Leading exponents of traditional jazz in Hungary, the Benkó Dixieland Band pays tribute to the esteemed and richly successful career of Sándor Benkó, its founder and leader to this day, at a concert marking his 75th birthday. Musical colleagues, members of the band and the birthday boy himself recall innumerable stories, and illustrate moments from the past, while also appraising the latest developments in the genre in the world at large today.
Two American presidents have honoured the band for the outstanding efforts it has made in preserving the musical traditions of New Orleans. Providing further endorsement here are two star guests. New Orleans-born banjo player Lee 'Plink' Floyd was elected to the Hall of Fame in the American Banjo Museum in 2012. Jon-Erik Kellso, who played trumpet in a big band from the age of 11, has worked recently with the likes of Ken Peplowski, Wynton Marsalis and Elvis Costello and has appeared on numerous radio and TV programmes, as well as collaborating on film scores. The show will be further spiced up with the appearance of some exceptional local guests, including the band’s popular former banjo player Jenő Nagy, violin and viola player Csaba Deseő, Csaba Hegedűs on banjo, and Myrtill Micheller and Tamás Berki on vocals. The concert also features the Banchieri Singers. Anyone buying tickets to this event can expect a thoroughly entertaining, richly informative experience.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest