Banjo Ben and The Breeze are a 5-piece alt-folk comedy band based in Pōneke, Wellington. They are known for their iconic beanies and their theatrically charged gigs, which are packed full of catchy lyrics, wild stories, and plenty of laughs.
Their influence stems from artists such as Billy Strings, Flight of the Conchords and MJ Lenderman. Although heavily inspired by folk music, their songs also delve into various other genres such as rock, alt-country, and electronic; a folk band on steroids. Each of their songs are guaranteed to captivate the room, get people jumping, and leave the audience cackling. With 12 different instruments to balance between them (including the jaw harp, synth, and melodica), Banjo Ben and The Breeze have crafted a signature sound that is like no other.
Lead singer, guitarist and banjo player, Ben Evans, or ‘Banjo Ben’, is a current theatre student at VUW who consistently fronts the band with memorable passion and enthusiasm. Tia Cranefield on mandolin and synth brings a new creative perspective through her influence of electronic and experimental music. Drummer Logan Komene reliably crafts rhythmic interest in each and every song; his humorously serious onstage persona is a notable highlight of live performances. On the bass guitar, Lucas Cantlon’s infectiously playful stage presence is unstoppable, while their punchy bass riffs pack the sets with energy. Finally, classically trained violinist Cara Bryant’s incredible musical
proficiency hugely elevates the band’s sound.
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