The Premiere Of New Songs at Ventura County Fair in California

Ben will introduce several new songs when he performs at the Ventura County Fair near Los Angeles, California, on August 6.

Ben composed his first song, Goodbye Superman, as a tribute to his father, who died unexpectedly last September. The song has received much attention on the Internet, including on Elton John fan sites. Ben has performed Goodbye Superman at several clubs in the Los Angeles area. Last month, he received a standing ovation in Oakland, California, where he appeared as a special guest of The Kathryn Keats Show at the famed Yoshi's jazz club.

“I am looking forward to playing at the fair, because I think a lot of my friends will be there,” Ben said. “I like getting feedback from them, especially the musicians.”

At the Ventura County Fair, Ben plans to perform Goodbye Superman and three new songs, two of which were inspired by memories of his father. Goodbyes on the Road was taken from something Guy used to tell Ben about how when bands are touring, there never seems to be enough time for everyone to say goodbye, before they go their separate ways. World Away is a song that Ben co-wrote with his mother, Kathy Babylon, imagining how Guy may be another world away, but love goes on. The third new song, Write Your Own Song, is more upbeat.

“It’s about how everybody has their own life story, and they can write it however they want,” Ben said. “It is more of a honky-tonk, pop song. It has a happy feel to it.”

Ben will perform at the Ventura County Fair as part of a concert by Rock Nation School, where he studies music. Also appearing in the Rock Nation show will be student Aubrey Linder, the musical group Shadows of Aries, and Chasen Hampton, music director at Rock Nation. Ben will perform one song with Chasen, who has recorded five CDs and appeared with such stars as Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, Keri Russell and Britney Spears, when she was on the Mickey Mouse Club.

For Kathy Babylon, Ben’s performance at the Ventura County Fair will be especially meaningful, and is already bringing back memories.

“The last time I was at the fair was when Guy played there with a local band, before he started working with Elton,” she said. “For Ben to perform there, it’s like he is stepping into his dad’s shoes. I see Guy’s and Elton’s influence on Ben, with every song he writes and the way he plays keyboards. He amazes me all the time.”

Kathy and Ben will be interviewed on The Freeman Michaels Show on radio station 1400 KKZZ in Ventura, California on August 5 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time. You can listen online at www.1400kkzz.com by clicking "Listen Live."

The Ventura County Fair will take place August 4-15 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, California 93001. “Rock Nation School Presents All Original Artists” is scheduled for August 6 at 4:30 p.m. For information about the fair, visit www.VenturaCountyFair.org or call 805-648-3376.

Thank you Fred Anderson
Photo by J.E. Smith/Lost Road Entertainment