Ben Kessler

Hometown: Philly suburbs / Blue Bell area

Current Project(s)/Band(s): Ben Kessler

Instruments(s) you play: Guitar

Location of Photo(s): World Café Live / WXPN

What do those location(s) mean to you?: World Café Live and WXPN are home to a lot of “firsts” for me. WCL is the first place I ever saw a concert, the first venue I ever performed at, and the first venue I ever sold out. WXPN is the first radio station to ever play my music. During my time in High School, World Café Live and WXPN became a hub of sorts for me and my music. I’d skip school every few Fridays to see my musical idols (David Gray, Amos Lee, Chris Thile) perform a Free At Noon set on the very same stage I would perform on every few months. Being a part of Helen Leicht’s Philly Local Show and John Vettese’s The Key played a significant role in connecting me with the Philly music scene. 

Favourite Place in Philly: Reading Terminal

Favourite Cheesesteak Place: Jim’s

Favourite Pizza Spot: Lorenzo & Sons

Favourite Philly Venue: WCL!!

Recording Space: Turtle Studios

Favourite Philly Band(s): Marian Hill, Cruisr, Jesse Hale Moore

Best show you’ve seen in Philly: Allen Stone at TLA took me to another planet

What are you listening to now: Nick Drake’s Pink Moon record

If you could sum up in one sentence what Philly / Philly music scene means to you, what would it be?

Philly and the Philly music scene will always be home to me and my music.

Life motto: Make it haappppen

Random Fun Fact: I talked to Britney Spears once

Childhood Dream Job: Dentist hah

Pets: My dog, Louie

Future plans: Release lots of music