Ben Scholz

Ben Scholz is a drummer and percussionist currently living and working in Chicago, Illinois. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Scholz's musical journey began at age eight with classical piano, which he studied through college. His transition to percussion started in middle school when he inherited a snare drum gifted to his grandfather by William Ludwig Sr. in the 1960s. He later attended the University of North Texas, where he studied under the renowned jazz educator Ed Soph. Since moving to Chicago, Scholz has established himself as a versatile performer and educator. He has collaborated with a wide array of jazz innovators and musical legends, including Roy Hargrove, Esperanza Spalding, Francois Moutin, Bill Watrous, Aaron Neville, Jimmy Vaughn, and Buddy Guy. His work extends to television, with appearances on MTV, WGN-9, and performances at Second City. In 2013, he released "Shiny Metal Objects," the debut album of his jazz-fusion group, The Elec Tet, featuring guitarist Oz Noy and produced by Greg Spero. Beyond performing, Scholz is the Booking Manager for Blujazz Productions, a part-time faculty member at Loyola Academy High School, and the founder of Scholz Productions, which promotes independent recording artists.