The Davis Live Music Collective presents singer, songwriter and cellist Ben Sollee with special guest Elephant Revival.
Classically trained pop cellist and folk singer Ben Sollee is one of the most uniquely talented young artists in acoustic music today. Along with friend and drummer Jordon Ellis, Ben sings and plays the cello “with a passionate fury rarely seen” says My Morning Jacket front-man Jim James. “I never expect to see that cello in one piece after Ben gets done… He bows and beats and works it over … Ben makes it live.”
Sollee emerged in 2008 with Learning to Bend. The debut showcased Ben’s “classically influenced folk with leanings of R&B and soul.” NPR’s Morning Edition heralded him as one of the “Top Ten Great Unknown Artists of 2007” while Paste Magazine listed him among their Best of What’s Next, and No Depression put the album on its top five of 2008.
Ben formed the folk ensemble Sparrow Quartet with Grammy-nominated fiddler Casey Driessen, Grammy winner and bluegrass icon Bela Fleck, and the genre defying Abigail Washburn. Then in 2010, he recorded Dear Companion with fellow Kentuckians Daniel Martin Moore and Jim James.
Ben’s “Ditch The Van Tour” recently earned him mention in Paste Magazine’s “2012 Exceptionally Green Bands” article. He and his band hauled their gear – cello, drums and all – across the country on bikes to engage a greater sense of community involvement. “It’s not about being green or even sustainable… we want to exploit the limitations of the bicycle to slow down and experience the rich communities and people that I’ve spent years flying-by and driving past.”
Sollee continues to embrace the collaborative spirit with his ambitious 2011 solo release Inclusions. The critically acclaimed album expands Ben’s fusing of sweeping pop, creative instrumentation, folk intimacy and soulful singing – connections made tangible on the album Live at the Grocery On Home released last month.
The evening will begin with Colorado’s Elephant Revival, an energetic and eclectic acoustic ensemble that uses expert playing and seamless harmonies to create a unique blend of folk, bluegrass and rock.
The Davis Live Music Collective is a nonprofit organization committed to curate, organize, and promote quality live music in Davis, CA. The collective formed around the town’s vibrant house concert scene, drawn together by a host looking for anyone wanting “really good live music” in Davis.
The concert is open to all ages and will take place Friday, July 6th at the City of Davis’ Veterans’ Memorial Theatre, 203 East Fourteenth Street, with doors opening at 7pm, music beginning at 8pm. Advance tickets are $17 at Armadillo Music, 205 F Street in Davis, or online at davislivemusic.com. Tickets purchased at the door the night of the show will cost $20. Sudwerk will offer beer for sale with valid ID. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of our complementary bike valet service provided by Blisworks Bikes.
For more information visit The Davis Live Music Collective at davislivemusic.com.