Ben Traverse Band - Roots on the River

Join us for an evening of live music on the scenic Manistee River! The Roots on the River concert series will feature incredible regional talent on Thursdays throughout July and August. We are extremely excited for this year, as the Manistee Jaycees have passed the torch to new nonprofit, Music Sparks Meaning, to continue the longstanding series for many more years! - Ben Traverse is a young person with a very wide hat who commands a wide array of instruments in their mission to bring the finest traditional folk music into the 21st century. With deep roots in Michigan, Traverse finds theirself in good company as a member of the Earthwork Music Collective using traditional music as a vehicle for education, equity, and environmental action. Despite not coming from a musical family, Traverse has been drawn to live music since they held their first guitar at two years old – a gift from his grandfather. Ben’s musical journey truly began nearly a decade ago at a collaborative after-school program presented by Earthwork Music and SEEDS celebrating Alan Lomax’s 1938 ethnomusicological expedition in Michigan and Wisconsin. Always having a keen interest in history, especially from a cultural perspective, traditional music quickly became Traverse’s biggest passion. After moving to Grand Rapids and getting a degree in audio engineering, they quickly became heavily involved working behind the scenes with many West Michigan acts. If you frequent local concerts, you’ve probably seen Ben slinging merch or a poster they hung up! Since then, Traverse has spent the better part of a decade cutting his teeth playing listening rooms, festivals, and bars. He’s found his passion steeping himself in the rich history of traditional folk music and using folk music as a vehicle for community, collaboration, education, and environmental and social activism.