Lance Benson: Journal

Life has been flying at top speed I haven't stopped into the journal for a while...time to catch up.

Summer landed as the best one of my life. Surrounded each and every day by people I love and that treat me just right. Countless evenings on the lake wake boarding, taking my little boat up the Mississippi to just sit still, endless musical moments that I'm still smiling about. Ended the summer and kicked off the Fall opening for Danny Schmidt from Austin, TX @ the KAXE Ampitheatre in Grand Rapids, MN. A perfect evening in my book, he is amazing!! Had the chance to sit for an interview that was later broadcast on Centerstage MN from KAXE.....funny stuff! Was blown away to hear my name announced for first place @ the 7th Annual Songwriting Comp in Duluth @ Beaner's.....for first place Mark & I will be back to do a Headlining show sometime in December!

I'm just loving the weather, the smell of the air is just awesome right now. Looking ahead we have a really fun show coming up w/ the sunny era from mpls @ Brigid's cross on the 23rd this month...we will all be dressed as zombie's as there is a zombie pub crawl that evening..and a zombie movie being filmed!

All in all...life is good...hope it is on you end too!

whew, summer is in full swing & fun is in the air. Last weekend I performed @ a Summer Soltice Festival in Turtle River, MN & it holds a highlight once again for the summer so far. Thanks Ric for hosting this beautiful event! Back into songwriting again, couple new tunes written, couple more in the works. I find it strange to be writing in the summer, usually doesn't happen that way for me, but hey I'll take it!
Wakebaording has been just right this year. I'm riding a new board this year, and have a great coach...captain Nate Dorr. Hopefully I'll be landing some tricks this summer.....and always crossing my fingers that I don't get all plugged up so I can't sing.....it happens now & again.
One of my dogs had a little boo boo about a month and a half ago, and she is still healing. Can't wait for her to be 100% so she can join in on more outdoor activity.....today she is wrapped in blue...tomorrow may be green...keeping it fun to change up her colors.

Mark & I hit brigids cross tomorrow evening for a show. This is our last show for about a month or so, just kind of happened that way. We have a new version of an old fav "world to me" that we will be trying out tomorrow! More & more songs are finding Mark behind the drum set which is awesome, fun beats!

All in all things are good, hope they are on your end too!

Peace

Falling in love with spring this year…new beginnings arrive each spring right? The ending to my winter was just right with a trip to Lutsen w/ good friends. Open stage was a fun experience as well!
My yard is like a magnet to me this year…just lost in walking in the woods and taking deep breathes. With the water off the lake my wakeboard looks very appealing as too!!
I’m continually moved by all of you, the inspiration you bring to my steps. Takes me to my drawing board to create something new, thank you for that!
The schedule is pretty idle right now….kind of strange to look at actually…where did all the shows go? Well, I’m working on a few good ones I hope work out! Hoping these moments of spring are finding you just right…

Winter is moving along so fast, wish I could hit pause. I just love the winter. Song writing has moved me lately, working on more new material. Mark & I have enjoyed twisting the new tunes. I’m so inspired by his rhythms.
Off to Lusten next week to enjoy a few days of snowboarding. So excited to have noticed they have an open mic @ Papa Charlie’s (cool music venues) during my stay!! Does anyone else notice that February is just a crazy month? You can make no plans at all & some how the calendar just fills up, well anyway, the fill ups were amazing and looking forward to a little down time. Peace…Love…Spring…but just a little more winter!

Kicked off 2010 w/ a last minute show in Minneapolis opening for The Sunny Era. Great band out of the cities...check out a show if you see them near you. Hope everyone had a relaxing holiday...mine were just right. Little down time into the new year. Mark & I are looking into some different avenues of shows this year, something new & different. Shows page is always up to date as our shows are confirmed. Cheers!

Winded down the fall shows this past friday @ Brigids Cross in Bemidji. Thanks to all who crowded the front for the first couple hours of the show, Mark & I had a great time!

Thankful for a little down time as I burned my arm pretty bad on Thanksgiving. Word of advice....only get a tame turkey...just kidding! I felt a little like James Hetfield of Metallica on friday. I had my right arm all wrapped and casted so I could get through the show, all worked out very well and no pain during the evening. Couple weeks of rest should result in good healing!

Hope everyone had a relaxing Thanksgiving, time with firend and family, it is for sure my favorite holiday.

I've been back into writing mode again. I had the chance to enjoy an entire day last week to just write and work on new material. I'm back & forth about when to start recording a new album, I just know that when we move on the moment It is going to be an amazing journey.

Always wishing all of you peace, and thanks always for the support!

Something so simple about just staying home all day, no where to be…no plans, just flowing with the day…I think this has been the first day in months…maybe even years where this has happened…..found myself lost in the yard enjoying the great day that arrived. Took advantage of a day to get yard work done, and it was wonderful!

Mark & I had a blast on the road last weekend in Grand Rapids & Superior. Great to have an amigo on the road. Mark joins me once again this coming weekend on our way back east to Duluth. We will be closing the evening at Beaner’s Central (saaaaweeet venue). Remembering back to last year we had to cancel this gig due to a crazy snow storm….it took almost a year to rebook the show but it’s on baby! Looking so forward to another day in Duluth!

Kick off the fall with a bang…..yes! Had a great road trip to Duluth on the 23rd for the song writing competition @ Beaner’s. Stopped off for a great cup of coffee @ Brewed awakenings in Grand Rapids, MN (Mark & I have a show there on October 9th) and headed over to Superior, WI for dinner at the Red Mug Coffeehouse ( Mark & I have a show there on October 10th!) We are looking forward to these upcoming shows for sure!

Beaner’s is always beyond beautiful. I met so many great song writers that entered the competition. Jill Zimmerman, Lucas Ollanketo, Emily Jane to name a couple favs!
I performed a couple new tunes and was overwhelmed to have them place 2nd. Jill Z placed 1st, and Emily J. placed 3rd……check these gals out for sure!

The 26th found Mark & I at the Wild Rose Theater in Bemidji. Thanks to all who came out to the show and kept us company. Also so many thanks to Chris Price on sound, Rolan Ohnstad running stage manager, and to the lovely KD gals who ran tickets and merch. I am blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Beautiful evening for sure, music truly brings people together!

What a week!? Feels like July and I’m diggin it! What a perfect way to transition into fall with a nice warm couple of weeks.

First off I would like to send a thank you to all who attended Brenda Weiler at my home over Labor day weekend, I was so happy to see so many show up on a busy weekend…you all rock baby!

Well…as summer has been winding down, I’m gearing into fall mode. This Sunday will be our last morning wakeboarding as the boat goes to storage for the winter….that’s when you know it’s fall. But I’m so excited for the transition into a busy music schedule. I’ll be in Duluth on the 23rd of Sep. performing two new songs in the songwriting comp. @ Beaner’s. If you are in or around the area, great evening of music for sure. Mark Bauer & I are super pumped for out show on the 26th in Bemidji @ the Wild Rose Theater. We’ve been in rehearsal mode the past month are really looking forward to performing lots of new material.

Thanks for a very warm and receptive open mic last night as well….it was a little piece of magic for us…..~peace~

I'm very excited to announce I will be part of Beaner's Central Songwriting contest on September 23rd in Duluth, MN. I performed at the contest two years ago and met so many great musicians. I'll be showcasing two new songs for the contest, "Something" & "Today". These are some new songs I've been kicking around for the past month and am grateful to have had them find my finger tips. Also keep in mind that is the week of Beaner's one week live..live shows every night for ONE WEEK!! Stop in if you live or are in the area..it is an amazing week. Hope to see some of you out at the songwriting contest..until next time....~peace~

Not sure if summer has happened yet this year…..been very chilly. You know it’s cold when we are still wearing wet suits to wakeboard in July! All in all though, the summer has been sweet. Settled into August around a campfire with Mark Bauer our drummer!! We’ve both been so busy I haven’t seen much of him this summer. We are stoked for the upcoming shows we have booked. End of the month at Lake Bemidji Ampitheatre & September will bring our bigger show at the Wild Rose Theatre. Looking forward to jamming our new tunes, along with hitting the old favorites. I truly want to say thanks for all the inspiration so many of you give me when I see you out and about. I’m looking forward to rotating the energy at the upcoming shows!

~cheers~

As I look back on this year's performances....I realize I'm a very private person...lots of "private events"! This has been something new for me but has been a lot of fun. I've enjoyed doing something different this year. Thanks for all who have hosted me into there home, business, or other location for an event. Last nights party was awesome....you should hear the song the crowd wrote.... a little twisted but very funny! I know there will be more to come down the road. Thanks & peace

So great to see days and days of sunshine. The smell of cut grass and campfires fill the air around my house...dig it!

Songwriting and house projects are finding me well in the transition into summer. Random moments have moved me to write something from out of the blue, so rare and what a gift. I know my next album is a little over a year away from being recorded and released, but can feel the vibrations and sounds of what kind of album it will be already. I've been overwhelmed on guitar parts finding their way into my finger tips....very groovy.

Summer fun is in the air, the fire pit has seen many nights with friends & family surrounding it, and so many long walks in the woods. Also so many fun house projects are keeping me busy, look foward to seeing them complete before the water warms up.....wake board season!!

I hope this summer season is finding you ready to enjoy what it will bring this year!!

Thanks to all who joined us at Brigid’s Cross last night, it was a relaxing show w/ good energy. Appreciated all the wonderful compliments that came our way during the breaks….so glad you enjoy the music we create. Jon Heller shot some neat pics...should get those from him this week and posted soon. As spring is here and summer around the corner my schedule is slowing down to enjoy the sunshine. I’m sure some random shows will pop up in the next couple months, the website is always updated daily with news and events so I will post any pop up gigs as they are confirmed. As for today, next show is end of June in Brooten, MN at John O’s! It's a two night stand...Great venue and awesome food….totally worth the drive to see this place!

Enjoy the sunshine!

As I will be off for a while with performances, I'm grateful with all of the people I'm surrounded by. Thank you for all your inspirations and energy towards music. Mark & I are into jamming and creating the juice of creativity and looking forward to sharing those jams on May 2nd at Brigid’s Cross in Bemidji. As spring arrives I not only wish but dream these moments will find true beauty in your day !

An evening we knew would be magic! After sound check @ Brigid’s last Saturday, Mark & I were having dinner and we could just feel the excitement in the air that something good was going to happen….and indeed it did. That evening stands tall as one of our favorite shows! The energy was beautiful and people were amazing. Thanks for all your kind emails that have come in this past week. It’s such a beautiful circle when I perform to inspire, and then that energy gets relayed back to me on stage and inspires me. I appreciated so many of you that bought not only one, but two CD’s. I’m always so amazed for the support of organic music. Also my appreciation for Mark Bauer on drums, and Rolan Ohnstad on helping with sound! Looking forward to the next one, let’s do it again! ~peace~

I feel as though I'm still lost in Colorado even though I'm back up north. We had an amazing journey out to Aspen for a 3 day snowboarding trip. Surrounded by my inspirations of people and beauty. Even had the chance to slip in a quick house show. A few pics up from the trip on the PHOTO'S page. Though the journey is over may another begin! ~peace~

WOW, what a great evening in Brooten! This place is it man, I love it. This is one of those places that is worth the drive to go and have dinner, and see live entertainment. If you are ever close to St. Cloud, you NEED to take the detour to John O’s fine dining, you will not be disappointed. Thanks to Tom, Brent, Linda, and the rest of the staff of John O’s. My evening was so fun, and enjoyed the after show bar jam as well. Look forward to coming back again soon!

***Tom took some amazing pics, as soon as I get them, they will be added to the photos page, they are way better than the one’s on the site now. He has an awesome camera!

Grand Rapids is beautiful, what a fun & also relaxing show! Many thanks to Wayne Leeds for running sound w/ all of his gear, what a wonderful treat. I was grateful to all who bought CD’s after the show and showed such great support for independent music. I also know some travled long distance to attend the show, what a treat! Thanks to Joan, John & staff for a wonderful evening, and great coffee!

Mark Bauer (percussion/drums) and I had an absolute blast at open mic last night! It was a pleasure to be in the company of such wonderful folks. We are looking forward to our next visit, although it may be a couple months as I will be in Colorado next first Friday, so April we are on, it's a date. Buena Vista was also a blast today performing in the Blacksmith shop. I was amazed of the amount of money thrown at my feet during my performance, totally not planned, so whom ever put down the first dollar bill, I owe you many more dollar bills because you started the money throwing contest...thank you...I can buy a new pair or shoes!

Couple more shows this month, Brewed in Grand Rapids coming up in a couple weeks, always a treat to play there, and then John O's in Brooten. That will be my first visit to that venue.

Other good news as I think I may have booked my fall hometown show...details to come....stand by for take off!

~peace-love-snow-coffee~

It has been an entirely different winter than the previous few. For one, we actually have snow which has made for some great snowshoeing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling around northern Minnesota. The other factor is the extreme cold that hit this past week, most folks don’t like it, but it kind of encourages me to make sure there is a log on the fire, and good coffee on hand.

I always enjoy some down time after the Holidays to relax and enjoy….but I am getting antsy to get back out and play! Next weekend finds Mark Bauer (drums) and myself at the Winery in Fargo, ND. Awesome venue with an outstanding selection of fine wine & beers. Be great to see you if you are in the area!

In regards to the Duluth show that was cancelled back in December….a bummer I know…..it had to do with the weather………….Mark and I plan on making it back sometime in the spring….we’ll keep you posted!

I’m casually laid back this December. Just enjoying what ever comes my way, and in saying that many venues have been contacting me for 2009 bookings! In fact if you have a venue in your town/city that you feel would fit my style of tunes, feel free to contact me. I love performing in new venues and cities! I will be returning to Fargo in January, venue details will be posted on the shows page. A new venue for me in Brooten, MN in February following another visit to Grand Rapids, MN! March will find me in Colorado on my traditional snowboarding trip, and who knows maybe a show or two, that is what I love about being laid back, things just happen.

Super excited for my show in Duluth next week at Beaner’s. My long time friend and drummer extraordinaire Mark Bauer joins me on the road for this one, so come on out if you are in the area. Beaner’s is a great venue!

More important, wishing you a warm season of peace & love. Dreaming that the spirit or seasons finds you & yours well this year!

As the snow is starting to settle onto the grass, I’m reminded of how much I love winter. The smell in the air is crisp and still. The coffee is always on, and the woodstove has wood stacked beside it awaiting a cold evening, I dig it.

Things are laid back now, awaiting a few shows coming up. Mark Bauer (drums/percussion) joins me at Brigids Cross on November 28th. If you are in town, stop on by, but come early as the place will be packed, not because of me, but because of the night we light parade, that place will be wall to wall all night!! I will perform at the annual radiothon to end child abuse on the 4th of December, and I am really looking forward to returning to Beaners in Duluth on the 20th of December.

I hope you are finding the seasons change well, and look forward to seeing you at a show!

Hello friends! The fall is amazing this year. I spent yesterday at two amazing places. I performed at two weddings, one at Itasca State Park, and one at Lake Bemidji State Park. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon & evening surrounded by amazing colors! I was also reminded that it has been almost a year since the release of Mornings & Afternoons, along with a full year of shows & travel! It has been truly an amazing year of shows, seeing folks from previous tours, to making new friends. Some of the highlights that come to mind are:

~Making a dream come true in Brainerd for a gal who always wanted to be a roadie…she insisted on carrying all of my equipment & guitars for load in & load out at the gig. She was well into the evening of drinking cocktails when I met her, but hey I’m all about seeing someone’s dream come true!

~The many shows in Duluth/Superior….hiking many different places on the North Shore with friends & family, to spending many afternoons at Spirit Mountain snowboarding.

~Fiddler’s Dream in Phoenix Arizona, a room full of people with no microphones, no speakers, it was beyond beautiful. The coolest venue I played all year…no doubt!

~The House Concert Series featuring Justin Roth, Mark Reeves, Josh Harty, & Mary Bue. Setting record crowds and CD sales for all these fine artists that performed at my home.

These are just a few moment that come to mind, Thanks to all who have been coming out to the shows and bringing more people every time!

I’m in the process of booking a few more shows for 2008 in Duluth & Fargo to wind down the year. Next year for sure will see me out and about at my favorite venues, and also the House Concert Series will continue!

Happy fall to all!

~peace~

What a treat to have had such a great turn out for Mary Bue on Saturday at my house concert! As always thanks for the local support from all my great friends, family & neighbors that attended. Mary performed a crisp, refreshing set about lost & found love, funny humor about herself, and life on the road. She made everyone laugh dozens of times, she’s just that cute. She just moved out to Seattle, if you live around or travel too, check out a show, it will enlighten you.