BEN PROCTOR SAVES THE DAY!

Clouds have silver linings, and the cloud that descended on yesterday’s show in Quiote at Rio Tomatlan came through with a beautiful one! Due to unfortunate family situations, three of the four musicians originally scheduled for Sunday’s show had to drop out, and the only remaining performer, Ben Proctor, had to fly solo, and oh what a flight it was! Prior to yesterday’s show, I had seen Ben perform with his well-known group, The Crooked North a high-energy, upbeat, Americana, and bluegrass band, and in an acoustic duo with his wife, Rita. In these settings, Ben was terrific, but it wasn’t until Sunday’s solo performance was I able to observe Ben’s true musical genius. Delivering songs he had written with Crooked North and new songs never played publicly, Ben captured his audience with the truth and honesty they displayed. His stage presence, sincere and genuine, also drew the crowd to him, but it was his unbelievable musicianship that totally enthralled them. Varying his rhythms and styles, he switched back and forth from his incredible playing of the banjo and guitar. To add to his musical diversity, he accompanied some songs by looping the banjo, making it sound like a bass, drum, violin, and at times, a sitar, making me feel like I was in India. It was simply outstanding! I have experienced many silver linings throughout my life, and I am glad I can add Ben to the list.

Big thanks to Ben for a terrific show! Big thanks to Raf, Erin, Trevor, Julie, and the rest of the staff at Rio for all the help you give us to make this event work! Big thanks to Scott Regan for promoting these shows on WRUR’s “Open Tunings!” Big thanks to you, the audience, for your continuous support of this venue! Without you, it would not be possible! Our next show in Quiote is on Feb. 16. The Maria Gillard Trio (Maria Gillard, Perry Cleaveland, and Doug Henrie will be our guest. There will be music for the brunch at Rio from Noon until Maria, Perry, and Doug take the stage at 3 PM. Stay tuned for more details about this show and “Sunday Music at Rio!”