Christy Bennett Quintet

Christy grew up in Springfield, Illinois, surrounded by music.
Her father sang and played lead guitar in a classic rock band. Her induction to music was the grade school music programs and her church choir. She later was very involved in high school musicals and even won a county talent show. She developed her love for jazz at a Vocal Jazz Camp at Eastern Illinois University.

After auditioning for and receiving the Poly Roesch vocal scholarship for Sangamon County, Christy chose DePaul University to study classical voice. During her senior year at DePaul, her interest in jazz resurfaced. She started working with the jazz program taking classes and lessons and became the first vocalist to be placed in a jazz combo.

While at DePaul, she studied with Clayton Parr, Christopher Lorimer, Bradley Williams, Kelly Sill, and Bob Palmieri. She is currently studying with Amy Conn and is an avid performer in the Chicago jazz scene.

The concept for the Christy Bennett Group was developed while studying with Bradley Williams. After taking on composition from various approaches, Christy put together a group to record the resulting works. The group explores different techniques with voice and music. After hearing the finished recording, it was decided that a second vocalist would round out the group and Rebecca Sullivan joined for the CD Release on May 2, 2010. The group continues to perform original music in the Chicagoland area.

Christy can be heard performing with the ‘Christy Bennett Group,’ Bennett Nielsen Duo, Joe Jones Quintet, and Senor Fox Trio. She also performs classical recitals with guitarist Casey Nielsen.