Tulip Time Celebrates “The King of Swing”

Benny Goodman was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader in the mid-1930’s known as the “King of Swing.” At Tulip Time 2020, we recreate the fun and excitement of the Swing Era as Michigan clarinet virtuoso, Dave Bennett and his band, transport the audience back in time.

Bennett began playing clarinet at age 10 as he taught himself to play Goodman songs by ear. At age 14, he began travelling with The New Reformation Band and Wally’s Warehouse Waifs on the “trad jazz” festival circuit. At 17, Bennett was selected as one of two high school students from a field of 600, to perform as a special guest soloist with The Count Basie Orchestra.

Bennett has made a great impression on several of Benny Goodman’s famous band members: vibraphonist Peter Appleyard, guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and pianist Dick Hyman. They all strongly endorse Dave Bennett as “the closest ever” to Goodman’ sound and style. He has performed with them in the US, Canada and Europe, and they have recorded as “Special Guests” on Dave’s two recent CDs.

Leading his Tribute to Benny Goodman, Dave has been a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops and has played the show with 35 other US and Canadian orchestras.

Dave has been featured on NPR Radio’s“Jazz at Riverwalk.” He made his European debut in 2008 at The Bern Jazz Festival (Switzerland) in a combo with jazz legends and Benny Goodman band alumni guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and vibraphonist, the late Peter Appleyard.

Dave is a Mack Avenue Records artist. His 2013 CD “Don’t Be That Way” met with critical acclaim. His second release, Blood Moon, which features five originals and six pop/jazz covers, hit the No 24 on the Billboard Jazz chart in 2018.

Join us for this memorable evening as Dave Bennett’s Tribute to Benny Goodman celebrates popular hits and jazz classics, including Moonglow, I’ve Got Rhythm, Slipped Disc, Sing Sing Sing, and many others. For more details and to purchase tickets visit https://tuliptime.com/events/benny-goodman.