A Wine & Jazz Experience Like No Other

Live music, incredible performers, wines from around the world, and breathtaking garden beauty … all that—and more—awaits in our Gardens during our soon-to-come Wine & Jazz experience. This year, we welcome five-time Grammy Award winner and jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves; charismatic and dynamic saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin; captivating composer and pianist Harold López-Nussa; Emmy, Grammy, and George Foster Peabody Award-winning bassist Endea Owens; New Orleans funk-meets soulful New York jazz group The Dale Melton Trio; and the always-energetic High and Mighty Brass Band. We had the pleasure of speaking with Lakecia Benjamin and Harold López-Nussa—two incredible artists joining us for both Wine & Jazz All Stars on September 13 and the Wine & Jazz Festival on September 14—and got their take on everything from the importance of connecting with their audiences to their musical inspirations and what to expect as they grace us with their talents at “one of the most beautiful live music venues in the country” … and we hope to see you there. 

Lakecia Benjamin

Voted the 2020 DownBeat Critics Poll Rising Star Alto Saxophonist and Up and Coming Artist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin fuses traditional concepts of jazz, hip hop, and soul into her electric presence and fiery sax work. Benjamin has shared stages with several legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and The Roots—and here she shares with us her thoughts on her debut performances at Longwood, as she soon joins us for Wine & Jazz All Stars and the Wine & Jazz Festival. 

What is your favorite part of your career as a saxophonist?

My favorite part of my career as a saxophonist is being able to meet new people and interact with and learn about different cultures and musicians from around the world.

What are some of your most profound musical inspirations or influences?

My most profound musical inspirations are the acclaimed American jazz saxophonist, bandleader, and composer John Coltrane and American jazz pianist, organist, harpist, singer, composer, and swamini Alice Coltrane; American swing and bebop trumpeter, pioneer of the flugelhorn in jazz, composer, and educator Clark Terry; American jazz upright bassist, composter, bandleader, pianist, and author Charles Mingus; American singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer, and actor Prince; and American singer, dancer, and musician James Brown.  

What do you look forward to with your upcoming performance in the Wine & Jazz Festival?

I’m excited to visit a new town I have never been to before and play at a festival that I’ve never played at! When approaching a new performance, I always like to get to know the audience, and then cultivate an interactive experience with them. I am also honored to open for the great Dianne Reeves, the five-time Grammy Award winner and jazz vocalist who will grace the festival with her breathtaking virtuosity and magnetic performance. 

How is Longwood different from other venues you have performed at?

Though I have never been to Longwood or performed in the Gardens, I’ve heard that it is one of the most beautiful live music venues in America. I’m someone that loves nature and the outdoors, so being able to make music in this garden setting—and open for a hero of mine—will be a life-changing experience. 

What do you hope audience members will take away from your performance in the Gardens?

I’m hoping that all who join us recognize this festival as a safe space for positive energy. I hope they can connect with me through the joy, love, and appreciation I have for the audience. 

Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana

Recognized as "the future of Latin jazz" by The Times (UK), pianist and composer Harold López-Nussa begins an exciting new chapter with his Blue Note Records debut, Timba a la Americana. Inspired by his recent decision to leave his Cuban homeland and start a new life in France, this vibrant album brims with both joy and pathos. For more than a decade, he has been globetrotting around playing some of the world’s biggest stages. His tight-knit band features harmonica virtuoso Grégoire Maret, the in-demand bassist Luques Curtis, and Ruy Adrián López-Nussa on drums whose brotherly bond with Harold López-Nussa enhances their extraordinary chemistry. Together, they unleash a dynamic essence and relentless energy. With the upcoming Wine & Jazz All Stars and Wine & Jazz Festival, López-Nussa is returning to Longwood for the first time since his indoor performance in October 2018; this will be his first experience performing outdoors in the Gardens, and we’re delighted to welcome him back.  

What are some of your most profound musical inspirations or influences?

My biggest influences came directly from my family—my uncle Ernan López-Nussa and my father Ruy López-Nussa—who greatly inspired my approach to my own music. My mother was also a piano teacher, and my grandmother played piano beautifully, though not professionally. Being surrounded by incredible musicians and lovers of music from the very beginning of my life made me what I am today. 

What is your favorite part of your career as a composer and pianist?

As a composer, my favorite part of my work is to see how even the smallest ideas—ones I usually just record singing into my phone—become a song when the musicians add in their own magic. And, my favorite part of my work as a piano player is every concert I perform. The opportunity to play for an audience is something very special to me. I realized how important this was to me during the lockdown amidst the pandemic several years ago. To be without playing live concerts was really hard for me, so I cherish every opportunity I get to connect with an audience.

What do you look forward to with your upcoming performance in the Wine & Jazz Festival?

Well, I am looking forward to having good wine and listening to good jazz! Of course, these performances will be special for me because I will be playing two days in a row—both for Wine & Jazz All Stars and the Wine & Jazz Festival—in this beautiful venue. I am excited as well because my group and I will be trying out some new music that we are working on.

How do you think this outdoor performance during the 2024 Wine & Jazz Festival will differ from your previous indoor performance at Longwood?

Outdoor performance is always very interesting—the vibe is completely different than an indoor concert. I look forward to playing under an open sky and feeling the energy of the audience—and I can't wait to play amongst the beauty of the Gardens. For us, this performance will definitely be one to remember. 

What do you hope audience members will take away from your performance in the Gardens?

I just want audience members to have a good time with us, celebrating music, good wine, and natural beauty. I love when I see people having a great time enjoying and taking in the music while I am performing—creating this energy in an audience is always my goal! 

Editor’s note: Start your Wine & Jazz festivities with Wine & Jazz All Stars on September 13. During this very special Open Air Theatre performance, bandleaders from past and present Wine & Jazz Festivals—including Benjamin, López-Nussa, bassist Endea Owens, drummer Justin Faulkner, and trumpeter Etienne Charles—play together for the first (and perhaps only!) time in this one-of-a-kind performance. Then, join us for the Wine & Jazz Festival on September 14 as five-time Grammy Award winner and jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves, Benjamin, López-Nussa, Endea Owens & The Cookout, The Dale Melton Trio, and High and Mighty Brass Band perform throughout the beauty of our Gardens. Enjoy the sights and sounds of live music, savor a delightful selection of wines from around the world, and even enjoy a jazz-inspired Illuminated Fountain Performance to round out the evening. Tickets—including bundle tickets that include both events—are available for both our Wine & Jazz All Stars and Wine & Jazz Festival.