Lakecia Benjamin

Lakecia Benjamin is a six-time Grammy-nominated, New York-based saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator whose masterful sound offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk. Her warm, resonant tone—often compared to that of Johnny Hodges—lends itself to any style she chooses to play. 

The success of two of her most recent albums, Phoenix and Pursuance: The Coltranes, have positioned Benjamin among jazz’s most celebrated recording artists. In addition to absolute raves from outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, and DownBeat, Phoenix earned Benjamin three Grammy nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album, and the Alto Saxophonist of the Year title presented by the prestigious Jazz Journalist Association.

Given Benjamin’s personal story over the last few years, her concerts are nothing short of life-affirming. In 2021, she was involved in a car accident that resulted in more than one potentially career-ending injury. Today, Benjamin has regained her confidence and physical strength, embraces whatever limitations her accident may have inflicted, and looks forward to many more decades of traveling and performing.

In 2024, Benjamin released Phoenix Reimagined, a live-in-studio album which focuses on the music from her acclaimed Phoenix project and adds three new songs. With the spontaneous magic of a live LP, Phoenix Reimagined illustrates not only the vibrant togetherness between Benjamin and her live audiences but also the resilience and power behind this prolific powerhouse. Benjamin’s most recent album, We Dream, was released this year on June 5.

In addition to recording, performing, and arranging, Benjamin is also an educator dedicated to mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians by teaching at Jazz at Lincoln Center and at Jazz House Kids.

Special thanks to our Jazz Series sponsor The Village at Germantown.