Ben was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. When he was in third grade, he saw Garth Brooks live in concert, and left that auditorium a changed 8 year old. As an early teen, he became involved with the local theatre, learning the intricacies of theatrical devices and the art of story-telling. This had a strong influence on the songwriters he was listening to, and the songs he was writing. After teaching himself guitar around the age of 13, he immediately began writing songs and perfecting his narrative style. He was also fast becoming a very accomplished local actor, winning awards state-wide in Alabama, and regionally in the southeast. After highschool he went to college on a scholarship for Musical Theatre in Orlando, FL. Since graduation three years ago, he's been making a living as a professional actor and touring musician. This lifestyle, combined with his early influences in music and performance, has shaped his music, both in story and sound. Strong vocal performances and good, solid storytelling make his music accessible and unforgettable. Instrumentation: Ben plays a Taylor 714 ce. Her name is Patricia, named after his mother. Discography: "The Blue Ridge Sessions"- This album was a bare-bones live recording inside the WTZQ radio station in Hendersonville, NC. It features 8 original songs, including crowd favorites "Smokers Anthem" and "Corporate Theology". "Southland"- This album is a throwback to Ben's Alabama roots, and has a decidedly more country overtone. It will feature songs ranging in style from bluegrass, to Hank Williams Sr. style ballads. He is very excited about this release, as it is a very personal sound to Ben and a bit of a departure from his early years of material. This album also features the masterful guitar work of Ben's brother, Jay Hope, and bass tracks by loyal friend Damian Duke Domingue of "The Carburetors".