Benjamin Barnes
Benjamin Barnes | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 July 1970 Kalamazoo, Michigan |
| Genres | jazz, bluegrass |
| Occupation(s) | Violinist, violist, singer songwriter, guitar, producer, |
| Years active | 1986 – |
| Website | benjaminbarnes.com |
Benjamin Barnes is currently lead singer and violinist of Swindlefish, as classical bluegrass rock and jazz violinist and violist, rock guitar singer songwriter, and teacher of violin, guitar, viola, and voice with Benjamin Barnes Music.
Biography
Benjamin was surrounded by music and art from an early age. His father, David Barnes, was a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist, while his mother, Lillian La Fayette, was a painter. Growing up in such an environment, Benjamin developed a passion for music and art at an early age. He began his musical education under the mentorship of Sherry Kloss, a student of the legendary violinist Jascha Heifetz. He further refined his skills at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in music. In addition to his classical education, he specialized in electric violin, jazz performance, and composition under the guidance of David Balakrishnan from the Turtle Island String Quartet. He also obtained a teaching credential with an additional authorization in music from San Francisco State University. In 2017, he worked as a consultant for the United States Department of Education.[1]
Throughout his career, Benjamin has been involved in various musical projects. As the violinist, lead singer, and songwriter of the band Deadweight, he performed at the Fuji Rock Festival and won the Lucky Strike Band Competition. The band signed contracts with Alternative Tentacles and Nippon Columbia. The band also performed at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. He has collaborated with prominent artists such as Les Claypool, Mr. Bungle, The Coup, DJ Disk, Fishbone, Dead Prez, The Coup, Jason Newsted (former bassist of Metallica), and the legendary violinist Isaac Stern. Ben is recorded on Alternative Tentacles, Nippon Columbia, Prawn Song Records, and Bencasso Media.[2][3][4]
Barnes is the founder of the Rilke String Quartet, which was a finalist in the Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition.[5] The quartet has released three studio albums, available for purchase and streaming, and is available for concerts, private events, and teaching engagements.[6]
Besides music, Benjamin Berns is a talented visual artist, painting under the name "Bencasso." He received a prestigious $20,000 grant from the San Francisco Arts Commission for the realization of an artistic project.[7][8]
He filed his candidacy for Mayor of San Francisco[9] on March 28, 2023, but it was rejected due to incomplete documentation.[10]
His autobiography, Loosened Associations Jazz: Automemoirography of Music, Mischief, and Madness, was published in print in 2024.
References
- ↑ "Benjamin Barnes aka Bencasso Violin". thebash.com. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Benjamin Barnes Interview". berkeley.edu. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "A Moving Story of Resilience, Determination, and Passion- Benjamin \"Bencasso\" Barnes Marks Amazing Comeback". artistpr.com. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Benjamin Barnes Interview". berkeley.edu. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition" (PDF). fischoff.org. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "QUARTETTO RILKE, ITALY". ledimoredelquartetto.eu. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Community Investments FY22-23 San Francisco Artist Grant (SFA) Grantees" (PDF). sfartscommission.org. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Get Over Yourself, Get It out There, Just Post It". thedailyblaze.com. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "People we meet: Violinist and mayoral hopeful Ben Barnes". missionlocal.org. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Candidates - November 5, 2024, Consolidated General Election" (PDF). sf.gov. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
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