I have known Ben Hechter for enough years that I no longer remember where or when we met. Our friendship included cycling and long conversations on many topics (education, politics (local, national, world), religion, architecture) at a “best” coffee bistro.
Unsurprisingly, the friendship also included a common interest in music.
His membership in the Folk extends back many years to the days when both fall and spring retreats were held and when a hot tub was part of camp activities. As a singer and a guitar and mandolin player, he entertained us at the Wednesday evening folk and at retreats. I specifically recall a past September retreat where he surprised the Camp with a comprehensive presentation about the Carter family – their music and their story.
Many members know Ben as member of the Folk; however, his joy of music lead him to participate in many forms as varied as jazz, blues, and rock. Over his years he was a member of various choral groups from classic to gospel and show.
Maybe the interest in music and song are obvious outcomes from his formative years that found him living in times when the music that influenced many of us was emerging. First, in Canada, during his teen years, he was surely exposed to revival folk performers Lightfoot, Mitchell, and Weavers, blues from Biscuit Boy and Shane, and emerging rockers Randy Bachman and Neil Young – all developing their chops in local venues across the country.
A few years later, as an adult, Ben was working in Los Angeles. Frequenting music venues including Ash Grove and the Troubadour, Ben and friends were exposed to “unknowns” of the day such as Ronstadt, Turner, Joplin, and Dylan.
My friend Ben Hechter died early this year (2023).
By Bill Gies
In recognition of the richness that the arts contribute to life, contemplate the blending of place and performance in the Concerto Catedral Sagrada Família, Barcelona.