Ben Apolinar

Artist Information

Biography

Artist Information

Biography
AMIGOS
Born and raised in Pecos, Texas, Ben began playing with a High School band called AMIGOS. A trio of guys playing cover tunes from the group AMERICA. The band went on to play their own shows locally and gained popularity at local schools as entertainment. Band Members: Eddie Vasquez, Sonny Falcon and Ben Apolinar. No Recordings available.

EXXODUS
Ben began to expand his musical influences locally and soon became part of the band EXXODUS. Founding band members and brothers Marcos & Pilo Mendoza and Songwriter Paul Briones were musical heavy weights locally. The band expanded their membership adding powerhouse vocalist Julia Galindo. The band recorded LOW RIDING, TELL ME EVERYTHING, and JUST BECAUSE OF YOU. Young and nowhere to go, the band fizzled but not without making an impact on the music scene locally. Band Members: Marcos Mendoza, Pilo Mendoza, Paul Briones, Alfred Gomez, Orlando Urias, Jeff Bryant, Ricky Barreno, Julia Galindo and Ben Apolinar.

SUDDEN IMPACT
In the summer of 84, Ben and brothers Mickey & Eddie Vasquez formed a new band, Sudden Impact. It started as a Pop Rock band and soon took a turn towards the Pop Christian music. The band released two projects with Ben as the Front Man/ Bass Player / Lead Vocalist. BRAND NEW START and BY FAITH are standalone projects that show great potential of three individual artists. Soon after the By Faith release Ben left the group to persue other musical musings. Band Members: Eddie Vasquez, Mickey Vasquez, Jason Alvarez, Aldo Ramon, Benjie Mendoza, Ben Apolinar.

CHALLENGER BAND
During his down time Ben was invited to fill in as Bass player for THE CHALLENGER BAND, founded and led by Gome Olivas. Every musician that ever was in the tiny town of Pecos, Texas, at one time or another played in this band. Ricky Barreno, then lead vocalist for the group invited Ben to try out the band. Through this, Ben began studying the Tejano scene. He began to see the potential of the musicians in the group and became interested in contributing to the Tejano music scene even if it was only in his own corner of the world. Band Members: TBD

MIRADAS
Not long after that, Ben was approached by Rudy Falcon & Joey Martinez. Joey had been front man for the same CHALLENGER BAND and Rudy was a keyboard player and young businessman. The idea was to form a band and work the Tejano circuit in hopes of creating great music. The result turned into the music group, MIRADAS where Ben's songwriting and arrangement skills were heightened. Working with great musician Steve Henry (Lead Guitarist), Joseph Barrera (Bass), Rudy Falcon (Keyboard), Gary Rumbaugh (Drums) and front man Joey Martinez, was a great experience for Ben. The musicians in that group were influential in their own way. The groups talent is best captured on the songs Algun Dia, Asegurame, and Cara Inolvidable. Cara Inolvidable was co-written by Joe Legarda, one more influential guitarist that helped shaped Ben's music skills. Ben left the group in 1997 after moving to Texas City, Texas from a work transfer but not before the groups momentum led them to become opening acts for great such as Little Joe Y La Familia, La Difenzia, Gary Hobbs and Elida Y Avante. Band Members: Rudy Falcon, Steve Henry, Joseph Barrera, Gary Rumbaugh, Joey Martinez, Ben Apolinar

BEN APOLINAR
Since then Ben has worked with great artists such as Patty Cabrera, WDYSIA, Matt Maher and Tom Booth. Ben released his first Solo Independent cd entitled FIRM produced by Michael & Ron Morales and featuring Kathryn Apolinar on backing vocals. His album was also nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Album in the Independent Music Awards. Ben also won the VOX of POPULI, (voice of the people award) from the same Independent Music Awards group.

Ben's latest work "BREAD THIEVES" is in review for the soundtrack of the Independent Film by the same name and can be heard on the playlist.

Ben plays the Houston/ Galveston area coffeehouse venues, weddings and Private Parties.

Booking Information:
Ben Apolinar
Email: ben@benapolinar.com
Website: www.benapolinar.com

Contact Info:
Ben Apolinar Music
1310 28th Avenue North
Texas City, Texas 77590

Instrumentation

Zack Cayton - Bass
Justin Broulliard - Drums
Oswaldo Canales - Percussion
Ben Apolinar - Lead Vocals / Guitar
Kathryn Apolinar - Lead / backing vocals

Discography

Ben Apolinar:
Firm - Released March 31, 2011

Featured Artist and Interview on Salt & Light Radio PODCAST & Sirius Radio May 7, 2011. (http://benapolinar.com/fr_firm.cfm)


Discography & Works
Bread Thieves for the Independent Film, "BREAD THIEVES"

Gran Amor written by Ben Apolinar recorded by Tejano Grupo Rodeo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSHFXVSsxTo

Ben Apolinar:
Firm - Released March 31, 2011

Featured Tracks on Salt & Light Radio PODCAST May 7, 2011.

Featured Track on Catholic Music Express PODCAST May 1, 2011

Three Song EP - Released February 2005, streaming on Jango

Miradas:
Three Song EP - Released January 1996

Sudden Impact:
Brand New Start - Released March 1990
By Faith - Released June 1994

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter

Audio

• Bread Thieves
  Listen  
• Robin Meade - Morning Express
  Listen  
• Hell Or High Water - Ben Apolinar
  Listen  
• Rewind
  Listen  
• I Surrender
  Listen  

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

Setlist

SET LIST 1
• Ventura Highway by America
• A Horse With No Name by America
• Band On The Run by Paul McCartney
• Beginnings by Chicago
• Aint No Sunshine by Bill Withers
• Cant Hurry Love by Phil Collins
• Black Water by Doobie Brothers
• Bring It On Home by Little Big Town
• Cab Driver by Daryl Hall
• Country road by James Taylor
• Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
• Desperado by Eagles
• Can't Buy Me Love by Beatles
• Ho Hey by Luminaires
• Don't You Worry Child
• Carry On by FUN

SET LIST 2

• Don't Stop Believin by Journey
• Dont Let Me Be Lonely Tonight by James Taylor
• Easy by Commodores
• Everybody Wants To Rule by Tears For Fears
• Faithfully by Journey
• Fire & Rain by James Taylor
• God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton
• How Long Has This Been Going On by Ace
• How Sweet It Is by James Taylor
• I Just Wanna Stop by Gino Vanelli
• I'll Be Around by Spinners
• Im Yours by Jason Mraz
• Jet by Paul McCartney
• The Joker by Steve Miller Band
• Kiss On My List by Hall and Oates
• La Bamba by Ritchie Valens
• Listen To The Music by Doobie Brothers
• Long Train Running by Doobie Brothers
• The More I Drink by Blake Shelton
• Sarah Smile by Hall and Oates
• Summer Breeze by Seals & Croft
• Take It Easy by Eagles
• Volver Volver

Basic Requirements

Calendar