Lakecia Benjamin Keeps the Flame Burnin’

Show Notes:On this episode of Backstage Bay Area, Steve Roby talks with acclaimed alto saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Lakecia Benjamin about her upcoming album We Dream and the energy behind her new single “Flamekeeper.”Lakecia discusses the meaning behind We Dream, why she wanted the album to feel communal, and how hope, purpose, and positivity shaped the project. She also talks about “Flamekeeper,” the new single featuring Hiromi and Chris Potter, and explains how those artists elevated the music in the studio.In the final part of the conversation, Lakecia previews her upcoming SFJAZZ appearance as part of Terence Blanchard’s UpSwing series, talks about the musicians joining her on stage, and shares what audiences can expect from the live set.We Dream is due June 5, and “Flamekeeper” is out now. Lakecia’s SFJAZZ performance is set for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Miner Auditorium, on a double bill with Pasquale Grasso Trio. In this episode:Lakecia Benjamin on the idea behind We DreamThe spirit and sound of “Flamekeeper”Working with Hiromi and Chris PotterWhy collaboration matters in her musicWho’s joining her on stage at SFJAZZWhat audiences can look forward to at the UpSwing showSFJAZZ show details:Lakecia Benjamin / Pasquale Grasso TrioSaturday, March 28, 20267:30 PMMiner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco Links:Tickets and info: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/25-26/upswing-lakecia-benjamin-pasquale-grasso-trio/Photo: Elizabeth LeitzellMusic in this episode was provided by and used with the permission of the artist.