Ben Jones & Laurence Hobgood

Birdland is proud to announce that on Monday, December 9, singer Ben Jones and Grammy-winning pianist/composer Laurence Hobgood will share the stage with a 7pm concert!Two powerhouse talents come together for an unforgettable night of music! Critically-acclaimed vocalist Ben Jones and Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and arranger Laurence Hobgood will share the stage for a unique duo performance that celebrates their shared love of music ranging across the Great American Songbook, Broadway, Pop, Classical music and Prog Rock.Both Jones and Hobgood are proud alumni of the University of Illinois, where their musical journeys began. Their shared backgrounds and passions ignite a thrilling musical chemistry, infusing every song with vibrant, innovative interpretations. The show will feature songs by Herb Ellis, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stevie Wonder, Adam Guettel, Carole King, and more. Jones and Hobgood will deliver fresh takes on timeless classics and unexpected deep cuts. Together, they create an evening of unparalleled artistry that seamlessly blends jazz, Broadway, and rock influences.Ben Jones is thrilled to be returning to Birdland. Jones is an award-winning actor, singer, comedian and storyteller who has performed leading roles in over 20 productions, including Show Boat, The Soldiers Tale, The Pajama Game, Tommy, Chicago and Sweeney Todd. He trained in acting, dance and music at the University of Illinois before completing graduate studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. As a soloist, Ben has shared the stage with Rita Moreno, Michael Tilson Thomas, Frederica Von Stade, Nathan Gunn, Isabel Leonard and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. His versatile voice has been featured on A Prairie Home Companion, on video games including Halo and Civilization, and on Carnegie Halls Voices of Hope Festival. With his one-man shows, Ben has headlined at clubs around the globe including Birdland (New York), 54 Below (New York), The Pheasantry (London), Chat Noir (Oslo), The Blue Strawberry (St. Louis), Hey Nonny (Chicago), Catalina Jazz Club (Los Angeles), Feinsteins at the Nikko (San Francisco and the Parker Jazz Club (Austin). More at @benjonessinger and benjonessinger.com Laurence Hobgood is a Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, educator and Yamaha Artist known for his innovative approach to jazz arranging. A versatile creator, Laurence seamlessly blends the worlds of jazz, classical, and contemporary music, creating a unique and captivating sound. Perhaps best known for his 20-year collaboration with vocalist Kurt Elling, Laurence has released multiple acclaimed albums of his own, including his trio recording, Honor Thy Fathers, and the celebrated septet project, tesseterra, featuring his trio and string quartet, which reimagines classic songs through a jazz lens. Hobgood has recorded and performed with jazz luminaries such as Charlie Haden, Ernie Watts, Regina Carter, Stefon Harris, Jon Hendricks and John Pattitucci, and has appeared at prestigious venues worldwide, from Carnegie Hall and the White House to the Sydney Opera House. His work has been featured on NPRs Jazz Night in America and in JazzTimes Magazine. Learn more at laurencehobgood.com