile while watching him perform.

The Magic of Manhattan draws from his acclaimed discography, including 2017's One of a Kind, 2020's A Lot of Livin' to Do, and 2023's Third Time's the Charm. Ranked #1 Rising Star Male Jazz Vocalist and #8 Rising Star Trumpeter in DownBeat's 2024 Critic's Poll, Benack has collaborated with Christian McBride's Big Band, Ann Hampton Callaway, Josh Groban, and Jon Batiste's Stay Human, bringing that same collaborative spirit to his exploration of New York's musical legacy.

From the bright lights of Broadway to the jazz clubs of midtown, this program promises to capture both the sophistication and the raw energy that make New York the ultimate musical metropolis.