Born in the musical hothouse of New York, Lakecia Benjamin studied music and alto saxophone with jazz masters such as Billy Harper, Buster Williams and Gary Bartz. In 2020, she produced the acclaimed album Pursuance: The Coltranes - featuring compositions by both Alice and John, with guest musicians including Dee Dee Bridgewater on the seminal track Acknowledgement.

But a serious car accident and multiple injuries put everything in doubt. Lakecia Benjamin returned to the stage at the Cully Jazz Festival 2024 with a vibrant energy to perform her new album, simply called Phoenix, which won three Grammy Awards this year. She was joined on stage by Dee Dee Bridgewater to play and sing the Coltranes songs. Her 4tet included Zaccai Curtis on piano, Ivan Taylor on double bass and E.J. Strickland on drums - whose twin brother Marcus Strickland’s 4tet will play at the festival the following day.

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For more information, visit Lakecia Benjamin official website.