Let’s go, double time!
Saudi’s music scene is evolving rapidly with the latest performance coming from Eastern Province’s Dhahran. The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture hosted bopping Ithra Broadway jazz evenings for three nights straight!
Titled, ‘An Evening of Broadway Jazz’, music lovers who attended the event were immersed in captivating performances from renowned musicians and artists.
Held from Wednesday, May 21 to Friday, May 23, it was an interesting mix of soulful jazz and timeless Broadway songs led by the Emmy-nominated trumpeter and crooner Benny Benack III. Together with him on stage were the musical icon Caity Gyorgy and an all-star band of New York’s top jazz talents.
Ithra Broadway jazz evenings
A remarkable performer returns
Benny Bennack III, an American composer, trumpeter, and vocalist is not new to Saudi Arabia. In 2023, Jazz at Lincoln Center also performed in Ithra together with Saudi singer Loulwa Al-Sharif. He was part of this show which included 11 jazz songs with a unique blend of classic jazz and Afro-Cuban beats. It was an unforgettable showcase of cultural diversity as the New York-based band were dressed in suits and kimonos while Al-Sharif wore a traditional Saudi attire.
Armed with an adorable personality and brilliant humor, Bennack enchanted the guests of all ages with his musical prowess. On numerous occasions he mentioned how he loved being back to Saudi Arabia, as the crowds definitely know how to have fun.
A charmer on stage
A stunning addition to the musical evening was Caity Gyorgy, a multi-awarded Canadian vocalist known for singing bebop and swing music. Her witty exchange on stage with Bennack and the other performers made the opening night even more memorable. Gyorgy’s warm presence and incredible talent truly made a mark on the spectators. Her rendition of the song ‘Til there was You’ (The Music Man) with Bennack was a true hit, temporarily putting the guests that evening in a love spell.
Songs to remember
Other notable songs that made the guests’ hearts skip during the shows were Hello, Dolly (Encore), The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera, I Could’ve Danced All Night (My Fair Lady), On the Street Where You Live (My Fair Lady), Gary, Indiana (The Music Man), Food, Glorious Food (Oliver!), Good Morning (Singin’ in the Rain), Happy Days Are Here Again (Chasing Rainbows), Just in Time, Somewhere Over the Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz), and I’ve Never Been in Love Before (Guys and Dolls).
Music scene in Saudi Arabia
Sharqiya was indeed delighted with ‘An Evening of Broadway Jazz’, as tickets were quickly sold out. It was an occasion that people had been looking forward to for a while. Like in other parts of Saudi Arabia, the jazz music scene in the Eastern Province is becoming robust with more shows being organized for the public. Aside from large venues, cafes and restaurants have also taken interest in hosting solo performances and band shows for their customers. Individuals of different ages are seen to be taking a keen interest on music, as evidenced by the high turnout of guests during musicals and concerts.
Ithra: A culture and art hub
Through the years, Ithra has proven to be the ultimate go-to place for culture and art. As musical shows continue to appeal to both residents and tourists, they have become a regular part of the organization’s offerings. It is certainly worth waiting what’s next in Ithra’s program of activities. Previously, it has hosted other performances not just for adults, but also for kids who crave for fascinating melodies.
