School of Music Visiting Artist Series
Music: Adam Benjamin is a Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed pianist, keyboardist, composer and educator based in Reno, NV. Recognized as a “Rising Star in Jazz” in DownBeat magazine’s critic’s and reader’s polls for eight years running, his unmistakable sound crosses stylistic boundaries and challenges traditional notions of jazz. Adam maintains a humble and humorous approach that connects him with his audiences worldwide. Adam is a founding member of Kneebody, an electric quintet widely recognized as one of the most unique ensembles in jazz today. Storm Nilson has been performing, recording, and educating throughout the United States and Canada for the past 13 years. His musical inspiration has been nurtured by opportunities to play with some of the world’s top jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Charlie Haden, Steve Cardenas, and his long time friend and mentor, Bruce Forman. As an educator, Storm has taught as a guest artist and traveling clinician for the Monterey Jazz Festival and JazzMaster’s Workshops. He was also featured at the 2007 50th Anniversary of the Monterey Jazz Festival and has performed extensively in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Montreal.