Ben Davenport

Ben is a native resident of Charlotte, NC, where he has performed since 1996. Since then he has quickly become a highly recognized and sought-after musician, specializing in piano and keyboard work. Today, Ben can be seen playing regularly at a variety of venues and functions throughout the area.

Ben began studying classical piano at an early age. He routinely competed for recognition and scholarships throughout his schooling, consistently placing with high honors. During this time he also learned to play brass instruments. At age 14, he began studying jazz, Broadway, and popular piano styles in addition to his classical curriculum. Two years later, Ben began working in a professional capacity throughout the Charlotte area as both a soloist and a band-member.

In addition to his early training, Ben has studied and performed with several jazz bands at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, playing piano, keyboards, and trumpet. He has since performed with a variety of local groups, utilizing his training in all of the aforementioned styles. Currently, he also leads his own group, The Ben Davenport Trio, while continuing to work as a soloist and freelance artist with many of the most talented musicians in Charlotte.

as a soloist
(note: instrumental only -- no singing)
acoustic piano
digital piano
no need to have a real piano; I'm completely portable!

with his band
instrumentation (including vocalists) and size are variable depending on your preferences and budget

Performs a variety of styles, including:
jazz and swing
cocktail music
standards and themes
Broadway
blues
oldies
beach music
shag
classic and modern rock
country music
funk
Latin
R&B
classical
wedding music
hymns and worship music
holiday music

Available for:
corporate events
office parties
awards banquets
conventions
birthdays
anniversaries
holiday parties
wedding receptions
wedding ceremonies
Equally comfortable as a soloist or with a band, Ben regularly performs in a wide variety of settings. These include large nightclubs, small bars, restaurants, country clubs, hotels, outdoor festivals, church and wedding ceremonies, business and wedding receptions, private parties, and more.

Much of his performance work can be classified as freelance--meaning that both the location and band lineup change often--but he also has significant experience working in steady groups and steady venues. Some recent highlights include:

2005 - Present
Keyboards and backup vocals for Out of the Blue, the Coyote Joe's house band (Coyote Joe's is one of the largest country music nightclubs in the Southeast). Performances are three nights each week, usually in front of large audiences (between 1000 and 3000 people), and sometimes while sharing the stage--as an opening act--with many popular country music artists, including Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels, The Bellamy Brothers, Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Chris Cagle, Josh Turner, Darryl Worley, Hot Apple Pie, Little Bigtown and many more.

2006 - Present
Keyboards and backup vocals for Megan Peeler, the 2006 Colgate Country Showdown national winner.

2003 - Present
Keyboards and backup vocals for Spin Cycle, a jazz-inspired, four-piece rock band. Performed at the Mannerland bluegrass festival in 2004.

2002 - 2003
Club pianist at Charlotte Tower Club, an exclusive dining venue. Performed several nights weekly as a jazz soloist, and also with a jazz trio of revolving lineup that included many of the finest musicians in Charlotte.