The Strolling Violinist

A calm professional performer ready for any solo, or group work. Hire The Strolling Violinist, the best party guest. Witty, charming, well dressed musician, author, speaker, actor, songwriter, jingles, compositions, available to create beauty wherever he is hired. Adds class to your event, culture to your party, elegance to your wedding.

Plays strolling through party, or stationed in one spot, performing with backing tracks of orchestral, chamber ensemble, rock band, straight ahead jazz band, gypsy jazz band, and bluegrass and old time music. Takes requests.

Can play solo, string ensemble, string quartet, gypsy jazz, cocktail jazz, crooner jazz, original rock music, singer songwriter, bluegrass band, arrangements and compositions.

The Strolling Violinist
(Benjamin Barnes aka Bencasso)
Violin, Viola, Guitar, Voice
Artist, Educator, Actor, Entrepreneur, and Advocate
Executive Director CULTURE SCHOLAR 501(C)(3)
Owner Bencasso LLC (DBAs The Strolling Violinist, Benjamin Barnes Music, Bencasso Media, LaFayette Originals record label, Bencasso Art Gallery, Skeletonichi)
Commentator on the Nationally syndicated radio podcast "The Price of Business" 2024
San Francisco Arts Commission 20,000 dollar grantee "San Francisco Artist Award"
Panelist on California Arts Council's Grant Reviews, 2022, 2024, and 2025.

Benjamin Barnes is a multifaceted individual whose life has been defined by his unyielding passion for culture, music, art, business, and education. Born to David Barnes, a gifted singer-songwriter and guitarist, and Lillian Lafayette, a painter who possessed a touch of madness, Benjamin inherited not only their creative genes but also their indomitable spirit.

A Life of Art and Music (1975-Present)

Benjamin's journey as a street musician and artist began in 1975, and he has continued to captivate audiences with his talent and creativity ever since. Over the years, he has not only honed his skills as a musician and artist but also as an educator, record producer, author, and even a music video producer. His artistic endeavors culminated in 2019 when he ventured into short film making, followed by entering the world of NFTs in 2022. Ben was featured in the award winning documentary "Violin Madness" about his life as a former rock star who recovered from catastrophic injuries.

Education and Artistic Training

Benjamin's path to mastery has been shaped by esteemed mentors and institutions. His mother, an artist herself, taught him the art of painting, while his father imparted the secrets of playing the guitar and singing. Sherry Kloss, a protege of Heifetz, honed his violin skills, which he further refined at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of renowned musicians like Izzy Tinkleman, Paul Hersh, Don Ehrlich, Zaven Melikian, Ian Swensson, and Mark Sokol.

Additionally, Benjamin pursued jazz studies with Dave Balakrishnan, delved into the world of bluegrass through festival jams and Kenny Baker records, and even received film editing instruction from Emmy-nominated Eric Deinzer.

A Diverse Teaching Career

Benjamin's dedication to education is as impressive as his artistic pursuits. He holds a teaching credential with supplementary authorization for music from SF State and has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education. In 2017, he played a pivotal role in rating standardized tests, focusing on instructing children to read with feeling, a skill he has cultivated through years of music and artistry.

Musician Extraordinaire

Benjamin's musical journey has seen him at the forefront of various musical projects. He was the lead singer, songwriter, and violinist for the hard rock power trio Deadweight, a band that achieved notable success, including winning the Lucky Strike Band competition and signing with Nippon Columbia and Alternative Tentacles. Violinist and currently the lead singer of Swindlefish, a guitarist singer songwriter, founding member of Rilke String Quartet, and producer and performer on several albums of original songs. His musical prowess led him to collaborate with luminaries like Isaac Stern, Graeme Jennings, Paulo Baldi, Les Claypool, Fishbone, Mr. Bungle, Eric McFadden, The Coup, Dead Prez, DJ Spooky, and D.J Disk. His first demo was even produced by Metallica's Jason Newstead.

Advocate for Underrepresented Youth

Benjamin's commitment to education extends to advocating for minority youth. He has volunteered for the San Francisco Unified School District and has been a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education. His personal experiences and advocacy work empower him to promote education and provide representation for those who need it most.

A Lifetime of Achievements (1975-Present)

Throughout his life, Benjamin Barnes has amassed a remarkable list of achievements and significant events:
* Street performances and art sales since 1975.
* Ongoing involvement in jazz, rock, and bluegrass bands since 1987.
* Private instruction in violin, viola, guitar, and voice since 1986.
* Establishment of Bencasso Gallery, both as a street store and web-gallery.
* Serving as a panelist for the California Arts Council in 2022,2024 and 2025.
* Pioneering work in NFTs starting in 2022.
* Multiple subjects teaching credential with supplementary authorization for music from SF State.
* Consultant to the U.S. Department of Education in 2019.
* Lead singer, songwriter, and violinist for Deadweight and Swindlefish
* Member of Rilke String Quartet.
* Numerous collaborations with renowned musicians and bands.
* Extensive work in film and video production.