Ben Traverse and traditional music’s ‘ever-flowing river’
Sunday, January 19, ArtRat Gallery hosts the latest in its roots music series curated by The Stableford Agency. Americana Sundays: An Afternoon with Ben Traverse runs 3-5pm at 46 Division Ave. S. (Admission $20; tickets available on Eventbrite.)
Folksinger, balladeer, educator, songwriter and Earthwork Music Collective member Ben Traverse commands a wide array of instruments in their mission to bring the finest traditional folk music into the 21st century. With deep roots in the Great Lakes State, they travel Michigan and beyond telling stories and truths as old as the hills.
Before Sunday’s event, the Grand Rapids musician talked about the way past and future inform their work.
Traverse, MI band The Accidentals have described you as “the modern-day Pete Seeger,” which suggests that you’re both a folk curator and innovator. You’ve also cited Alan Lomax as an inspiration. How do you think about your relationship with folk traditions?
A friend of mine told me that traditional music is this ever-flowing river, and when we play it, we’re diving into this entity that is ever-flowing with its own energy. Folk music is unique in that it belongs to all of us. These songs aren’t someone else’s stories- they’re our stories.
You’ve performed and recorded both as a solo act and a collaborator with musicians like Nick Veine and Michael Dause. How does your repertoire and creative process differ when you’re alone vs. part of a team?
I love getting to play music with other people, so when I’m working with someone like Nick or Michael, I love getting to learn their music and branch out from all the trad stuff I play. Our albums were also themed (one being Irish and the other sea shanties), so our repertoires were shaped by that as well.
Everyone’s creative processes are unique. Making an album with someone is kinda like being in a relationship with them throughout that process. But just like being in a relationship, you learn a lot about your own processes, and collaborating is such a powerful way to expand your horizons.
When did you start working with Earthwork Music, and how has it influenced your career so far?
I officially joined the Collective in 2021, but was introduced to the Earthwork crew around a decade ago. Saying they’ve influenced my career would be an understatement. I learned about the existence of traditional music through a music camp they helped put on, which clearly had a big impact. Many of my early musical mentors and inspirations are members or alumni of the Collective.
How would you describe the West Michigan Americana scene? What makes it special?
Definitely the community. It’s so wonderful being in a group of people who truly believe a rising tide lifts all ships and are so excited to collaborate and work together.
What do you like best about playing in Grand Rapids?
Other than not having to drive far, I first moved to GR nearly a decade ago, and it’s a city I care a lot about. So much of my community is here, and I love getting to create music with them.
