Ben Arnold

by Carole Verona

Singer-songwriter Ben Arnold grew up in Pittsburgh, lived in upstate New York and has performed on stages throughout the United States and Europe. But he is no stranger to Chestnut Hill, having worked with Paul Roller as a cook and caterer back in the 1980s. For the last 16 years, he has also been a music teacher at the Crefeld School.

Arnold, who lives in nearby Roxborough, said, “I have a deep, long connection to Chestnut Hill. Because I work here, I dart in and out, so I’m looking forward to connecting with the Chestnut Hill community in an up-close and personal way.”

Arnold and his band will take the stage at Pastorius Park at the corner of Millman Street and Hartwell Lane on Wednesday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. If it rains, the show will move to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, 8000 Cherokee Street. The Pastorius Park Summer Concert Series is produced by the Chestnut Hill Community Association and is supported by the Chestnut Hill Community Fund and Chestnut Hill Hospital.

When asked how he would describe his music to those who have never heard it, Arnold said, “People will hear a soulful, funky rock band with elements of folk, soul and classic rock and roll. It’s very tuneful. We connect well with the audience and our shows are a bit of a communal experience.”

Matt Muir (drums), Erik Sayles (guitar) and Jonathan Colman (bass) will join him on stage at Pastorius Park. “I’m fortunate to play with people of note. What I enjoy best is playing with my friends. They are some of the most talented people I know,” he added.

Arnold’s set list will include songs from “Lost Keys,” his eighth and newest CD.

“The record is an homage to Motown,” he said. “Top to bottom, it’s a more focused album, featuring high-level instrumental playing,”

Although he won’t have horns and strings at the Pastorius Park concert, he says he asks people to imagine them being there.

“The songs we play from the album are really strong and translate well,” he said. “We are careful to choose and play what works best.”

In a recent review, John Vettese, from WXPN’s The Key, said that “Stupid Love,” one of the songs on the new CD, “will be stuck in your head in the best possible way.”

Arnold has been involved in music since he was five years old. He attended the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and had brief stints at the Berklee College of Music and the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, with a focus on music composition. He currently teaches two levels of songwriting at the University of the Arts.

Speaking of his experience teaching a popular music class at the Crefeld School, Arnold said:

“We emphasize collaborative playing, original music writing and singing. In my experience, there is no better way to learn than to teach. At the Crefeld School, as well as at the University of The Arts, I constantly find myself re-visiting information that I've used all my life, whether in the strictly musical sense or even in relation to personal interactions. Both institutions are, on their own, small communities of which I am proud to be a part of.”

Arnold was able to make the transition from working in the restaurant business to being a full-time musician when he landed his record deal with Ruffhouse-Columbia Records in the early 1990s.

What’s the secret to his musical longevity and success?

“I’m not a quitter,” he said. “The key is to continue to grow as an artist and to produce quality music. I love the process. Writing is my favorite thing to do.”

One would think it is easy to stay connected with fans through the use of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. Not so, according to Arnold.

“Social media is simultaneously a blessing and a curse,” he said. “It’s a great way to keep in touch but it’s a lot to keep up with. I have loyal fans. When I produce new music, there’s the leapfrog effect. People circle back.”

More information about Arnold can be found at benarnold.com. Stay tuned to the Chestnut Hill Local for previews of each upcoming band or go to chestnuthill.org for more information about the Pastorius Park Summer Concert Series.