Sound, Story, and Soul: Inside the Musical World of This Is Not a Drill

 The essence of any musical lies in its score—the way melodies and lyrics intertwine to advance the narrative and deepen emotional impact. In This Is Not a Drill, the music serves as both a storytelling device and an emotional compass, carrying the audience through a spectrum of moods that mirror the unfolding drama. From sweeping ensemble numbers to intimate ballads, each song has been carefully crafted to highlight the characters’ journeys while reflecting broader themes of love, resilience, and human connection. 

The following selection offers a closer look at how the score shapes the identity of this remarkable production:

This Is Not a Drill Overture – A dramatic and cinematic opening that sets the stage, blending urgency with anticipation. It immediately transports the audience into the emotional world of the musical. Musically, the orchestration nods to classic Broadway overtures, but with a contemporary edge that reflects the show’s modern spirit.

Land of Aloha – A heartfelt tribute to Hawai‘i, highlighting its warmth, beauty, and deep sense of community. Both celebratory and nostalgic, it captures the island spirit. It welcomes the audience with warmth while foreshadowing the challenges ahead. Its musical style blends tropical rhythms and harmonies, evoking the setting while staying rooted in theatrical tradition.

Am I Enough – A reflective ballad that dives into themes of self-doubt and resilience. Vulnerable and intimate, it invites the listener into an emotional inner journey. It serves as a poignant emotional anchor early in the story. Musically, it leans on heartfelt ballad traditions, with a melody that builds in intensity as emotions rise.

Cincinnati Boys – Injecting energy and humor, this number introduces characters whose personalities light up the stage. It provides comic relief while reinforcing themes of friendship and resilience. Stylistically, it plays with upbeat tempos and playful wordplay, reminiscent of ensemble numbers in golden-age musicals.

Start All Over – A hopeful anthem about second chances and renewal. It carries a message of resilience after fear and uncertainty. Musically, it is uplifting, with a soaring chorus that invites the audience to believe in hope and fresh beginnings.

Happy Thoughts – A whimsical moment that lightens the atmosphere, offering a reminder of optimism in the face of chaos. It functions almost like a breath of air between heavier scenes. Its bouncy rhythm and bright harmonies recall the style of classic feel-good show tunes.

The Real Thing – Honest and raw, this piece dives into the difference between appearances and authenticity, both in human relationships and in the larger world. It challenges characters to confront what truly matters. The arrangement has a soulful edge, blending modern pop influences with traditional musical theatre sensibilities.

This You Should Know – A heartfelt confession, this ballad reveals truths that have long remained unspoken. It’s one of the show’s emotional highlights, pulling the audience into the intimacy of personal revelation. Musically, its slower tempo and tender instrumentation allow the vocals to shine with raw honesty.

How Could I Have Known – A tender and regretful song, touching on missed signs and unexpected turns, questioning choices made under pressure. It embodies the universal theme of wishing for clarity too late. Musically, it balances soft verses with a dramatic, almost cinematic chorus, underlining the intensity of the emotion.

No Matter What Happens – A song of solidarity, this piece highlights the bonds that form when people face crisis together. It delivers reassurance and unity in the face of uncertainty. Musically, it is short but impactful, with layered harmonies that feel almost hymn-like.

Words – A reflective song on the weight language carries in times of crisis. Gentle yet impactful, it showcases the fragility of communication during moments of crisis. It questions how words can both heal and fail. The arrangement is stripped back, spotlighting lyrics and vocals, with gentle accompaniment that mirrors vulnerability.

Damn I’m Sorry – A raw, emotional apology, this number captures the struggle to mend relationships when trust has been broken. It resonates with the theme of reconciliation. Musically, it has a contemporary feel, drawing influence from modern pop ballads, with heartfelt vocal delivery at its core.

Somebody Somewhere – This song speaks to the universal yearning for connection, even across distance. It brings out the hope that no one is truly alone. Its gentle, flowing melody recalls the tradition of reflective Broadway duets and ensemble numbers.

Waving Goodbye – A deeply emotional highlight. One of the most moving songs of the show, this piece deals with partings, loss, and the bittersweet nature of farewell. It is a key emotional climax in the musical. The score swells with orchestration, balancing sorrow with beauty, making it a standout ballad.

Face of Love – This number celebrates compassion and empathy, putting human connection at the center of the narrative. It serves as a thematic turning point toward healing. Warm and moving, it’s a beacon of hope. Musically, it combines a lyrical melody with uplifting harmonies, evoking both gospel and pop influences.

Show Aloha – The closing number brings everything full circle, celebrating community, empathy, and love. It leaves the audience with an uplifting message of resilience and love. Its jubilant rhythms and celebratory chorus ensure the musical closes on a note of joy and unity. 

A standout aspect of This Is Not a Drill is the meticulous and expressive arrangement work by Ben Babylon, created in close collaboration with Paul Bogaev. From the opening overture to the finale, their joint orchestration demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of pacing, texture, and emotional nuance.

Taken as a whole, the songs of This Is Not a Drill carry the audience on a profound emotional journey, moving seamlessly from moments of fear and uncertainty to vulnerability, connection, and ultimately hope. Each piece resonates not only as a musical number but as a window into the hearts of the characters, allowing the performers’ voices to illuminate the human experience at the core of the story. By the finale, the audience is left uplifted, reflective, and fully immersed in the world the music has so vividly brought to life.

Facing the Unexpected: The Story Behind This Is Not A Drill

Sometimes reality surpasses fiction with unexpected intensity. On January 13, 2018, a ballistic missile alert shook the calm of Hawai‘i: for long 38 minutes, panic and confusion ran high. When it was finally confirmed to be a false alarm caused by human error, another wave of emotions unfolded. 

This real-life event is the basis for This Is Not A Drill, a musical by Holly Doubet, with book by Holly Doubet and Joe McDonough Music and lyrics co-written with Holly Doubet, Kathy Babylon and John Vester, that delves into the human response to the unforeseen, exploring connection, reactions, and redemption. 

Holly Doubet, originally from Texas, studied piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London and also holds degrees in voice and piano from the United States. She has built a multifaceted career: composing songs for the children’s series Barney and Friends, performing professionally as a singer in studios and venues in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and leading her own band. Her return to stage composition reflects great artistic maturity and a personal perspective that permeates the entire piece. 

Kathy Babylon is a writer and lyricist with a narrative voice rooted in personal memory that resonates with collective truths. Married to keyboardist Guy Babylon (Elton John’s arranger), and mother to Ben Babylon, she brings literary and emotional sensitivity that deeply enriches the score. 

The musical direction benefits from the expertise of Paul Bogaev, a renowned producer and musical director of major Broadway shows. Ben Babylon has been a key part of the process: recording most of the music in the studio, working closely with Bogaev, and serving as assistant musical director and keyboardist (Keys 2) during performances. 

Several cast members of This Is Not A Drill have previously been involved in Aida, the acclaimed musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Notably, Felicia Finley, who starred as Amneris in Aida, brings her powerful presence and experience to this new production. This connection enriches This Is Not A Drill, linking it to a legacy of celebrated musical theatre and showcasing how past collaborations and experiences continue to inspire and shape contemporary works.

The show is set to premiere this September at the Theatre at St. Jean’s in New York. This musical aims to be an artistic and emotional experience that invites audiences to reflect on how we live, react, and come together when everything seems to be shaken Stay tuned—tomorrow we will be sharing an exclusive interview with Kathy Babylon and Holly Doubet, offering deeper insights into the creation and meaning behind This Is Not A Drill.

Box Office

Ben at the Red Carpet

On Thursday 15 November, Ben Babylon attended one of the biggest events in the Hollywood scene: the Hollywood Media Awards ceremony. The event, at Hollywood's historic Fonda Theater, is showcasing some of the brightest and best in musical creation for media and it's a great opportunity to share experiences with people and to meet rellevant people of the scene, like spanish Jesús Calderon, who won the best song/score - special feature award, or Shele Sondheim, cousin of famous musical theatre composer, Stephen Sondheim, to name a few.

Days before, Ben returned at the renowned Canyon Club, in Agoura Hills, CA, opening for The Little River Band, considered to be one of Australia's most significant bands. Between 1976 and 1983, chart success in America included: "It's a Long Way There", "Help Is on Its Way", "Reminiscing", "Cool Change", "Lonesome Loser", "Take It Easy On Me", "Man On Your Mind", "We Two", and "The Other Guy". "One my favorite songs of theirs is 'Reminiscing.', explained Ben Babylon, "their song structures are simple but powerful, with amazing melodies". The band, who debuted a new bass player, has become increasingly popular on the Southern California festival and concert scene since 2011. Among those in attendance at the concert were television producer/director Charlie Bowyer and long-time record producer and audio engineer Ken Scott, whose book “Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust” recounts his work with some of the most famous rock artists in history, including Elton.

 Special thanks to Fred Anderson

Ben Babylon Band On The Road: The Way To Succeed

With the first album on production, Ben Babylon takes his well-worked band and hits the road. If it first were The House of Blues (on April, 7), The Canyon Club (opening for Jazzmatics, April, 22), The Renaissance Hotel, Hollywood (twice May, 3 and July, 5), The Santa Barbara Fair and Expo (April, 26), The Conejo Valley Days Carnival (May, 5), Skaters Point, Santa Barbara (July, 6), Battle of Bands (July, 21), the Venice Beach Summerfest (July, 28) and Fiesta Festival, Santa Barbara (August, 2), the returning to Canyon Club, back in August, 3, opening for Air Supply was by far their most prestigious opportunity to date. The popular Australian classic rock band, formed in 1975 by guitarist and singer-songwriter Graham Russell and lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock, with worldwide hits like "Sweet Dreams", "Here I Am" or "All Out Of Love", left Ben on the air to "decide what I'm more excited about, opening for them or seeing them play live". As the concert was superb and the songs sounded consistent and fresh, I was wondering how do they pick up the songs to the regular set list and how many of them could become part of the new album. So I just asked Ben...

Congrats Ben for your succesful show! It's so nice to see how you're growing more and more everyday.

It was amazing! It was very surreal watching the huge crowd react to my music. And November 10th, I get to do it all again with the Little River Band!

Wow! Thank you. Which songs do you usually play live, from your set?

I could give you a basic set list. The first song I play is "You Won't Lose". It is a good starter because it starts with the drums alone, and then adds the bass, and then the guitar, and then the piano. It is a good way to let the audience take it all in. It's also a great starter because it introduces the band one by one.

The Ben Babylon Band on the rock! It's not the first time I say I like that band, they fit very well with Ben and complement him. Despite their youth, they're all great musicians: Alex Naylor, a solid bass player; the brilliant Alex Andrews on drums and finally the genious Brian Schwartz on the guitar.

The next song is a very bluesy song called "This Song Won't Be Finished". "You Won't Lose" and "This Song Won't Be Finished" are both upbeat songs, so it gets the audience in a good mood. And the next song is a fairly well known cover song, called "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" by Cage The Elephant. It is a good break from songs they don't know, because now they get to hear a song that they do know of.

Cage The Elephant, the Kentuky's rock band formed in 2006, know for their high-energy performances.

After that, is "Contradiction". It is the song on iTunes currently, and it really features our guitarist, Brian Schwartz. It also has a great drum solo, by Jagger Krusen. The next song we play is a fairly new song that I wrote on the guitar, called "We Have No Souls". It is a clean guitar based song, with some light piano and great harmonies. And the next song is a song called "Cage", which is always a really fun song to play because people always sing along, since it is a catchy, simple melody. It also has a classical/jazzy-type intro, which is always fun to play. We call the intro "Before Cage".

Hahaha And then, my favourite of all, a winner song, a must to be a classical song.

The next song is "Dreams For Sale". It is sort of the first real slow song... so it gives the audience a break from all the energy. It is a very beatiful song, mostly based upon piano and bass, with light percussion. The guitar then comes at the end, bringing back the energy. And after that song, I play an old-fashioned tupe song called "Laughing Louder". No band on this song, so it is sort of quiet, but it really makes the audience listen. 

"Laughing Lauder" is a cute little old-fashioned song really.

The next song we play is a funny song, called "Dorky Loved Doughnuts", which is about a dog that loves doughnuts, but eventually he eats too many and dies. But at the end of the song, the band and I go on this awesome jam! It is probably the most fun song to play for the whole band. The next song is called "Different Meanings", a great add on to Dorky, since it is such a funky song (like Dorky). And the final song we play is a very well know hit song called "We Are Young" by Fun. Everybody knows it, and everybody sings a long, and there's a lot of energy, so it is a great song to end with.

Sure! You said you are a fan of Ben Folds, so, do you play any song of him, live?

I used to play "Fred Jones", but nobody knows any Ben Folds songs, so usually not.

Well, Ben, thanks again for your kindness. And you, "Dreamers", if you wanted to see how Ben Babylon's band play live, just pay attention when next concerts will be announced. By now, enjoy this video from their last performance, the most famous dog in the world:

Meeting Ben Babylon: Jack Rabbit in LA

It had been a week since I’d met Ben Babylon. First reminds of that experience, are in Fred Anderson’s car, going back to the hotel. A tear round on my face and fell in my knees. It was sad someway to leave. What I had lived that day was an experience hard to explain in a few words, mostly because it was very emotional. I have to go to Miquel’s notebook in order to relate his feelings about that big date. He usually writes down his experience while travelling, pages and more pages explaining his memories about what he’s living. So, let’s start from there.

11:00

Along with Fred Anderson and my wife, Elisabet, we take the road to somewhere behind the hills. The Beatles are on the radio airwaves. Just arrived, one door opens and a smiling Kathy Babylon welcome us. It is very nice to meet her. We exchange mails several times and it seems I knew her someway, although in fact I really don’t. It’s strange how internet approach people who are a thousand miles away from each other. Some kind of magic made the dream come true and we are there. Awesome!

12:00

Ben’s rehearsing with his band. The first reaction is to hold him. It’s really beautiful to be there. He kindly agrees to take a picture together. Two pictures, maybe three or four, it doesn’t matter. I sit on a chair and just listen. Ben Babylon’s band was first to be a trio band, as Elton did on his Tumbleweed Connection days, comprising a bass player, a drummer and a keyboardist. You must remember those names: Alex Naylor, bassist, Alex Andrews, drummer, and Ben Babylon, on keyboards. But if that wasn’t enough, they added a guitarrist, and if Elton’s had Davey Johnstone on Honky Chateau, Ben has Brian Schwartz. Despite their youth, between 15 and 20 years old, they have so much potential and putting all together, they’re a consistent band. It seems they have been playing together for a long time but that’s not so. The list of songs they’re rehearsing are from the album, on process but with a long list of fantastic songs to choose. It’s great to see how much energy they have, and specially, how much they enjoy playing together. It’s happily surprising to see how Ben looks like his father, the unforgettable Guy Babylon, while playing: same gestures, same professionality, same passion. And more than this, what pleasantly surprised me most is how Ben’s growing on stage. The songs from the album are incredibly good, and I have my favourites of course. The first single, “Contradiction” is a winner for sure. But it was unbelievable to see when I suggested to do one song, “No Goodbyes On The Road” to him. Fred Anderson asked if it was possible to play that song for me, althought it had never been rehearsed with the band. He inmediatily said “yes” and taught the band the chords and the keys of the song. And within three or four minutes they play it. “He’s a leader” I think.

13:00

Band rehearsing is finished and band mates leave. More pictures all together. I only have to congratulate that good team, they are absolutely fantastic and nicely complement to Ben. Lunch.

17:00

Well, I now know the meaning of hiking. I didn’t know what does it meant until I was climbing up rocks and mountains in order to find a great view of landscape. And I enjoy it so much although I end up tired. A pina colada in the Malibu Beach recovers anything.

20:30

After dinner, one could be a priviledged person when you have Ben Babylon solo at the piano, for the most thrilling jam session one could expect. He explained me how much Elton and Ben Folds influenced him as a musician. And that’s really is. He starts with his own songs, before paying an amazing rendition of “Rocket Man” and “Take Me To The Pilot” on the piano. If Elton’s had his quote, Ben Folds too, when he goes to “Fred Jones”, the touching story about a man’s retiring of his job. He kindly agree to perform a superb medley between “Dreams For Sale” and “No Goodbyes On The Road”. Both songs, specially the title track, have potential enough to make a big thing. I remember it was the time when this words came to mind: “He’s special, he will do it, he has it all for success”. It was a sensation, but seeing this kid to play piano and the way he does it, you have all the feelings that it could be a possible reality. I had the same feelings as when I saw Elton on piano solo for first time: with the Band I love it, but solo, sitting on an old piano, is when the artist explodes and explores the best of his being. It’s exciting to see how much Ben loves music. Music is a part of his world. He lives for music, and music embraces him to gives his best. It’s a divine partnership, a force of the nature. And Ben has the talent enough to give music his best creations, while music could keep a place for him among his top star musicians.

22:00

The final of the jam session. I would say that it is time for goodbyes but as one of the lyrics says: there’s no goodbyes on the road”. Fred Anderson kindly returns to the hotel, not before stopping at Troubadour Club, when Elton performed for first time long years ago.

As I said in the beginning, I was sad for leaving that people behind, but I was plenty happy to see that a new star is ready to conquer the world. Sad and happy? Is that a “Contradiction”? “Big Waves Crashing Down, Shaking the Ground”. You will see, I said one day, the Number One has just arrived: Ben Babylon to reach the stardom. Give time to the artist, not in a hurry, and fasten your seat belts: the journey has begun.

Rock Nation: Being an EJ Member Experience

"It was the best, most fun show I've ever done. I feel......amazing....and loved.... Loved by all my friends who came......" first Ben's reaction was glory: he succeed. The Rock Nation concert, featuring Elton John band members: Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson and John Mahon, paid tribute to Elton himself but also to the late and unforgettable Guy Babylon. For the occasion, Ben joined the band playing keyboards and singin' three of his own songs.

"We played a bunch of Elton John Songs, and Davey played on 4 of them, and John played on two, and Nigel sang on a bunch. In the beginning, I played No Goodbyes on the Road with John. And then I brought out Davey and Jesse for "write your own song", and then I brought out Nigel for "Goodbye Superman". All of it sounded amazing....." explained me an euphoric Ben Babylon, while adding: "I cannot express how amazing I feel!". That will be an unforgettable experience for him, for sure. Two very influential people in Ben Babylon's life, Chasen Hampton, the musical director at Rock Nation School, and Tony Avalon, the owner of the school, were at his side.

Rock Nation is a private rock-music school in Los Angeles owned by Tony Avalon, son of the famed actor/singer Frankie Avalon. The school produces several tribute shows several times a year, focusing on the music of different rock stars. But rarely do actual musicians from bands being honored perform in the shows. “Everybody in the audience was blown away, and the kids were awesome,” Avalon said. “Having them play with rock stars that I looked up to when I was growing up was amazing. It was a night to remember.”

As Ben introduced before, John Mahon joined him on “No Goodbyes on the Road,” a poignant reflection on how people are often too busy to say goodbye to each other. Next up was the happier “Write Your Own Song,”. Then, Davey Johnstone and his electric guitar brought new energy to the superb “Goodbye Superman,” the beautiful song that the young Babylon wrote in the days following his father’s untimely passing, just over one year ago; that brought Nigel Olsson to the stage. “It means a lot to me, to be here for Guy,” Davey Johnstone said, before the show. “He was my closest bud in a musical sense, and in a sports sense. Whenever we were touring, we would discuss basketball and soccer as much as music. I miss him dearly". “Guy was an influence on all of us musically and as a friend,” agreed Mahon. “It is a fitting tribute to him, for us to actually play on stage with his son.” “Ben has come a long way through a tough time,” Olsson added. “It’s very impressive to see him rock out.”

"Ben did a pretty good job with the "Funeral For A Friend" intro" explained Jan Kemp from www.guyfan.net website, who attended the show. "That was the first song once Nigel, John and Davey left the stage. There were six separate bands of kids who then performed, and Ben played keys throughout the night. Ben also did a great job on Philadelphia Freedom and I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues" reminded Kemp.

Many of Guy Babylon’s friends and relatives were in the audience, including his widow, songwriter Kathy Babylon, his parents, Graham and Mary, and his sister, author Donna Babylon. Also present were VIP guests from music, film and television: actor/singer Frankie Avalon; keyboardist Lindsay Vannoy, who has worked with Elton John, Ann Wilson, Alice Cooper and others; composer and music producer Max Di Carlo, who has worked with Elton John; television writer/producer Charlie Bowyer; and film producer/director Peter R.J. Deyell. “After watching him (Ben Babylon) perform, it’s clear that he really understands music,” Deyell said. “When he plays keyboards, his whole body is playing. He is very aware of what he is doing at every moment, and what the other musicians on stage are doing. He is really terrific.”



Everybody agreed. The sold-out show brought hundreds of people to the famed Canyon Club near Los Angeles. Young students, in the two hours show, played a selection of Elton's best tunes. The set list is listed as it follows:



No Goodbyes on the Road
(by Ben Babylon; performed by Ben Babylon and John Mahon)
Write Your Own Song
(by Ben Babylon; performed by Ben Babylon, Davey Johnstone and Jesse Johnstone)
Goodbye Superman
(by Ben Babylon; performed by Ben, John, Nigel, Jesse Johnstone and Davey Johnstone)

Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
Bennie and the Jets
All the Young Girls Love Alice
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
The Bitch is Back
I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
Crocodile Rock
This Song Has No Title
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
I'm Still Standing
Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
Philadelphia Freedom
Rocket Man
Take me to the pilot
Saturday Night's All Right

Information about Ben Babylon is available at www.BenBabylonMusic.com and www.BabylonMusic.biz.

Information about Rock Nation is available at www.RockNationSchool.com.

Pictures courtesy of Fred Anderson

It is now official... Elton John Band to Honor Late Colleague Guy Babylon

An upcoming Elton John tribute show produced by Rock Nation School in Los Angeles will be as much a tribute to late band member Guy Babylon as to the Rocket Man, himself. Three members of John’s band—lead guitarist and music director Davey Johnstone, drummer Nigel Olsson and percussionist John Mahon—will perform “Goodbye Superman,” a song written in Babylon’s memory by his 12-year-old son, Ben Babylon. Johnstone and Mahon will also play Elton John songs with Ben and other student musicians. The concert will take place September 26 at the famed Canyon Club near Los Angeles.

Ben Babylon will play keyboard and sing lead vocals on “Goodbye Superman,” which he composed after his father passed away suddenly on September 2, 2009. Ben, who plays keyboards, piano, guitar, ukulele and drums, has taken private lessons at Rock Nation since 2008, and has written several original songs. Elton John and his musicians have remained close friends of the Babylon family, so when Ben’s mother, Kathy Babylon, learned that Rock Nation was planning an Elton John tribute show, she came up with the idea to invite members of his band to appear. "It's been a year now and it just seemed to be perfect timing to bring everyone together in honor of Guy's memory, through Ben's song," she said. "My husband was a big supporter of Rock Nation. All the guys in the band have helped with fundraisers over the years, and the last one was actually at The Canyon Club. So this is truly a full-circle moment for me."

“I’m really excited that Davey, Nigel and John will be playing my song,” Ben said. “I wrote it as a tribute to my dad. They were his friends and fellow band members, so for me to get to play it with them on stage means a lot.” That sentiment is shared by John Mahon, who has been a member of the Elton John Band since 1997. "I'm looking forward to playing some music with Ben Babylon again, and performing something by Elton John will be right up his alley,” Mahon said. “He is an amazing young talent with many exciting musical endeavors in his future. I better start practicing!"

Ben Babylon isn't the only child of an Elton John associate who will appear in the upcoming show. Fifteen-year-old drummer Juliet Johnstone, a student at Rock Nation, will perform, as will her older brother, Jesse, a professional recording engineer, who will lend his talents on bass. Their father, Davey Johnstone said: "I met Guy at a recording session in 1987 and immediately knew I was in the presence of someone really special. We had an almost psychic connection and we loved stretching our talent to create music that was always challenging and refreshing." In 1990, Johnstone and Babylon formed their own musical group, Warpipes, with Nigel Olsson, Bob Birch,and Billy Trudell, and released one album, “Holes in the Heavens.” Singles off the album are now being released on iTunes, in association with Babylon Music.

Unfortunately, Elton John will not participate in the upcoming Rock Nation concert, because he will be on tour in Europe with drummer Ray Cooper. However, he remains close to the Babylons, and has shown support for Ben's music in other ways. Recently, he invited Ben to hang out in the recording studio, while he worked on his forthcoming album "The Union" with rock legend Leon Russell. That album is scheduled to be released in October.

Rock Nation, a private rock-music school with four locations in the Los Angeles area, is owned by Tony Avalon, son of singer and actor Frankie Avalon. The school produces several tribute shows annually, each highlighting the music of a different rock star. "Rock Nation and the Rock Nation community are very excited and honored to have the members of the Elton John band performing at a Rock Nation show,” Avalon said. “What this means to me is that Rock Nation’s status has earned the respect from professional world-class musicians who embrace the quality of a real music education to all ages. The musicianship level of this show will be outstanding. These students will sound unbelievable and true to the songs of Elton John.”

The Rock Nation Tribute to Elton John will take place on Sunday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. at The Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, California 91301. Tickets are $12 at Rock Nation or $15 at the door. Reservations can be made by calling Rock Nation at 818-706-2326, The Canyon Club at 818-879-5016 or by visiting www.RockNationSchool.com.

Information about the music of Guy Babylon is available at www.BabylonMusic.biz.

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

Ben At The Yoshi's: The Kathryn Keats Show

Ben Babylon performed, credited as a special guest star, as part of The Kathryn Keats Show at Yoshi's Jazz Club in Oakland, California on July 8. The show included some of the Bay Area’s most renowned musicians: master percussionist Joe Venegoni, Grammy-nominated bassist Michael Manring, guitar virtuoso Tom Lattanand, pianist Kelly Park, award-winning trumpeter Jeff Oster, and Brazilian-born drummer Celso Alberti.

Kathryn Keats was so pleased to introduce keyboardist, songwriter and singer Ben Babylon to her fans in the Bay Area. The young musician has been working under the tutelage of Elton John, who remains a close family friend.

During the show, Ben performed "Goodbye Superman," the stirring tribute to his late father, the legendary Guy Babylon, along with some of Kathryn's musicians. He did also play keyboards during at least one of Kathryn's songs in the show: “Ben Babylon is an amazing talent and we are thrilled that he will be performing with The Kathryn Keats Show” she says with satisfaction. “Ben is multi-talented. He is a fantastic songwriter and musician. Elton John's influence on him is clear."

She learned about Ben Babylon after seeing his song "Goodbye Superman" on the Internet, and decided to invite him: "My sons and I were watching Ben Babylon's video of 'Goodbye Superman' and it directly affected me. I lost my father, so I understood the power and the meaning of the song. It blew me away, to see how a 12-year-old could write such a song to honor his father in that way. It was impressive” she added.

Kathryn Keats is a soulful singer and prolific songwriter who specializes in pop, jazz and blues. She began working behind the scenes, packaging feature films, creating and producing shows for television and film and directing several bands and artists. Her work included projects for Herb Ritts, Wayne Masur, and Mary Ellen Mark. She quit singing in the early 1980's, and went into hiding, after her partner held her captive and tortured her for 54 days. She began performing again in 2005, after learning that her former abuser had died, and could no longer harm her. In addition to singing, she also speaks to nonprofit organizations and audiences about domestic violence.

Yoshi's is one of the most famous jazz clubs in the United States where many famous artists have performed including Betty Carter, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Diana Krall, Branford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Harry Connick Jr. and Oscar Peterson. There are two locations: one in San Francisco, California, and one in Oakland, California. Ben will perform at Yoshi's Oakland.

Here is more information about the history of Yoshi's: http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/about

Sources from:
maine.broadwayworld.com