Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Benji Hughes spends much of his time masterminding his blend of inventive rock and ballads. At times earnest, at others whimsical, Benji is equally adept at keyboards and guitar. He loves beer but he loves women even more. Underneath his thick mane of strawberry blond hair and beard is a versatile singer/songwriter, full of heart. His music collection -- spanning everything from The Crystals, Merle Haggard, and Kinky Friedman to Talking Heads, The Cars, and Slayer -- is as wild as his gracious exterior.
Benji's double-disc debut album, A Love Extreme, was released by New West Records on July 22nd. Producer and L.A- bred session musician Keefus Ciancia (T-Bone Burnett, Sheryl Crow, Everlast) assisted Hughes in making his 25-song debut album in his Los Feliz, CA studio. A Love Extreme flows like your favorite mixtape but with the classicality of Randy Newman and Leonard Cohen. Benji has toured America and beyond with Rilo Kiley and Jenny Lewis since the album's debut, received a 4-star review in Rolling Stone, and has had several of his songs featured in popular televisions shows, including Beverly Hills, 90210 & How I Met Your Mother.
The Electric Owls are a great up and coming local act that keeps turning heads with every new show. Check out their website, http://www.myspace.com/electricowls, for more information and to hear their tunes.
Thursday, May 27, 2010. 9pm. $8 advance / $10 day of show.
