2021 Friday Presentation Recap
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME FOR OUR AMAZING FRIDAY PRESENTATION!
About the Event:
About Ben Shirley:
Ben Shirley is an accomplished concert composer, film composer, orchestrator, and musician whose atypical path to success informs his music. A touring musician for 25+ years, Ben was previously signed to Epic Records, as a bassist, releasing rock radio singles charting in the Top 5. Not long after, drug and alcohol addiction drove him into homelessness.
In 2011, Ben sought refuge at the Midnight Mission, in Los Angeles’ notorious Skid Row. He returned to school and rebuilt his musical life from the homeless shelter, where he resided for 26 months. In 2015, Ben was accepted into the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music, as a student in the inaugural class of the Technology and Applied Composition (TAC) Program.
- We hosted the Friday evening concert “Stories, Music, Journeys” featuring Ben Shirley, the musician from the movie “Skid Row Marathon” and Bismarck Symphony Director Beverly Everett.
- Ben was a professional musician who played bass guitar in a heavy metal band. Alcohol and drugs destroyed his career. After losing everything, he found himself on Skid Row. He joined the running club weighing nearly 300 lbs.
- The Basin Electric Beacon of Hope award was awarded during this reception to a RADD runner that has used running to make the biggest difference in their lives.
About Ben Shirley:
Ben Shirley is an accomplished concert composer, film composer, orchestrator, and musician whose atypical path to success informs his music. A touring musician for 25+ years, Ben was previously signed to Epic Records, as a bassist, releasing rock radio singles charting in the Top 5. Not long after, drug and alcohol addiction drove him into homelessness.
In 2011, Ben sought refuge at the Midnight Mission, in Los Angeles’ notorious Skid Row. He returned to school and rebuilt his musical life from the homeless shelter, where he resided for 26 months. In 2015, Ben was accepted into the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music, as a student in the inaugural class of the Technology and Applied Composition (TAC) Program.
Today, Ben is 10+ years sober. His works are commissioned, performed, and recorded by prominent ensembles, including the Grammy-award winning Pacifica Quartet and Quadre. His music has been performed by members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Opera.
About Beverly Everett:
Everett believes in being a positive role model and advocate for young people. She was invited to be a guest speaker at Cottey College's Institute for Women's Leadership and Social Responsibility to speak on Women's Leadership in the Performing Arts, and received a subsequent nomination to the National Advisory Committee for the Institute, on which she continues to serve. (Jan. 2012). She has been a founding Success Coach in the Students First! mentoring program of Bemidji since its inception. She is a member of PEO Chapter F of Bismarck, and in 2013 was the recipient of the state Shining Star Award. Everett is a distance runner and triathlete and is a member of the Bismarck "MeFirst" fitness group that promotes fitness by example in the community.
Everett believes in being a positive role model and advocate for young people. She was invited to be a guest speaker at Cottey College's Institute for Women's Leadership and Social Responsibility to speak on Women's Leadership in the Performing Arts, and received a subsequent nomination to the National Advisory Committee for the Institute, on which she continues to serve. (Jan. 2012). She has been a founding Success Coach in the Students First! mentoring program of Bemidji since its inception. She is a member of PEO Chapter F of Bismarck, and in 2013 was the recipient of the state Shining Star Award. Everett is a distance runner and triathlete and is a member of the Bismarck "MeFirst" fitness group that promotes fitness by example in the community.