David Benoit to perform in benefit concert

MANILA, Philippines - International jazz fusion and smooth jazz pianist, composer and producer David Benoit (photo), a five-time Grammy Award nominee, will be heading to the Philippines with yet another noble cause — joining the line-up of the star-studded benefit concert Heal Our Land, which is set to be mounted at the Mall of Asia Arena today.

Benoit gained popularity through both his moving solo performances and notable collaborations. Over the years, he has arranged, conducted and performed musical numbers for artists like Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Faith Hill, Brian McKnight and the Walt Disney Company.

Benoit is also the music director for the Asia America Symphony and the Asia America Youth Orchestra.

Heal Our Land is definitely not the first of Benoit’s participation in causes that go far beyond plain performances. He has been active in a number of benefit concerts around Asia, including Korea and the Philippines.

Also joining Heal Our Land are David Pack and Kevyn Lettau, with keyboardist Brian Simpson, American saxophonist and singer Jessy J, percussionist Richie “Gajate” Garcia, and guitarist-singers Ray Parker Jr. and Jonathan Butler, whose song has inspired the concert’s title. Saxophonist Michael Paulo, pianist-singer-songwriter Spencer Day, pianist Gregg Karukas Freddie Schreuders, Eric Valentine and Nate Phillips of the LA All-Star Band will also be part of the concert’s line-up.

Also joining in the show are Sitti, Side A, South Border, Freestyle, Mulatto, Zoo, True Faith, Chad Borja and Voice of the Philippines contender Thor Dulay. The concert is directed by Bert de Leon.

Heal Our Land is produced by All That Jazz Promotions, Inc., with the support of ABS-CBN and Lifestyle Network.

All participating artists in Heal Our Land waived their talent fees for the concert, directing proceeds to the relief efforts of ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya and Gawad Kalinga projects.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets. For details, call 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets.net.