Lollapalooza :: Last Band Standing 2008

Grand Prize Winner:
The Melismatics

Runner-Up Winner:
Foxtail Somersault

Sarah Benck & The Robbers

When you see Sarah Benck for the first time, the immediate question in your mind will be, “How does such a big voice come in such a small package?” When you listen to Sarah's lyrics, you'll wonder, “How can someone so young write such introspective and personal songs?"

Still in her early 20's, Sarah has become a mainstay of the Omaha music scene. She has been performing solo acoustic and with local bands since age 15, and was even asked by Omaha indie-rock band Cursive to record vocals for the song "Retreat" on their 2006 release Happy Hollow.

In January of 2007 she was named “Best Singer/Songwriter” at the First Annual Omaha Entertainment Awards. Sarah was awarded the OEA for “Best Adult Alternative” in 2008.

Sarah's band helps her write, arrange, and evolve the music with an “anything goes” attitude, yet always serving the song.

Guitarist Jason Ferguson was obsessed with music from an early age and grew up with the sounds of blues, jazz and rock. He brings a wealth of studio and stage experience to the band.

Bassist Bob Carrig has already established himself in the Omaha music scene with his frenetic yet groove-laden playing. Having grown up listening to anything from Motown to Fugazi, Bob brings a fusion of musical diversity and classical training.

Drummer Scott "Zip" Zimmerman has a diverse musical background. Aside from playing and singing with several rock, funk, and jazz groups, he has taught music privately and in public schools. Zip provides the perfect feel with his funk-rock swagger.

Sarah Benck has become a sought-after regional favorite, gigging often and sharing the stage with luminaries Buddy Guy, Sue Foley, Dawn Tyler, Renee Austin, Eric Sardinas, Hadden Sayers, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Rich Robinson, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Bernard Alison, Savoy Brown, Kory and the FireFlies, Lee Rocker, Orenda Fink, Neva Dinova, REO Speed Wagon, Indigenous, Gillian Welch, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Conor Oberst, Blues Traveler, BoDeans, and Bon Jovi.

With the release of their second CD, Neighbor's Garden (2007), Sarah Benck and The Robbers demonstrate how they've matured together musically. While their debut Suicide Doublewide (2005) was described by many as “bluesy rock”, their sophomore effort is devoid of any straight ahead blues tunes. The Robbers take a foundation of rock, funk, roots, and blues and build upon those genres with this record. One could almost describe them as a soul band, especially on slower tracks such as “Good Man” and the album closer “I Can Still”. It is the more upbeat and groove-laden tracks such as “What You Got”, “Dig Your Grave”, “Dump The Truck”, and the title track “Neighbor's Garden” that keep the crowds coming back to their live shows, giving the audience what they really want: that opportunity to subtly bob ones' head, full on dance to the music, or just feel what the band is sending their way. Sarah Benck and The Robbers succeed in delivering that, both live and on their new album and that is what will allow them to continue to enthrall and grow their audience.

This music resonates with young and old alike. After a performance, the line to meet Sarah says it all. From preteens with dreams of singing and playing guitar to baby boomers who swear they've just witnessed the next Bonnie Raitt. There's something there for everyone. Catch her live, and you too will become one of the faithful.

http://www.sarahbenck.com

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