Ben Chai is the banjoist for the Emmy®-nominated, Nā Hōkū-winning folk-rock band from Honolulu, Streetlight Cadence. Having made a living busking for the majority of their career, Ben and the other members of Streetlight Cadence have had the distinct honor of writing and performing alongside Kenny Loggins, Jason Mraz, Tom Higgenson and many more of their heroes on sidewalks and in stadiums around the globe.
Ben was raised and is now based in Katy, TX, and also contributes vocals, guitar and drums to the band’s live shows. His approach to banjo is inspired by his love for the classical and metal worlds, supporting the ensemble as synergistically as possible. Streetlight Cadence is defined by a harmonious loudness, and Ben’s playing will range from wiggling around the lead vocal, almost like an untraditional counterpoint, to strumming and anchoring the wall of sound that happens when the band goes all out. His favorite performances include the half-time show at the Aloha Bowl, Green Room Festival (2019), and the U.S. Conference of Mayors at the beginning of 2020. Most recently, Streetlight Cadence completed a 12-hour busk in hurricane conditions in support of their latest album, Midnight, and Ben’s Goodtime Two held up strong throughout the storm!
Along with the other band members, Ben’s dream is to bring Streetlight Cadence’s unique sidewalk sound to the mainstream and motivating other artists to do the same – hopefully inspiring them to pick up a banjo or two along the way.
Website:
streetlightcadence.com
Banjos:
Goodtime Two