*Limited spots available*
• Imagine 4-7 hours of your favorite mid-90s to mid-2000s Indie/Alt/PopPunk music, PLUS numerous classics from the 60s, 70s, and 80s thrown in, AND an occasional, catchy original played on acoustic guitar and skill vocals.
• Imagine a performer who is just as dedicated to his individual clients leading up to the event, as he is to his craft of performing.
• Imagine being the party planner who receives high five and praise from guests for such an amazing time.
With over 12 years of pro expertise, and a ridiculous repertoire, working with Ben isn’t just a good time, but it’s an experience like no other. Your guests will love you, and your heart will too.
Arrived early, set up quickly, played for he full allotted time. The guests were impressed with his music selection and skill and remarked how much they enjoyed his performance. Spent time talking with him and found him to be a very kind and pleasant personality. Highly recommended.
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks for the review and kind words, Andrew! The pleasure was mine! - Ben
Ben did a wonderful job playing for a 50th birthday party at my home. We had great communication leading up to the event. Ben arrived early and sounded great playing songs I had requested. Highly recommend. Thanks Ben for making the event memorable.
Truly professional from initial contact to payment to follow-up to arriving on time to starting on time. He plays a huge library of songs, is a talented guitarist and has a great voice. He was also very engaging while conversing afterwards. This was my first time booking live music and it truly was easy. Book Ben and you will not be disappointed!
Ben drove several hours last minute to surprise my son and his girlfriend (fiancé) by singing a few wonderful songs after they got engaged. My son said it was “incredible” and he was the perfect person and sounded amazing. Thank you, Ben for making this occasion even more memorable!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Deanna! It was my great pleasure! - Ben
Photos from this event
Ben came to OCNJ to play a 50+ person backyard birthday party for my wife. He did a wonderful job and many of the people attending told me how much they enjoyed his performance. He played a wide variety of songs that kept everyone’s interest. Ben is a really nice and flexible guy. You won’t be disappointed going with him. I’m definitely hungover today which is usually the sign of a good party so thanks again Ben.
Terrific, great communication, added so much to our event.
Very easy to work with. Played for hours with little to no breaks. Kept the party going with his long list of songs!!! Would recommend and use again!!!!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks so much, Barry! It was my pleasure! Anytime! - Ben
He showed up to my wife's work. Gave her the balloon and chocolates the pulled out his yuke and started jamming. She loved it.
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Jason! Anytime! Glad that I could help! - Ben
Ben was amazing! We had so much fun, and really enjoyed his performance for my daughter’s 16th birthday. Ben was very professional and easy to work with. We loved it, and we recommend Ben to all!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Sue! The pleasure was mine! - Ben
Ben was a great addition to our party! From the beginning we knew it was a great fit. Ben took his time to make sure all details were covered for our event. When it finally came time for our event we were not disappointed, this guy is a machine.... Hey played straight through a 4hr set with hit after hit (great variety of new & old) . During our party we received nothing but praise from our guest of how much fun & talented he was.
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Anthony! The pleasure was mine!
Ben arrived right on time. So happy with the choice we made. Will be having him back again. Even had our dog singing along 😆
Photos from this event
We had a blast and Ben was fantastic!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
:) You all were pretty great, yourselves!
Ben was outstanding and the perfect vibe for a 75 degree night on the beach. He played a lot of covers and mixed in some of his own music. He’s a pleasure to deal with and made our party a success.
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Jason! I loved being there! - Ben
Thank you so much for coming to our campground to entertain our guests! We would love to have you back! Thank you, TGD
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Jan! I’ll come back anytime! - Ben
Ben is very professional and a pleasure to have for my brother's baby shower! He sang songs that everyone loved! I strongly recommend Ben as he is extremely talented! I hope I can have him at my next events! I know my family will be hiring him as well!
Thank you so much for making this event alot of fun!!!!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
My pleasure, Angie! Thanks for having me! - Ben
Ben was on time and professional, played beautifully and would definitely recommend him!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks for having me, Dennis! I loved playing! - Ben
Super nice guy with a great voice. Audiences of all ages will enjoy him!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Rayleen! It was a pleasure. Hope we can do it again sometime! - Ben
Ben played at our outdoor wedding reception and was just amazing. He is so talented and wonderful to work with - we were pretty disorganized with our timeline and he just rolled with it. We really appreciated his easy going attitude! Our guests loved him too! We received so many compliments and everybody enjoyed the song selections. He really helped make our wedding fun and perfect! Would definitely book again in the future!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks for the kind review, Cori! It was a pleasure to be there! - Ben
Ben was loved by all my guest. He was courteous, funny and sang a variety of songs that everyone could enjoy. He'll be at the top of my list for my next party.
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks so much, Gloria! The pleasure was all mine. - Ben
Ben was such a delightful addition to our intimate backyard wedding. Everyone enjoyed his singing and guitar playing. I was told by numerous guests that he was great and that he provided the perfect vibe at the perfect volume for the space we were in. His personalized song for me and my husband was very cute, and he presented it very nicely. Behind the scenes leading up to the event, he was great to work with...very responsive, reasonably priced, and he learned quite a few songs for the wedding. I was just extremely pleased with Ben all the way around, and so was everyone else!
Photos from this event
Ben has led the music time at our church's Vacation Bible School for six years (hoping for seven!). He is a ROCK STAR with the kids. Ben's infectious energy, sincere presence and clear talent make him a favorite with children and parents alike. Our parents are always impressed with the enthusiastic singing and energy and participation at our closing ceremony. Ben plays a perfect rep for our VBS week. The songs are catchy, singable and GOOD (not cheesy VBS music). The children (and parents) are singing them for weeks to come. Ben is a key component to keeping our VBS program vibrant. He works well with others and has a lovely personality. I couldn't recommend him more.
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thank you so much, Corrie! I always love being there!
I found Superstar Runner to be a very versatile guitarist, who was easy to work with. He has
a wide range of material, and adapts to many audiences. ----Leah
Ben was great. He made our New Years Party so much more fun. Both the adults and the kids enjoyed dancing and singing along with him. Would definitely want to do this again! Thanks!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks for the review, and for having me, Jamie! I love being there! Best, Ben
Ben was perfect for our venue. He fit right in with our vibe. Will most certainly be bringing him back for our next open house/sale. good time was had by all.
Photos from this event
It was great to have to have Ben play at my wedding. He played beautifully exactly what I asked for! I was thrilled to find him, he made our special day extra special. He was reasonable, affordable and very professional. I would highly recommend him and would hire him again.
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
My pleasure, Ali. Thank you so much for having me! - Ben
Ben was an absolute pleasure. He is a gentleman and has an amazing talent. Thank you, Ben!
Photos from this event
Ben was great to have at my 40th birthday party! He has an incredible voice and can play a diverse amount of music. It was especially great to hear him sing his own music! I will be brining Ben back for our next party!
Showed up and asked me to print lyrics. Didn't play anything as asked. Started playing 30mins after planned start time. Didn't interact with party from the mic. Had issues with amp so we could only hear guitar or voice, not both. Asked to leave early. Super disappointing.
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Sorry for the disappointment, Shawn. This unfortunately had been a hard week for me - I was out of town until Thursday afternoon and then worked all day as well as Friday, my printer and wifi stopped working, so I couldn't print out or get access to any of the song/artist requests that were asked for. I was equally frustrated. I did however play a number of artists that were on your phone's playlist - Third Eye Blind, Imagine Dragons, The Wallflowers, etc. I wasn't exactly sure when to start because other music was playing, and details weren't specified. (I would have gladly played longer to make up for the late start.) I didn't interact with the crowd because they all seemed interested in talking to one another, so I figured I was more background/wallpaper music. As stated in my private message to you, this is the first time in 9 years that I've had issues with my sound, so trust me when I say...it was awkward for me too. I never asked to leave early, so I'm not sure what that's about. I did write a sincere apology, understanding the disappointment (of which I was equally disappointed at myself), and have offered to play a personal make-up concert that will be free of charge, as well as other free music, as a way of (hopefully) redeeming myself. My offer still stands. As the other reviews on here can verify, usually people are pretty pleased with what I do. Again, my apologies. I am very sorry. - Ben
Great to work with!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Erin. My pleasure!
Superstar Runner was great for my husband's 40th Surprise Birthday Party!! We had several children at the party too and Superstar Runner was even able to easily entertain the kids too! He knew a wide range of children 's songs as well as songs for the adults!! I highly recommend him for your next party!!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Sarah! It was a pleasure! - Ben
A very talented artist with such a wide range of musical inspiration he will absolutely bring something for any situation. If you're looking for something bright and full of sunshine, he's got it. If you're looking for something slow and somber, he's got it. A dynamic performer able to wonderfully fit any scenario we threw at him. A+
Ben was wonderful! He kept our guest happy and entertained! We liked him so much that we asked him to stay until the end. We have a lot of children of all ages and he was extremely good with all of them! We plan on calling Ben for any events in the future! Thank you for everything!!!!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
My pleasure, Brandi! I love being there! - Ben
Ben was great to work with. He arrived early to set up and played for the entire event. I asked for music that would suit 50-60 year olds and he came through with flying colors. All the guests thought he was wonderfully talented. He made the event a huge success. I will definitely use Ben again!!
Response from Ben Bailie Emokid:
Thanks, Nancy! It certainly was a pleasure. Thanks for the popcorn too!
It was a pleasure working with Ben - he provided acoustic cover songs for my sister's baby shower. He was extremely professional and received a lot of compliments from the guests. I highly recommend him for any of your events!
Ben provided the music for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour, and he was fantastic! Ben and his acoustic guitar were the perfect fit for our outdoor ceremony in the woods. The music helped create an intimate atmosphere during the ceremony, and then he traveled to our reception venue to entertain our guests for the cocktail hour. With all the things to stress about with planning a wedding, I knew that the music was one thing I didn't need to worry about. Ben is dependable, professional, and easy to work with. Highly recommend!
Price Range: $$$ - Contact for quote
Gig Length: 5 - 800 minutes
Languages: English
You can first expect a professional who will be polite and courteous, who will show up (on time) when he says he will, and do his job. I'm super flexible and easy to work with, and I'm super trustworthy. You can expect see a performer who loves to sing, and loves to talk with the crowd (when appropriate). You can also expect someone who is perfectly comfortable with being background music and keeping conversation to a minimal (like at a wedding/cocktail party).
Some of the packages I offer:
Pop-Punk Nostalgia - A melody of Pop-Punk/Pop-Rock/Emocore/Alternative songs from the 90s - mid 2000s (Green Day, Weezer, Blink 182, Eve 6, and much much more)
Oldies and 80s Pop - Songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and even early! (Allman Brothers, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Crosby Stills & Nash, Woody Guthrie, and more)
Compilation - I can do a combination of the first two packages, blending songs from both categories, plus much more. (I even know a few country songs too!)
Bands that I can do complete set lists of:
All Beatles
All Weezer
All Blink-182
All Jimmy Eat World
All Beach Boys
All Radiohead
All hymns, praise and worship songs
Need songs learned? Written? That can all be done!
I am also comfortable with providing music for funerals or memorials. You will find that I will handle these situations with great candor and sensitivity, with my aim always to bless those who are mourning. *Due to the nature of these events, I will only ask for gas money, if driving more than a 1-hour radius.*
Benjamin Bailie Johnson is a singer/songwriter who specializes in acoustic-based Indie/Powerpop music (plus oldies and other stuff too). Originally from New Jersey (by way of Missouri), Ben has performed in almost all 50 states, Spain and Mexico, made appearances at several US-based music festivals including Bonnaroo and Vans Warped Tour. He has played with the likes of The Maine, The Early November, Mayday Parade, Artifex Pereo, Listener, Divided By Friday, Never Shout Never, Richard Page (Mr. Mister), and Ringo Starr & his Allstar Band. (Once he even beat-boxed for Bobby McFerrin.)
Ben is also a street musician and can often be found, these days, on the boardwalks of New Jersey, and sidewalks of New Hope, PA and Philadelphia.
Ben has been featured on FOX News, CBS, Kansas City Live, PBS New Jersey, and (link hidden), and recently just published an interactive digital ebook, "Better Busking with Ben The Street Musician: How Street Performing Can Help You Master Your Craft and Form Meaningful Connections Related To Your Art."
Ben is passionate about music, human connection, mental health issues, and the importance of collective effort. He also plays private and corporate events, weddings, parties, and more, and is available for workshops, songwriting sessions, singalong parties, and speaking events.
I have my own PA, microphones and equipment that I can bring with me, if needed. Set up and turn down usually takes no more than 10 minutes (5 for each). I also have a loud, projecting voice, and because of street performing, I can play totally not plugged in at all.
| April 30, 2025 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | School Assembly |
| December 31, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
| July 23, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
| December 10, 2022 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Birthday Party |
| August 13, 2022 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
| June 04, 2022 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Festival |
| November 06, 2021 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
| August 09, 2021 • 5:00pm - 5:15pm | Personal Occasion |
| August 06, 2021 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| July 31, 2021 • 5:30pm - 9:30pm | Birthday Party |
| July 25, 2021 • 7:30pm - 7:45pm | Birthday Party |
| July 03, 2021 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | House Party |
| February 14, 2021 • 2:30pm - 2:45pm | Holiday Party |
| February 06, 2021 • 7:00pm - 7:15pm | Teen Birthday Party |
| January 15, 2021 • 6:00pm - 6:45pm | Virtual Event |
| December 20, 2020 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Birthday Party |
| December 12, 2020 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Personal Occasion |
| October 24, 2020 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Birthday Party |
| October 03, 2020 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Baby Shower |
| June 25, 2020 • 7:00pm - 7:15pm | Birthday Party |
| October 26, 2019 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Halloween Party |
| August 31, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
| July 27, 2019 • 7:30pm - 10:30pm | House Party |
| July 12, 2019 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Camp Event |
| June 30, 2019 • 2:30pm - 4:00pm | Baby Shower |
| June 24, 2019–June 27, 2019 • 9:00am - 12:30pm | VBS @ NPC |
| June 15, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Graduation |
| May 31, 2019 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Graduation |
| October 19, 2018 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| September 15, 2018 • 5:00pm - 8:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| June 30, 2018 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm | House Party |
| June 02, 2018 • 4:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| December 31, 2017 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | New Year's Party |
| November 25, 2017 • 9:00am - 1:00pm | Christmas Party |
| November 04, 2017 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| September 22, 2017 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Surprise |
| September 08, 2017 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Dinner Party |
| August 26, 2017 • 2:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
| August 05, 2017 • 6:30pm - 10:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
| June 03, 2017 • 3:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
| June 02, 2017 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Dinner Party |
| April 20, 2017 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| September 25, 2016 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Baby Shower |
| September 24, 2016 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| July 11, 2016 • 9:00am - 8:00pm | Vans Warped Tour - Street Performance |
| July 10, 2016 • 12:00pm - 5:00pm | Street Performance @ Lambertville, NJ |
| July 09, 2016 • 12:00pm - 10:00pm | Street Performance @ New Hope, PA |
| July 08, 2016 • 10:00am - 7:00pm | Street Performance @ Vans Warped Tour |
| July 07, 2016 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Show @ Treehouse Lounge |
| July 06, 2016 • 10:00am - 6:00pm | Street Performance @ Vans Warped Tour |
| July 05, 2016 • 12:00pm - 5:00pm | Street Performance @ Vans Warped Tour |
PopPunk/Indie/Alternative
Angels & Airwaves - The Adventure
Angels & Airwaves - Start the Machine
Angels & Airwaves - The War
blink 182 - First Date
blink 182 - The Rock Show
blink 182 - Stay Together For The Kids
blink 182 - All The Small Things
blink 182 - What's My Age Again?
blink 182 - Going Away To College
blink 182 - Adam's Song
blink 182 - Always
blink 182 - I Miss You
blink 182 - Dammit
Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life
Bright Eyes - Poison Oak
Bright Eyes - Haligh, Haligh, A lie, Haligh
Coldplay - Fix You
Coldplay - Green Eyes
Coldplay - Yellow
Coldplay - Til Kingdom Come
Dispatch - The General
Dispatch - Bang Bang
Dispatch - Out Loud
Eve 6 - Inside Out
Eve 6 - Here's To The Night
Eve 6 - Promise
Eve 6 - Think Twice
Eve 6 - Girlfriend
Green Day - Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Green Day - Minority
Green Day - Basket Case
Green Day - Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)
Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American
Jimmy Eat World - A Praise Chorus
Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Jimmy Eat World - Hear You Me
Jimmy Eat World - My Sundown
Jimmy Eat World - For Me This Is Heaven
Jimmy Eat World - Tables For Glasses
Jimmy Eat World - Clarity
Jimmy Eat World - 12.23.95
Jimmy Eat World - Big Casino
Jimmy Eat World - Futures
Jimmy Eat World - Work
Jimmy Eat World - Kill
Radiohead - High and Dry
Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees
Radiohead - No Surprises
Radiohead - True Love Waits
Radiohead - Optimistic
Radiohead - Karma Police
Radiohead - Creep
Radiohead - Nice Dream
Radiohead - I Will
Third Eye Blind - How's it gonna be?
Third Eye Blind - Jumper
Third Eye Blind - Semi-Charmed Life
Third Eye Blind - Never Let You Go
Weezer - Say It Ain't So
Weezer - Island In The Sun
Weezer - In The Garage
Weezer - El Scorcho
Weezer - Buddy Holly
Weezer - My Name Is Jonas
Yellowcard - Ocean Avenue
Yellowcard - Only One
Yellowcard - Sing For Me
Singles:
The Ataris - In This Diary
The Ataris - Boys of Summer
Blues Traveler - Run Around
Brand New - Okay, I believe you...
The Cranberries - Zombie
The Cranberries - Salvation
Dashboard Confessional - Hands Down
Death Cab For Cutie - I'll Follow You Into The Dark
Ed Sheeran - Perfect
Grandaddy - Now It's On
Grandaddy - Nature Anthem
Imagine Dragons - On Top of The World
Jacks Mannequin - Swim
Joan Osbourne - One of Us
The Killers - Mr. Brightside
MGMT - Kids
Miley Cyrus - Party in the USA
Mountain Goats - This Year
Mumford & Sons - Awake My Soul
Nickel Creek - Doubting Thomas
Oasis - Champaign Supernova
Oasis - Wonderful
Smashmouth - Allstar
Something Corporate - 21 & Invincible
Straylight Run - Existentialism on Prom Night
Straylight Run - It's For The Best
The Swell Season - Falling Slowly
Taking Back Sunday - Faith
Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag
Originals (There are many more. These are what I play most often):
Angeline
Clear
Coffee (custom song)
Come Home Dylan
Cowgirl Boots
Heaven Knows
Just a Lullaby
Parking Lots in America
Real Friends
Swipe Right (custom song)
Ugly Sweater (custom song)
You Have A Beautiful Voice
Oldies:
Allman Brothers Band - Midnight Rider
Allman Brothers Band - Rambling man
Allman Brothers Band - Melissa
Beach Boys - Surfer Girl
Beach Boys - Little Honda
Beach Boys - Help Me, Rhonda
The Beatles - Nowhere Man
The Beatles - In My Life
The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun
The Beatles - Hard Days Night
The Beatles - Act Naturally
Billy Joel - We Didn't Start The Fire
Billy Joel - You May Be Right
Crosby, Stills, & Nash - Teach Your Children Well
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
Jackson Browne - Take It Easy
Jackson Browne - These Days
Jackson Browne - Barricades of Heaven
James Taylor - Sweet Baby James
James Taylor - You've Got A Friend
John Denver - Country Roads
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Tom Petty - Learning To Fly
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
Woody Guthrie - This Land Is Your Land
Radiohead, Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab For Cutie, Ben Folds, Bright Eyes, Angels & Airwaves, Blink 182, Jacks Mannequin, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Randy Newman, Martin Sexton, Mr. Mister, 80s and 90s pop/rock songs, Mid-2000s pop-punk/indie rock, Weird Al Yankovic (and through him a whole host of artists - Foo Fighters, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Presidents of the USA, and many more).
Vocal microphone
Amplifier of some kind
DI box, if available
I can provide all that's needed.
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