Jazz trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III returned to China for his third visit, staging his second show of the tour with his quartet at the historic Lyceum Theatre in Shanghai on 30 April, in celebration of International Jazz Day.
The performance, part of China’s official contribution to the 2025 International Jazz Day global programme, paid tribute to jazz greats and traced the music’s roots back to its birthplace in New Orleans.
Midway through the concert, Benny dedicated his favourite song, What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, to "a world not so wonderful" — a poignant reflection on the conflicts and crises currently facing the globe.
Joining Benny on stage were guest singer Mar Vilaseca, along with his quartet: bassist Caleb Tobocman (on his first-ever trip to Asia, and reportedly a fan of McDonald’s), keyboardist Jon Thomas (fresh off a long flight from Las Vegas), and drummer Joe Peri, known for performing with Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett on tour.
The quartet continues its China tour with a performance in Hangzhou today.
