Special Concert Event
Pictured, Russel Wilson, Keven Rennear, and Kat Dillon
Even though the Victorian Chautauqua schedule was settled a few weeks back, a prestigious three-piece ensemble, comprising baritone vocalist Kevin Bennear, violinist Kat Dillon, and pianist Russel Wilson, inquired about the availability of a concert slot in the schedule. It was an offer too good to be true, so a special evening performance will be added to close out Saturday, July 12th, under the massive Martin Tent in Mountain Lake Park.
This special event brings together top talent who have performed for U.S. presidents, written and performed contemporary pop music, and toured the world to entertain in genres ranging from classical to jazz, swing, 80s pop, and Celtic. A medley of musical backgrounds makes this versatile trio a must-see and hear. The concert will showcase a blend of patriotic selections, hymns, Broadway favorites, Sinatra songs, and Irish music – something for everyone to enjoy.
Leading the concert will be Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Bennear, who hales from Elk Garden, the humble coal town in West Virginia. His father is credited as Kevin’s main inspiration for pursuing a career in music. Once enlisted in an artillery unit in the United States Army, Kevin’s dad volunteered his spare time and musical talents to entertain the troops. Raised in an economically depressed region, a local college scholarship enabled him to pursue his passion for music. From there, he moved to West Virginia University, where he attended under a full voice scholarship, graduating with honors.
After later earning his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, he assumed the position of Baritone vocal Soloist with the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Bennear has sung for four U.S. Presidents at both public and intimate events. He is a regular performer at White House State dinners for dignitaries and heads of state from around the world. He has sung the National Anthem for a worldwide audience from the balcony of the White House alongside the President, as well as for the State Funerals of Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter. Bennear is also no stranger to civilian circles, having appeared as a soloist alongside Toby Keith and Larry Gatlin in a PBS national production of In Performance at the White House. He has sung for two Super Bowls, several nationally televised NASCAR events, Major League Baseball Games, and the opening of Audi Field for the inaugural game of DC United.
With his extensive list of credentials, Bennear’s most memorable performance moment was of the National Anthem on September 11th, 2002, commemorating the attack on America, as President Bush unfurled the flag over the restored Pentagon.
His numerous awards included the Concerto Competition Winner while at the University of Tennessee, the Full Voice Award from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, and the Young Alumni Award from his alma mater, West Virginia University. He has also had the honor of performing for events such as the rededication of the Lincoln Memorial and the Abraham Lincoln Awards. Bennear continues to perform at Presidential events, such as the most recent inauguration, where he sang for the first dance of the President and First Lady.
Joining Bennear on the Victorian Chautauqua stage will be Kat Dillon, an equally remarkable violinist, singer, and stage performer for over 25 years. From the early age of 3, her musical abilities became apparent. By the age of 9, she started her first band, The DayKatz, with her childhood best friend. At age 13, they recorded their first original song, which was sold to producers and later recorded by Britney Spears on her hit album, Britney, in 2001. Dillon trained both vocally and as a stage performer under the direction of David Hodges, a renowned figure for his work with recording artists such as Taylor Swift, Evanescence, Lady A, Britney Spears, and many others.
Dillon began learning the violin in 6th grade and later studied classical violin with the renowned violinist Mischa Lefkowitz. She also studied extensively under Gayel Pitchford and Debby Hand, honing her skills and expertise on violin, viola, and cello in multiple genres, particularly Celtic and Bluegrass. Her first professional work was as a violinist in the Tehachapi, California Symphony Orchestra at the age of 16. Through high school, she performed simultaneously as a member of both the Bakersfield College Symphony Orchestra and the Antelope College Symphony Orchestra.
After college, she transitioned to power-rock style music. She joined the Trans-Siberian Orchestra-inspired group Wizards of Winter as lead violinist for three seasons, playing the entire catalogue of work as well as a variety of original material.
In 2012, Dillon embraced Irish fiddle and joined the Trad-Celtic group Burning Bridget Cleary. She toured with the band across the entire northeastern seaboard, performing both traditional Celtic and bluegrass-style fiddle. As both a violinist and vocalist, she is credited for her performance on the band’s popular studio album, ‘Pressed for Time.’ Each band Dillon forms or joins gains immediate accolades with her dynamic musical influence and stage presence that includes her signature back-bend move while playing her instrument.
In 2023, Kat, along with some of the top musicians in the DMV scene, joined forces to remake the band Kat Atomic. Playing a wide range of country, pop, and 80s rock music. Kat Atomic is a fun, professional side project that plays all over the Virginia area.
To complete the ensemble, Master Sergeant Russell Wilson of College Park, Maryland, lends his keyboard expertise. Russell began piano lessons at the age of 7, and, like many musically gifted children, discovered a performance outlet at the age of 12 by playing hymns for his church each Sunday. He earned a Bachelor's degree in classical piano performance and a Master’s degree in jazz from the University of Maryland in College Park.
In 2002, while a junior in college, he joined the President's Own US Marine Band, where he plays all kinds of music styles on the piano, harpsichord, keyboard, and accordion, in public concerts and private events at the White House and all around Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. He has performed with the Marine Band piano concerti by Mozart, Prokofiev, and Grieg. He is the winner of the 2013 and 2025 World Championship Old Time Piano Playing Contest.
Russell is a freelance musician, playing gigs that include swing bands, wedding bands, polka bands, orchestras, and his church worship team.
This exclusive concert has been generously funded by Don and Suzie Sincell.
