By Coral Gables Gazette staff
The clarinet may be the most expressive voice in jazz, and few living musicians wield it with the wit, warmth, and virtuosity of Ken Peplowski. On Thursday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m., the celebrated clarinetist headlines the next installment of the Community Arts Program (CAP) 2025 Summer Concert Series with a program titled Remembering the Original Benny Goodman Trio. The evening promises not just a tribute, but a fresh, invigorated conversation with one of jazz’s founding giants—led by a musician often described as his natural heir.
Peplowski will be joined by pianist Rossano Sportiello and drummer Kevin Dorn for a toe-tapping performance inside the acoustically rich Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, home to CAP’s revered concert series for 40 seasons.
A living link to jazz tradition
Benny Goodman—the “King of Swing”—is widely credited with bringing jazz into the American mainstream. His original trio format (clarinet, piano, and drums) broke musical ground and social barriers alike. Peplowski, who has recorded more than 70 solo albums and appeared on nearly 400 as a sideman, doesn’t merely revisit this repertoire—he extends its legacy.
“Mr. Peplowski sounds the way [Benny] Goodman might if he had kept evolving,” writes Will Friedwald of The Wall Street Journal, praising the clarinetist’s ability to blend reverence with reinvention. That balance—of historic fidelity and forward motion—is at the heart of Thursday’s concert.
Peplowski’s collaborators are equally accomplished. Rossano Sportiello, a master of stride and swing piano, brings elegance and drive to the trio format. Kevin Dorn, a drummer known for his precision and feel, provides rhythmic sophistication that anchors the music without overwhelming it.
Together, they’ll breathe life into arrangements that echo Goodman’s golden era while leaving space for invention, solos, and a few surprises.
A decorated career—and still evolving
Peplowski’s resume reads like a jazz encyclopedia. He has performed and recorded with legends including Charlie Byrd, Mel Tormé, Rosemary Clooney, Hank Jones, Peggy Lee, and even Woody Allen’s jazz band. He has headlined venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl, the Blue Note, and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.
He is also a multiple award winner: recipient of the Sarasota Jazz Festival’s Satchmo Award, the Highlights in Jazz honor in New York, Hot House Jazz magazine’s Fans’ Decision Award, and the Polish American Historical Association’s Creative Arts Prize.
Peplowski’s recordings on the Capri label—Noir Blue, Maybe September, In Search Of—have garnered widespread acclaim. His album Sunrise features big-band arrangements written specifically for him, while Amizade, a duo recording with Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo, showcases his global reach and stylistic versatility.
In addition to performing, Peplowski serves as artistic director of the Sarasota Jazz Festival, the Newport Beach Jazz Party, and the Oregon Coast Jazz Party. His impact extends far beyond the stage, shaping programming and mentoring rising artists.
Celebrating 40 seasons of community and artistry
This concert is part of the 40th annual Summer Concert Series presented by the Community Arts Program, one of South Florida’s most enduring and respected cultural institutions. Held each summer at the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, the series has become a beloved tradition—connecting global talent with local audiences in an intimate and inspiring setting.
For those who want to go beyond listening, Peplowski will also lead a free public master class on Friday, August 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., also at the church. Open to musicians and non-musicians alike, the session offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of jazz’s most thoughtful interpreters.
If you go…
Ken Peplowski: Remembering the Original Benny Goodman Trio
🎷 Featuring Rossano Sportiello (piano) and Kevin Dorn (drums)
📍 Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
🗓 Thursday, August 7
🕢 7:30 p.m.
🎟 Tickets available via the Community Arts Program website
Free CAP Summer Master Class with Ken Peplowski
🗓 Friday, August 8
🕙 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
📍 Same location
As CAP celebrates its 40th year, this evening with Ken Peplowski offers a fitting tribute—not only to Benny Goodman, but to the enduring vitality of live jazz. For those lucky enough to attend, it’s a chance to witness tradition, imagination, and sheer musical joy in perfect harmony.
