Ben Alper

What do you get when you mix driving rhythms on acoustic guitar with witty songwriting and a lyrical delivery that flows like the Nile? You get Ben Alper! Ben is a singer/songwriter based out of Pittsburgh, PA, that has been entertaining crowds in the tri-state area with his own unique brand of songwriting since late 2007. Whether rocking the mic solo or bringing down the house with an arsenal of Pgh's finest backing him, Ben Alper has the grooves that are sure to cure what ails you. He has rocked Pittsburgh's hottest venues, including Hard Rock Cafe, Mr. Smalls Theater, Club Cafe and The Rex Theater, and he has opened for such nationally known artists as Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Keaton Simons, Parachute, Pete Francis of Dispatch, Down With Webster, and Inward Eye.

Ben released his debut EP, titled New Voice, in September of 2009. Since its release, multiple tracks have been received radio play on Pittsburgh's premier radio station for independent music, WYEP 91.3. The song Warming Up To You has been recognized on the music competition website OurStage.com, claiming the 5th highest rated song in the Acoustic competition (out of over 500 songs) for the month of November. To this date, Warming Up To You has received almost 3,800 plays and has received very appreciated praise from listeners such as, "This is such a great fun song, such wonderful vocals and harmonies!!!!" and "Perfect example of less is more, Excellent in all area, Respect!!!!"

Not one to forget his roots, Ben also thoroughly enjoys playing the music of those artists that inspired him to begin writing and performing original music. In November of 2009, Ben joined many of Pittsburgh's finest singer/songwriters for an evening of celebrating the music of the Beatles at Hard Rock Cafe, titled Acousticafe Presents: The Beatles. Local music blog, Burghsounds.com, was there to review the event and had this to say:

"Ben Alper called The Beatles his "all time favorite band" before playing a tight, straightforward version of "Ticket To Ride." When he followed with "Norwegian Wood," it included an extended, high-speed mandolin breakdown courtesy of Bob Banerjee. Alper seemed to split the song in half, with the verses sounding like himself and the middle eight uncannily reproducing the harmonies from the Rubber Soul recording. It was wildly popular with the audience."

Most recently, Ben joined forces with local artist/promoter/all-around badass Gene Stovall to present a showcase of the music of Earth Wind & Fire and the Dave Matthews Band at Hard Rock Cafe. The evening was a smashing success, with both bands putting on amazing performances and moving the packed house to sing along to all their favorite songs. Ben thoroughly enjoyed this experience so much so that a full-time Dave Matthews Tribute Band is on the horizon.

Ben Alper is poised to take it to new levels this year. With showcases at ZonePerfect's live.create.lounge @ SXSW Festival and Cape May Singer Songwriter Conference, 2010 is shaping up to be the year of Ben!