Ben Rice and Youth of the Blues

     Ben Rice and the Youth of Blues Band is made up of five 17 and under high school students. Ben Rice, 17, singer and lead guitar, has been playing around the northwest since he was 9. He writes most of the music and produced two CDs of original songs. Ben also plays trombone in school band and guitar in jazz band.  Jessie Nagler plays bass. Ben and Jessie have been playing together since the 6th grade. Daniel Rice on harp and baritone sax just turned 15 and has been with the band for 4 years. Mac Potts on keyboard just turned 14 and has been with the band for 1 year. Chris Newell, who just turned 15, plays drums and has been with the band for 6 months.
    These kids are young, but boy can they play the blues! In the last two years, these kids have played the largest blues festivals in the Northwest, including Portland's Waterfront Blues Festival and Winthrup's Rhythm and Blues Festival. They've opened for Dave Mason and Kenny Neal at the Rose Festival in Portland. The band played every weekend last summer and had record CD sales at most shows.
    Ben Rice has been nominated for a 2005 Cascade Blues Society's Muddy Award for best guitarist and vocals. The Youth of Blues Band has been nominated for a best contemporary blues act.

For more information, visit www.freewebs.com/benrice/