Benito Gonzalez at The Garage in Pittsfield, Oct. 18, 2012.

Pittsfield, MA – Benito Gonzalez brings his solo piano show to The Garage on October 18 at 8pm.

The fusion of world rhythms and straight-ahead jazz make this passionate performer an audience favorite all over the world. Benito Gonzalez is being recognized as an exciting pianist and composer for his well-received debut album, Starting Point (Christian McBride, Antonio Sanchez, Rene McLean, Ron Blake) and as winner of the 2005 Great American Jazz Piano Competition.

Presently, Gonzalez is creating a very personal body of work for his sophomore album that will feature him as an improviser. After two years touring with jazz master, Kenny Garrett, he added numerous festivals and international jazz club dates to his credit. Gonzalez has shared the stage with Curtis Fuller, Pharaoh Sanders, Bobby Hutcherson, Christian McBride, Ignacio Berroa, Roy Hargrove, Rene McLean, Steve Turre, Hamiet Bluiett, Antonio Sanchez, T.K. Blue, Nicholas Payton and Jackie Mclean. His multi-cultural talents have led to frequent recording dates; from American jazz masters to West African musicians to Latin bands. He has also served as musical director for several Venezuelan recording artists. The Benito Gonzalez Trio has appeared at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, at the Maryland, and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, in addition to many other noted jazz venues.

“The pianist’s arrangements allow the listener to get lost in [the] suite-like structure of his works, the crescendos of ensemble fireworks, and the often bluesy musings he intersperses throughout. If this represents Gonzalez’s Starting Point, I can’t wait to hear what follows.” – Mark Holston, Jazziz

Tickets to Benito Gonzalez are $25. Contact the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street, Pittsfield by calling 413-997-4444. Tickets can also be bought online at www.berkshiretheatregroup.org. The Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm or on any performance day from 10am until curtain.