Jazz Bridge presents their “Second Wednesdays Neighborhood Concert Series- Jazz in the Sanctuary” in Center City at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St., Philadelphia PA 19103. This concert, fourth in the series, features violinist Benjamin Sutin and his band on Wednesday, January 13. Showtime is 7:30-9:00 p.m. and tickets are $10 general admission/$5 for students, and are only available at the door. For more info call: 856-858-8914, 215-517-8337 or visit online at jazzbridge.org/events/neighborhood-concerts.
Motivated by a diverse musical palate and burning passion to connect with people of all creeds through his music, violinist Benjamin Sutin finds himself in the most culturally varied city in the world, New York City. Since arriving here four years ago Benjamin has performed in Pandit Samir Chatterjee’s Robithakur (A Ballet on the Life of Tagore) at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater in November 2011, with drummer Ronnie Burrage, pianists George Burton and Benito Gonzalez, and most recently with Afro-Cuban pianist Larry Harlow and his restoration of Hommy-A Latin Opera at Lincoln Center Outdoors in July of 2014....
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Jazz Bridge presents their “Second Wednesdays Neighborhood Concert Series- Jazz in the Sanctuary” in Center City at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St., Philadelphia PA 19103. This concert, fourth in the series, features violinist Benjamin Sutin and his band on Wednesday, January 13. Showtime is 7:30-9:00 p.m. and tickets are $10 general admission/$5 for students, and are only available at the door. For more info call: 856-858-8914, 215-517-8337 or visit online at jazzbridge.org/events/neighborhood-concerts.
Motivated by a diverse musical palate and burning passion to connect with people of all creeds through his music, violinist Benjamin Sutin finds himself in the most culturally varied city in the world, New York City. Since arriving here four years ago Benjamin has performed in Pandit Samir Chatterjee’s Robithakur (A Ballet on the Life of Tagore) at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater in November 2011, with drummer Ronnie Burrage, pianists George Burton and Benito Gonzalez, and most recently with Afro-Cuban pianist Larry Harlow and his restoration of Hommy-A Latin Opera at Lincoln Center Outdoors in July of 2014.
In an effort to more fully realize his dream, Benjamin has started his own seven piece jazz band called “Klazz Ma Tazz” inspired by Klezmer, Eastern European Folk Music, Indian Music, and much more.
With an equal love for rock n roll, Benjamin has made his way into the rock scene upon being called by Tommy Byrnes (Billy Joel’s Lead Guitarist) as a guest performer with Big Shot, the Billy Joel cover band at the TD Bank Amphitheater in Bensalem, PA. Prior to this he played in the NJ/PA/NY regional string section for the Trans Siberian Orchestra’s “Last Christmas Eve” Tour during the winter of 2012 and 2013, performing for sold out crowds in venues such as the Nassau Coliseum, Prudential Center and Wells Fargo Arena.
Although this satisfied his love for rock n roll, it only touched the surface of Benjamin’s developing fascination with chamber music. However, his main inspiration came in the spring of 2013 and 2014 when he performed in a String Quartet/Piano Trio Concert composed by Lewis Porter and featuring Jazz Piano legend, Don Friedman. With a growing appeal for a jazz string quartet, it finally came to fruition when in the fall of 2013 Benjamin Sutin and Nathan Kamal co-founded “Stringency.” This is a traditional string quartet that stretches the boundaries of chamber music to include jazz and improvisation with original compositions and arrangements.
Throughout high school Benjamin studied at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz where he met his late mentor and guru, jazz violinist John Blake Jr. whom he studied with for seven years. Out of the many things he learned from John, one of the most critical was that we, as human beings and artists never stop learning; education is a life-long pursuit. Inspired by his words, Benjamin has become a sought after educator in New York City and New Jersey.
When he’s not performing, Ben can be found teaching music at various schools: Brooklyn Musical Arts, The Harlem School of the Arts and at the Neighborhood Charter School of Harlem (A School for Autistic Children). In March of 2015 he presented a series of clinics to orchestral students throughout the Lenape School District in Southern New Jersey; opening the eyes and ears of aspiring string players to the unique realm of possibilities found in jazz and improvisation. In the summer of 2015 Ben was hired as a visiting artist at New Jersey School of Music, teaching private jazz string lessons.
Jazz Bridge, an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to assisting Greater Philadelphia Metro area jazz and blues musicians and vocalists in times of crisis, sponsors these neighborhood concerts throughout the region to keep the sound of Philadelphia alive.
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