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Community Corner

Farmers Market Musician: Bill Benson

Benson To Play at First Day of 2011 Collinsville Farmers Market Sunday.

AT: Tell me about your music/band?

BB: I have been playing music since age 12 - family band. Most recently, in the past three years, I discovered the local music scene and found some incredibly talented and gracious local musicians: Con "Coyote" Doty, Charlie Knox and Scott Camara, just to name a few. I play as a solo, duo or trio.

My original music is acoustic folk and country rock influences. Cover music ranges everything from Leonard Cohen through Bob Seger and the Marshall Tucker Band. We've played the Bitter End in NYC, Towne Crier in Pawling, NY and we travel the Circuit of Open Mics around the state. 

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AT: What do you like most about playing farmers markets?

BB: The CFM is a great community market in a wonderfully supportive town. The farmers market always reminds me of my country boy roots; where community gatherings were events; and where people came from all corners of life to share and socialize. Homegrown and handmade. Last year was my first year playing at the CFM. We played there three or four times.

AT: What are the biggest challenges facing a musician playing a farmers market?

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BB: Probably the biggest challenge is to find the right mix of music and VOLUME to play at 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning. We do a rousing version of "Turn the Page" by Seger, but you don't want to hurt anyone's ears at that time of day! Not everyone is a `morning' person.

So as the morning goes along, I usually move the music to more lively and loud. I want people to stroll, shop and enjoy the event we are a part of.

AT: What can the CFM audience expect from your band? Is there a favorite song that audiences seem to enjoy more than any others?

BB: The audience can expect some of my original music as well as Dylan, Cohen, Denver. Then, we move on to Tucker, Skynard, Seger. A little bit of everything.

I think the one song that has always gotten the most attention or` stop and listen’ is - Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen. But, if you connect with an audience or commit to any song played, you find there is a different favorite song for different people over the course of the event.

AT: What's the value of having music at a farmers market?

BB: Music at the farmers market is a great addition to the event. You become a part of the tone, the backdrop, the mood. It's the down home comfort of the market that, in many ways, requires the music. And, there are so many great local musicians who will be playing this year.

You're not going to the grocery store or the mall. You're coming in to town to find the latest harvest or product that is homegrown. You're coming to the farm, if you will. And around my farm, there was always music playing. 

We’re looking forward to kicking off the CFM 2011!

Here’s the Deal

Bill Benson, 860-510-2112: Collinsville Farmer’s Market, Sunday, June 12. www.reverbnation.com/billbenson: tapnfeet2010@hotmail.com.

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