DAVID BENOIT: A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (Grammy Award-nominated Pianist, KJAZZ Host)
Catalina Jazz Club6725 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90028
David Benoit brings his Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown back to Catalina Jazz Club, revisiting the music and world of the 1965 A Charlie Brown Christmas special. The Grammy Award-nominated pianist and KJAZZ host will be joined by vocalist Courtney Fortune and a local children’s choir. The program centers on Vince Guaraldi’s classic score, alongside Benoit’s original Charlie Brown Christmas music and selections from his career as a solo artist. Benoit also composed music for later Charlie Brown Christmas television specials, giving the evening a direct link between Guaraldi’s original and its later screen life.
Benoit is presented here as a contemporary jazz piano figure with multiple Grammy nominations, a long-running solo career and a role as a KJAZZ host. His association with the Peanuts holiday music extends beyond performing its familiar themes: more than a decade ago, he took over as composer for new Charlie Brown Christmas TV specials. This concert draws on that history, pairing the recognizable Guaraldi repertoire with Benoit’s own additions to the tradition. Courtney Fortune’s vocal feature and the children’s choir make the tribute a larger staged presentation rather than a piano-only holiday set.
Catalina Jazz Club offers a refined evening where live jazz performances unfold in a room designed for attentive listening. The venue features a full-service restaurant and bar, encouraging guests to enjoy dinner before the show and drinks during the sets. Seating is arranged to provide clear sightlines to the stage, with ticket purchases online granting priority seating, ensuring a comfortable experience. Shows typically start around 8:30 pm with doors opening at 7:00 pm, allowing time for dining and settling in. The club hosts a range of acclaimed artists, from jazz drummers to vocalists, creating a night that blends musical mastery with a relaxed yet focused environment. The setting invites you to immerse yourself in the music, with minimal distractions and a respectful audience, making it a memorable night out in Hollywood.