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The Strolling Violinist
- San Francisco, CA
- Violinist
- Travels up to 60 miles
- $200.00 and up
- 1. Air on the G String
- 2. Allegro Maestoso
- 3. Largo | The Four Seasons | Vivaldi
- 4. Allegro | Divertimento in D major |
- 5. Allegro | Spring | The Four Seasons
- 6. Adagio-Allegro | Sonata for Viola da Gamba no.1 in G major
- 7. Minuet | Suite no.2 for Solo Cello transcribed for viola
- 8. A Dream within a Dream
- 9. Capacity
- 10. Stroking the Moon
Overview
Dear valued clients,
I am writing to introduce myself as artist and entertainer.
This year (2023) I recieved the San Francisco Artist grant from SF Arts Commisssion to fund my project SF Music Streets and Halls. I was thrilled to have my project funded to 20,000 dollars. I hope to bring the same passion and quality I had preparing the work samples for the grant proposal, to your event.
Whether you are looking for live music, a unique performance, or a chance to browse artwork, I am confident that I can provide something special and memorable for your guests.
8 Reviews
Had an amazing private violin concert at my house last night! The violinist absolutely nailed Four Seasons - his "Summer" movement literally gave me chills. He played Bach, other classics also as well as some covers.
Here's the best part - he was supposed to finish after 2 hrs, but could tell we were all loving it and kept playing for another 30 minutes. Didn't charge extra or anything, just genuinely seemed to enjoy performing for us. His passion for the music really showed.
If you're thinking about hiring a violinist for a private event, I can't recommend him enough. Such incredible talent and a really nice guy too. Definitely made our evening special.
5 stars all the way!
Violinist
I used Ben’s services for my proposal to my girlfriend. He was on time, learnt the songs I suggested, and gave a great performance. Liked working with him.
Violinist
Ben accompanied our wedding ceremony with his music! He was very easy to work with, kind, open to learning new songs and trustworthy re: day of requests and logistics. Our wedding ceremony was absolutely perfect and we recommend Ben to others seeking violinist(s)!
Violinist
Response from The Strolling Violinist:
Margo was super organized. It really made the whole event go off wonderfully,
He was punctual, professional, our residence loved his music. and we will definitely be having him back into our community.
Violinist
Response from The Strolling Violinist:
Thank you Michael, I really enjoyed myself playing for your clients. Please invite me back.
Ben was an excellent communicator, great violinist and did everything and more for my birthday. Thank you!
Strolling Violinist
Response from The Strolling Violinist:
Alexa was a really nice host who offered me coffee and breakfast food and gave a great tip.
My son’s 7th bday party!
Checked many companies & apps…
They want to get pay around 400.00 per hour (violin), they don’t even answer, so expensive, not available n so on.
There’s so many parties in SF
Also they don’t need to find special violinist for all parties ~ if we can hear music with violin that’s it!
He played violin very well also reasonable amount!
We want to hear his violin sound again.
He’s polite guy!
Thanks Ben!
Violinist
Response from The Strolling Violinist:
Thank you, it was my honor playing for your son's 7th birthday. He really loves music and was very interactive asking me for requests and singing along.
Ben is a good and passionate Violinist. He was open to playing all the tunes I wanted to hear!! Made my event a success!
Strolling Violinist
Ben performed wonderfully at our intimate family wedding. He arrived early, wore clothing that we requested, performed as promised and was a delight.
Fiddler, Violinist, Strolling Violinist
Photos from this event
Booking Info
Price Range: $200.00 and up
Gig Length: 10 - 3000 minutes
What to Expect
A calm professional performer ready for any solo, or group work. Hire The Strolling Violinist, the best party guest. Witty, charming, well dressed musician, author, speaker, actor, songwriter, jingles, compositions, available to create beauty wherever he is hired. Adds class to your event, culture to your party, elegance to your wedding.
Plays strolling through party, or stationed in one spot, performing with backing tracks of orchestral, chamber ensemble, rock band, straight ahead jazz band, gypsy jazz band, and bluegrass and old time music. Takes requests.
Can play solo, string ensemble, string quartet, gypsy jazz, cocktail jazz, crooner jazz, original rock music, singer songwriter, bluegrass band, arrangements and compositions.
About
Benjamin Barnes Violin
Artist, Educator, and Advocate
Commentator on the Nationally synidcated radio podcast "The Price of Business" 2024
San Francisco Arts Commission 20,000 dollar grantee "San Francisco Artist Grant"
Panelist on California Arts Coucil's Impact Grant Review
Benjamin Barnes is a multifaceted individual whose life has been defined by his unyielding passion for culture, music, art, business, and education. Born to David Barnes, a gifted singer-songwriter and guitarist, and Lillian Lafayette, a painter who possessed a touch of madness, Benjamin inherited not only their creative genes but also their indomitable spirit.
A Life of Art and Music (1975-Present)
Benjamin's journey as a street musician and artist began in 1975, and he has continued to captivate audiences with his talent and creativity ever since. Over the years, he has not only honed his skills as a musician and artist but also as an educator, record producer, author, and even a music video producer. His artistic endeavors culminated in 2019 when he ventured into short film making, followed by entering the world of NFTs in 2022.
Education and Artistic Training
Benjamin's path to mastery has been shaped by esteemed mentors and institutions. His mother, an artist herself, taught him the art of painting, while his father imparted the secrets of playing the guitar and singing. Sherry Kloss, a protege of Heifetz, honed his violin skills, which he further refined at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of renowned musicians like Izzy Tinkleman, Paul Hersh, Don Ehrlich, Zaven Melikian, Ian Swensson, and Mark Sokol.
Additionally, Benjamin pursued jazz studies with Dave Balakrishnan, delved into the world of bluegrass through festival jams and Kenny Baker records, and even received film editing instruction from Emmy-nominated Eric Deinzer.
A Diverse Teaching Career
Benjamin's dedication to education is as impressive as his artistic pursuits. He holds a teaching credential with supplementary authorization for music from SF State and has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education. In 2017, he played a pivotal role in rating standardized tests, focusing on instructing children to read with feeling, a skill he has cultivated through years of music and artistry.
Musician Extraordinaire
Benjamin's musical journey has seen him at the forefront of various musical projects. He was the lead singer, songwriter, and violinist for the hard rock power trio Deadweight, a band that achieved notable success, including winning the Lucky Strike Band competition and signing with Nippon Columbia and Alternative Tentacles. Violinist and currently the lead singer of Swindlefish, a guitarist singer songwriter, founding member of Rilke String Quartet, and producer and performer on several albums of original songs. His musical prowess led him to collaborate with luminaries like Isaac Stern, Graeme Jennings, Paulo Baldi, Les Claypool, Fishbone, Mr. Bungle, Eric McFadden, The Coup, Dead Prez, and D.J Disk. His first demo was even produced by Metallica's Jason Newstead.
Advocate for Underrepresented Youth
Benjamin's commitment to education extends to advocating for minority youth. He has volunteered for the San Francisco Unified School District and has been a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education. His personal experiences and advocacy work empower him to promote education and provide representation for those who need it most.
A Lifetime of Achievements (1975-Present)
Throughout his life, Benjamin Barnes has amassed a remarkable list of achievements and significant events:
* Street performances and art sales since 1975.
* Ongoing involvement in jazz, rock, and bluegrass bands since 1987.
* Private instruction in violin, viola, guitar, and voice since 1986.
* Establishment of Bencasso Gallery, both as a street store and web-gallery.
* Serving as a panelist for the California Arts Council in 2022.
* Pioneering work in NFTs starting in 2022.
* Multiple subjects teaching credential with supplementary authorization for music from SF State.
* Consultant to the U.S. Department of Education in 2017.
* Lead singer, songwriter, and violinist for Deadweight and Swindlefish
* Member of Rilke String Quartet.
* Numerous collaborations with renowned musicians and bands.
* Extensive work in film and video production.