LTD Presents Spotlight Series at The Spar: ALVON JOHNSON & BEN RICE
ALVON JOHNSON is one of the most versatile musicians, singers, and entertainers on the music scene today. He travels the world singing and swinging jazz standards with Big Bands. He also gallops the globe performing the songs that he performed while working with the rock and roll hall of fame group, The Coasters. When he travels to Russia he is referred to as the “King of the Blues” and the “Ambassador of the Blues”. His love and respect for the American Art form is shared by large and enthusiastic audiences all over the world.
Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Empress Theatre of Vallejo
Recipient of the Music Icon Award from the Black Music Association & Academy of America
Recipient of the Best Male Blues Artist Award from the Black Music Association Academy Of America
Voted 2005 Blues Guitar Player of the Year
Former vocalist with the Rock and Roll Hall of fame group “The Coasters”
Regional winner of the Guitar Centers “King of the Blues” national contest
His CD “The Blues Grew up” was nominated for Outstanding Blues Album
“The Blues Grew up” was Voted one of the top ten CD’s in Japan
His incredible CD “Guitars and Cars”, was voted in the top ten CD’s of 2008 by the prestigious Blues magazine “Real Blues ”
Nominated for the Entertainer of the Year Award with the “International Music and Entertainment Association”
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BEN RICE has been leaving huge impressions on audiences around the Northwest and winning awards for his vocals and guitar playing for the last seven years. In 2014 at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, he left the audience speechless with a raw emotional delivery of his version of “Key To The Highway.” On his second consecutive trip to the International Blues Challenge, he made the finals in the solo/duo category and was awarded the St. Blues Guitarist award for best guitarist.
His debut on the international stage in 2014, was a landmark step forward in his career from being a regional act playing primarily around the NW to a national and international touring artist. Captivating audiences and presenting himself as someone who has a lot of depth in the various soundscapes of American music, Ben is gaining fans all over the world who love his playing, singing, songs, and stage performance.
His original music blends Soul, Delta-Blues, Rockabilly, Jazz, and Funk into a Roots Stew. Influenced heavily by his parents record collection, from Al Green to Alice Cooper, Teddy Pendergrass to Marshall Tucker, at a young age Ben began investigating Blues and it’s history. Starting with B.B. King and going through the various regions and time periods, he is inspired and influenced by historical figures like Muddy Waters, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, and Skip James to name a few. Ben spent his college years studying Jazz Guitar at the University of Oregon as well as classical music while also playing in the Celtic Folk ensemble and Mariachi group on campus. He is well versed in a lot of musical styles that all contribute to the unique sound of his originals.
As a performer Ben looks to the greats for inspiration and is always striving to connect with the audience through his music and stories. He also has an interesting arsenal of guitars playing resophonic guitars and homemade cigar box guitars. More important than the visual appeal Ben has an amazing way of making these guitars sound, often bringing audiences to tears with his slide playing.
Ben Rice has been a growing talent in the NW, winning awards for his singing, guitar work, writing, and performing. He is stepping into the national and international scene using the vast influences of the American music to fuel his music and performance.
2019 Blues Blast Award Recipient “Sean Costello Rising Star”
3x Blues Music Award Nominee 2019
https://www.benricelive.com/
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BEN RICE & ALVON JOHNSON will be backed by LTD Presents own David Hudson on drums and Tacoma favorite Brady Kish on bass.
LTD Presents Spotlight Series at The Spar is sponsored in part by Kat McNeill & Lance Bowman
LTD Presents - "Bringing World-Class Blues & Jazz to the Pacific Northwest."
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