David Benoit in Oakland

David Benoit is an American pianist and composer, born in Bakersfield, California, in 1953, whose work spans contemporary jazz, smooth jazz and orchestral music. His catalog includes the albums Freedom at Midnight and Every Step of the Way, and he has a long association with music for the Peanuts television specials. David Benoit has performed at the White House for Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and he has also appeared at Carnegie Hall. His seasonal concert programs have included A Charlie Brown Christmas, presented at the piano with jazz ensembles and orchestras and built around the Peanuts music of Vince Guaraldi.