Music for your Special Event
Whether it is a large event or a smaller intimate one, Ben Schenstead's fingerstyle guitar stylings have consistently added ambience and flair, enhancing people's enjoyment and mood. The music ranges from light classical pieces through jazz standards and Latin pieces with colouful rhythms and melodies. Ben can also tailor the music to your preferences, and can take your musical requests.
Ben Schenstead has entertained at countless special events in Saskatchewan and beyond. Corporate clients include PCS Cory, City of Saskatoon Visitor & Convention Bureau, Sask Trial Lawyers Association, Cameco, Sask Economic Developers Association, Royalty Homes, and many more. Conferences have included Literacy for Life, Foodbank Lecture Series University of Regina, Hawai'i International Conference on Arts and Humanities, and many others. Ben has also entertained audiences at the Ness Creek Festival, Saskatoon Jazz Society Bassment, and has performed with various groups at the SaskTel Jazz Festival. Why not contact Ben for your next event?
Choose your format:
Solo Guitar
Suitable for a wide range of eventsThere is something about the sound of a solo guitar when well played that is intimate, relaxing, and classy. With a wide repertoire that spans light classics, jazz, and fingerstyle arrangements of popular songs and movie themes, Ben Schenstead's guitar stylings are sure to enhance your special event and make it a memorable occasion for your guests.
Trio
Jazz, Latin, and more, with hand percussion and bassThe Ben Schenstead Trio formed in the spring of 2019 and have played to enthusiastic audiences who have appreciated the group's exciting, entertaining, and energizing performances. With Ben on fingerstyle Guitar, Allan Parson on slide bass, and Melanie Schenstead on percussion, their Latin, Jazz, Classical, and World Music adds zing to a variety of events, including festivals large and small, community events, conventions, and private events. A Duo format is also available.
Concerts, Masterclasses, Workshops, Adjudication
Classical Guitar performancesBen Schenstead has given performances in classical guitar in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario, and has played in many festivals and special events both as a soloist and in guest artist. Ben's music has been broadcast many times on CBC Radio, both provincially and nationally, and he has also appeared on national television. Ben would be an ideal performer for your concert or recital series, guitar society, or music festival, and is available for adjudication and workshops. For more information, sample programs, and availability, please Contact Ben Schenstead.
Testimonials
"The unique rhythms of percussion, complex guitar strumming, and Spanish flare charmed and inspired the audience. He also gave everyone a taste of his own upbeat and contemporary Latin style compositions. Ben certainly wrapped up the lecture series on a high note."
--Centre for Continuing Education, U of Regina
"Simply put Ben was outstanding. Booking him was a breeze, he was prompt, very professional, and most importantly, played superb guitar. Everyone really enjoyed his work. I would recommend him highly."
--Dr. Bob Acton - private event July 2014, Willows Golf & Country Club "It couldn't have been better. I'm so glad you were able to make it! People truly appreciated your artistry, especially me."
--B.C. Retirement Party, June 2017
"Many thanks [to the Trio] for coming out and performing in Fort Qu'Appelle. That was truly an amazing performance. Such discipline...nailing every passage while making the music exciting and entertaining for all."
--Brian Baggett, Qu'Appelle Valley Arts Centre, SK
Sample list of Ben's recent engagements:
June 5, 2022Guest performance with Prairie Virtuosi Orchestra (Vivaldi Concerto in D; Grace-Westminster, Saskatoon)
Mar 3, 2022
Sask Intercultural Association, TCU Place
Oct 2, 2020
SABEX Awards Gala, TCU Place (Saskatoon Awards for Business Excellence)
June 22, 2019
The James Hotel, Sask Jazz Festival. The Ben Schenstead Trio with Allan Parson (bass) and Melanie Schenstead (percussion)
May 21, 2019
Private Event, Faculty Club, University of Sask
May 10, 2019
Concert, Qu'Appelle Valley Centre for the Arts, Fort Qu'Appelle, SK.
May 2, 2019
The Bassment, Saskatoon Jazz Society. The Ben Schenstead Trio with Allan Parson (bass) and Melanie Schenstead (percussion)
April 8, 2018
Royalty Show Home Open House, Saskatoon.
July 4, 2015
Private event and reception, D'Arcy, Saskatchewan.
June 27, 2015
Schenstead-Pizurny Trio performs at McNally-Robinson. Hand-picked selections for guitar and accordion from various lands, with hand percussion by Melanie Schenstead.
May 30, 2015
Private event, Boffins, University of Sask.
May 28, 2015
Sask Native Theatre fundraising event - Sheraton Top of the Inn
April 25, 2015
Art Gallery showing - Saskatoon
March 28, 2015
Open House for Real Estate firm
Feb 21, 2015
Guest appearance with vocalist Jaclyn Smith at the Bassment (Latin-Jazz).
October 4, 2014
Wedding ceremony, Saskatoon
September 27, 2014
Wedding and reception, Sheraton Cavalier, Top of the Inn
July 26, 2014
Private event: 90th Birthday Tea, Willows Golf & Country Club
July 5, 2014
Wedding and reception, Delta Bessborough
June 21, 2014
Wedding and reception, Willows Golf & Country Club
Dec 13, 2013
Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Year-end Party, Adam Ballroom, Delta Bessborough
Nov 10, 2012
Saskatoon Jazz Society, Bassment, opening performance, 8:00 - 8:30 PM
July 24, 2012
Sask Potash Corporation private event, Persephone Theatre, Saskatoon
June 27, 2012
Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, 2nd Ave Grill
January 20, 2012
Saskatoon Jazz Society Bassment "Piano-less Friday"
Private event: Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Adam Ballroom, Delta Bessborough
March 19, 2011
Guest Appearance with the Amati String Quartet, Convocation Hall, U of Sask.
May 3, 2010
Literacy Conference, TCU Place, Saskatoon
May 3, 2010
Literacy Conference, TCU Place, Saskatoon
March 28, 2010
Fine Arts Concert Series Recital, U of Regina, Riddell Centre Theatre
2:00 PM
March 24, 2010
Nourishing Thoughts @ the FoodBank Lecture/Presentation, sponsored by Centre
for Continuing Education, U of R
March 28, 2009
Guest Appearance with the Amati String Quartet, Convocation Hall, U of
Sask.
March 12, 2009
Art Gallery Performance (showcasing works of Karen Holden), Saskatoon
Public Library Art Gallery