Pianist David Benoit scheduled to perform free Las Vegas concert

For the first time, Henderson is bringing a jazz festival, Art & All That Jazz, to the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St.

“Henderson has hosted a number of art festivals,” said Nicole Johnson, a communications specialist with the city of Henderson. “We saw that there was potential to strengthen our arts and cultural programs. We felt that there was a need for an event that celebrated the diversity of the art and music scene, resulting in the creation of Art & All That Jazz.”

From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday , people are welcome to check out the free festival featuring artists from across the country.

The featured artist is five-time Grammy-nominated jazz musician David Benoit, who is headlining at 8 p.m. Saturday .

“It is great having a festival like this,” Benoit said. “We need it now more than ever. Jazz is no longer in mainstream music like when I grew up. Jazz is now taking a back seat to other types of music. It is important to keep it alive because it is America’s art form.”

Benoit has been playing jazz, piano specifically, for 40 years.

Some of his proudest accomplishments include playing at the White House for President Ronald Reagan during a state dinner and playing at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Benoit is bringing his 3-year-old band back to Henderson for the festival.

“The last time I was here, it was for a ‘Charlie Brown Christmas Special,’ ” Benoit said.

The David Band, named for the three Davids in the band, is a trio that includes a piano, bass and drums.

“It’s been a while since we have played in Henderson,” Benoit said. “We will be playing stuff off our new album, ‘Earthglow,’ and maybe some old stuff, too.”

Benoit said he can play some fan favorites, such as a Charlie Brown tribute.

“I’ll take requests from the audience,” Benoit said.

Afterward, the band is slated to sign CDs .

Benoit said festivals like this give people an opportunity to find out what jazz is all about.

“Jazz is about the musician,” Benoit said. “Classical music is more about the composer, and rock ’n’ roll is about the singer.”

In addition to the music and entertainment throughout the weekend, there is slated to be a variety of fine art displays such as painters, potters, glass blowers, jewelers, sculptors and crafters.

Even though Henderson already boasts having family-friendly events, Johnson said the festival also will have a children’s station.

“It’s called the Imagination Station,” Johnson said. “Kids will have the chance to make their own artwork, ride a train or get their face painted.”

Johnson said the city will continue doing events such as this festival.

“We see a great potential for growth with this event,” Johnson said.

For more information, visit hendersonlive.com.

To find out more about Benoit, visit benoit.com.

Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.