#5

MAY 19, 2006

First we would like to thank all of you who wrote us with your mandolin classics. Your response to the plea for cool mando songs was phenomenal. The overwhelming winner was Zep's "Battle of Evermore" although we were very impressed by your other selections. You found some really good cuts. Perhaps a mandolin mix tape is in order?!?

Meanwhile, the denizens of the message board have been hard at work naming Ben and Liz’ yet-unborn son… our current favorites are Osmosis Kweller, Kinky Kweller and Agrok the Destroyer. The little guy's due date is May 24th, Bob Dylan's birthday. Ben doesnt care much about that but deep down he is pulling for a gemini! Stick with us and we will keep you posted on all baby news (human and compact disc).

COMPACT DISC
Ben Kweller - the album - is recorded, mixed and mastered!!! Now artwork, singles and videos are being discussed. September 12 has been set as the release date. As of right now Sony/BMG are planning a simultaneous release of Ben Kweller in France, Germany and the UK. This could totally change, however.

CONCERTS
Since Ben returned from London he has played 4 shows - Hendrix College in Conway AR, Hogstock in Fayetteville AR, Block Rock in Columbia MO, & Lawrence University in Appleton WI.

Hendrix college was incredible. the students at Hendrix know how to have a good time at a BK show. They danced and even had choreographed moves for some of the lyrics. During "Falling" when Ben sang the line "I wanna hold you like never before" a group of kids turned to one another and hugged each other. At separate times, 2 kids got on stage and danced with Ben. "My Apartment" had a nice vamp where everyone including Ben just danced to the music. Ben felt very in sync with the crowd that night and even had a very rare post show dorm hang with some of the locals. In all, the Hendrix show was a sweet night, with one big salty moment. After the gig someone ran on stage and took Bens old red sunglasses. the ones he used to wear all the time during the Freak Out days. When Ben noticed they were gone he walked to the front of the venue where kids were hanging out and he asked if anyone had them. Ben got some leads on the suspect and called her cell phone. It turned out she was still at the venue. at first she didn't admit to the stealing. but eventually Ben got it out of her and she returned the glasses.

"Jimi" Hendrix "University" and the Red Sunglasses

Next was Hogstock in Fayetteville, AR. Ben spent a lot of time playing Fayetteville as a teenager in his former band Radish. As a solo artist he hadn't had a chance to play there until May 3rd! This was a super fun night at a super cool outdoor venue. The Chi Omega Greek Theater is a greek style amphitheater resembling the Theater of Dionysus at the Acropolis.

Chi Omega Greek Theatre

The show in Columbia MO was held at the infamous Blue Note. The show was a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club and featured some really cool up and coming bands - Dadbot!, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, and the super cool, dual drumming Hockey Night.

On Sunday Ben flew to Appleton WI to play for the student body of Lawrence University. Appleton was the home of the great Houdini and Ben, a huge fan of magic, regretfully had no time to check out the Houdini museum. The show was a lot of fun and had some great impromptu moments. Campus band Denes and Chicago based Cameron Mcgill opened the show. From the mosh pit Paul Salomon of Denes requested "Wantin' Her Again" which is a song Ben never sings anymore. Without much hesitation Ben started the country tune but quickly realized he had forgotten all the words! He stopped mid-song and called Paul to the stage to help sing it. The two did a fun version helping each other out with the lyrics. Paul even sang some good harmonies on the tune. Click to hear a bootleg MP3 of the performance!!

Merch Booth - Mob Scene - Lawrence University

Rumors of Ben performing at the 5th annual Austin City Limits Music festival have been confirmed!! Kweller will be on the main stage marking his third appearance at the festival. Other acts include Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Willie Nelson, The Raconteurs, The Flaming Lips, The Shins, Kings of Leon, and so many more! Pierre Guimard, the french singer that Ben produced earlier this year will also be playing ACL! Get your tickets while they're still available!

To view the entire lineup click here. ACL will be held September 15-17 in Zilker Park, Austin TX.

seeya next time,
Benkweller.com

www.benkweller.com

myspace.com/benkweller