Pianist to perform Christmas Charlie Brown tribute

Grammy-nominated composer and pianist David Benoit will perform his "Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown" at Naperville's North Central College in December.

The performance begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the college's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $55 and $40. For tickets, call (630) 637-7469 or visit tickets.noctrl.edu.

One of contemporary jazz's most acclaimed artists for more than two decades, Benoit will perform his tribute with guest Jane Monheit. The Grammy-nominated vocalist joined Benoit on his newest release "2 in Love."

With a love for "Peanuts" music by original composer Vince Guaraldi, Benoit has chosen a perfect time to tour: This year is the 50th anniversary of "A Very Charlie Brown Christmas," the first of many TV specials.

Since launching his recording career in 1977, Benoit's expansive career as a contemporary jazz pianist has included more than 25 solo recordings. His 1980s releases "This Side Up," "Freedom at Midnight" and the Grammy-nominated "Every Step of the Way" are considered influential genre classics.

His prolific output since 2000 includes several prominent Charlie Brown-related projects, including "Here's To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years" and the star-studded "40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas." These solidify Benoit's role as the musical heir to the original "Peanuts" composer Vince Guaraldi.

Benoit has released the Billboard Contemporary Jazz-charting albums "Fuzzy Logic," "Right Here, Right Now," "Full Circle" and "Heroes," which paid homage to the pianist's top jazz and pop influences. He also wrote "Botswana Bossa Nova" and "Will's Chill," two pieces unlike any he had done before. These became the foundation for the overall global music concept behind Benoit's new CD "Earthglow," his first set of original material in four years.