About Benje

A musician known for his personal approach, creative musicality and strong versatility, Daneman got his start professionally in 2007 on a national tour with with Doc Severinsen’s Big Band.  Since then he has performed with the world renowned Jose Limon Dance Ensemble, recorded for the Grammy nominated album "Elevation" (HMI Big Band) and has appeared as both a leader and sideman at prestigious venues across the country including The Kennedy Center, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Festival of New Trumpet Music and The Iridium.  

Daneman is equally passionate in the classroom as he is onstage. He has led clinics and workshops throughout the country at such institutions as McNally Smith College, Western Michigan University, Luther College, Concordia University and for the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association. He has worked as a faculty teaching artist for The New York Pops, Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance (NYC) and Western Michigan University’s SEMINAR Program, in addition to being the Education Manager for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Daneman started many successful music education programs including Jazz & Creative Institute / Kalamazoo Music School (Co-Director), Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra (Director), the Kalamazoo Trumpet Workshop (Co-Director). Currently, he is the Music Director of the Savannah Music Festival Jazz Academy, where he helps lead an amazing free afterschool program focusing on equity, community, and social activism through jazz education to the youth in Savannah, GA.

An avid composer, arranger and music copyist, Daneman has received commissions from the United States Air Force Band (in Europe), Spark and Echo Arts (2015 Artist/Composer in Residence) and Redeemer Presbyterian Church (NYC). Additionally, he has collaborated with many composer/arrangers including Dr. Steve Zegree, Peter Prochnow and Roger Treece.  In addition to his music and teaching, Daneman works as an arts administrator creating opportunities and managing creative endeavors all across the nation. He has worked with The Festival of New Trumpet Music, jazz pianist Pascal Le Boeuf, Dave Douglas’ Greenleaf Music Record Label and Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.

Daneman has attended and holds degrees from Western Michigan University, The Henry Mancini Institute (Los Angeles, CA), and Manhattan School of Music (New York, NY). He lives in Savannah, GA with his wife and children.

Teaching

Private Instructor

Teaching a busy private studio for nearly 20 years, Benje is a personal and inspiring educator.  He has taught all ages and levels of students, from five years old to senior citizens; from the first time player to professionals.  He is available to teach all over the world via Skype and in person in the West Michigan area. He has also taught privately and/or directed ensembles for the NY Pops, the NYC Dept. of Education, the Bronx-based Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance, Lake Michigan College, and Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, MI

Clinician/Adjudicator

A former NY Pops Teaching Artist, Benje is a sought after clinician and adjudicator all across the nation.  From presenting clinics at universities (Luther College, McNally Smith College, Concordia University) to working with elementary aged musicians, Benje’s excitement for music and education and unique ability to reach all levels.

Guest Artist/Clinician Appearances:

• Luther College (Decorah, IA)

• Concordia University (Seward, NE)

• North Harford High School (Pylesville, PA)

• Forest Hills Central High School (Grand Rapids, MI)

• Alvin High School (Houston, TX)

• Downers Grove South High School (Chicago, IL)

• McNally Smith College (St. Paul, MN)

Jazz & Creative Institute

Benje was the Co-Director/Founder of the Jazz & Creative Institute (JCI) and was deeply involved in much of it's educational programming. He directed the Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra, taught in JCI's Private Lesson Program and oversaw small and large ensemble programming.

MUSIC & VIDEO

Benje Daneman Quartet @ Constellation

Kanola Band

An all-star band from Midwest US, paying homage to the diverse music, unique culture and fun of New Orleans

Kanola Band brings together some of the most experienced and diverse musicians in the midwest US jazz scene to pay tribute to the great music and heritage of New Orleans. Dipping into the city's diverse musical history including traditional Dixieland, groovin' zydeco, soulful funk to blasting brass band second lines, audiences of all ages will leave feeling just a bit happier than when they came. Bring your dancing shoes, leave your worries behind and be ready for some fun, because Kanola Band is always a good time!

Playing at a range of venues, Kanola adapts amazingly to their surroundings and audiences. They have played in clubs to dancing audiences (Lula’s Louisiana Cookhouse, The Union Cabaret & Grille), opened for national touring acts (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), presented educational middle/high school clinic performances (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Honors Band, 2018 & 2019), performed and presented clinics at major universities (Purdue University (Ft. Wayne), Saginaw Valley State University), and performed at outdoor festivals (Oshtemo Music in the Parks Concert Series, ACGK Arts on the Mall Concert Series). The consensus is, wherever they play, the audience is engaged, entertained and excited. With the release of their debut album in the summer of 2020, their touring schedule is filling up fast bringing their infectiously fun music to even more audiences across the nation.

Kanola members have performed at some of the most prestigious international music venues including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Ronnie Scotts, Kennedy Center for the Arts and have recorded and toured with some of the top musicians/bands including the Doc Severinsen Big Band, Etienne Charles Big Band, Curtis Stigers, Henry Mancini Institute Jazz Orchestra, Tri-Fi, Knee Deep Shag, Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra and more.  In addition to being veteran musicians, they are also passionate music educators who currently teach at Western Michigan University, Purdue University (Ft. Wayne), Saginaw Valley State University and Jazz & Creative Institute. Their unique and engaging approach to performing will leave all ages of audiences having fun while learning about jazz, improvisation, music history, alongside the rich history and music of New Orleans all while grooving in their seat or dancing in the aisle. 

Kanola Band is a collective of musicians and the size of the group playing depends on the occasion at hand. You’ll usually see some sort of conglomeration of the following talented folks:  
Benje Daneman (trumpet & vocals), Seth Ebersole (woodwinds), Nathan Durham (trombone), Ashley Daneman (vocals), Matthew Fries (keys), Rufus Ferguson (keys & guitar), Chance Trottman-Huiet (tuba), Jeff Moehle (drums & vocals)

Upcoming Kanola Band Shows

February 13, 2021 - 5K Mardi Gras Race - Foxview Golf Course (Nashville, MI)

Previous Kanola Band Shows

December 2020 - FastTek Global & AMI Strategies VIrtual Holiday Party (Watch Here)
Sept 16, 2020 - Beats on Bates Concert Series (Kalamazoo, MI)
February 25, 2020 - WZZM Live Broadcast - Fat Tuesday Party (Grand Rapids, MI)
February 17, 2020 - West Michigan Jazz Society Mardi Gras Party wsg/ Ashley Daneman (Casino Club - Grand Rapids, MI) - Tickets Here
February 7, 2020 - Kanola Band LIVE RECORDING SESSION @ Jazz & Creative Institute (Kalamazoo, MI) - Tickets Here
February 6, 2020 - Kanola Band Midwest Tour - Purdue University (Ft. Wayne) Music Residency (Fort Wayne, IN), Saginaw Valley State University (Saginaw, MI), St. Clair County Community College (Port Huron, MI) - Info Here
December 17, 2019 - State Theatre - Opener for Big Bad Voodoo Daddies w/ Ashley Daneman (Kalamazoo, MI) - Tickets here
November 4, 2019 - MSBOA Middle School Honors Band Clinic/Concert (Plainwell High School - Plainwell, MI)
August 24, 2019 - Kalamazoo Community Arts Awards Ceremony (Balch Playhouse - Kalamazoo, MI)

Click here to inquire about bringing
Kanola Band to your venue!

Kanola will be releasing their first album in the summer of 2021 and will be booking tour dates supporting the release in 2021 & 2022!

CLICK HERE FOR PRE-SALE OF THE ALBUM!

Benje Daneman's SearchParty

SearchParty was born out of Benje Daneman's 2015 Artist in Residence with Spark & Echo Arts, a New York City based arts organization. Comprised of some of the best jazz talent on the scene, the band performs and tours Daneman's original compositions and arrangements. Their first album, "Light in the Darkness" will debut in Summer 2018.

Personnel: Greg Ward (sax), Ashley Daneman (voice),
Rob Clearfield (piano), Andrew Vogt (bass) and Jon Deitemyer (drums). 
 

Contact

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