Peter Martin to perform Saturday, May 17 at benefit for New City School

Pianist Peter Martin has played some big venues while working with the likes of Dianne Reeves, Chris Botti, and the "Newport Jazz Festival: Now 60" tour. And when he's home in St. Louis, Martin can be heard most frequently at the Sheldon Concert Hall, which seats slightly more than 700.

Now those who'd like to hear Martin (pictured) in a slightly more intimate setting will have the chance when he plays a benefit for New City School on Saturday, May 17 in the Founder's Hall of the school, 5209 Waterman Blvd in the Central West End.

"Jazz It Up - An Evening With Peter Martin" begins at 6:30 p.m. with a reception featuring wine, beer, and dessert, followed by a concert at 8:00 p.m.. Gene Dobbs Bradford of Jazz St. Louis also will be on hand to offer "commentary and insights throughout the program."

The event is open to the public, but only 250 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $40 per person, and can be purchased online now at http://tinyurl.com/ncspetermartin.

Having recently completed nearly two months touring with the all-star Newport celebration, Martin this week on Twitter wrote that he hopes to do more with his own group in the near future, and posted the video below, which features him leading a quartet in his original song "Cuba...New Orleans." (The clip was recorded at the Lotos Jazz Festival in Poland, and also features East St. Louis' own Terreon Gully on drums, along with bassist James Genus and guitarist Peter Sprague.)