Savannah Stopover

Like many elementary school kids, Ben Sollee picked up a musical instrument – a cello. But unlike most of his peers, Sollee has continued to hone his skills on the instrument throughout his life and into his adulthood. After establishing himself alongside other musicians, Sollee released his debut solo album Learning to Bend in 2008. The album gained him acclaim and notability, and Sollee was praised for both his vocal talent and his mastery of the cello. NPR named him one of their “Top Ten Unknown Artists of the Year” and later did a piece on him for their show All Things Considered. Since then, Sollee has released three more albums and contributed his cello and his voice to many others. The latest of his own albums, Half Made Man, was released in 2012. Sollee is well-known for his support of environmental causes. He attempts to bike in between shows when he can, strapping his cello and equipment to the back of his bike. He is a frequent player at benefit concerts, using his unique brand of folk music to help raise awareness for issues in and around his home state of Kentucky. Watch a live video of Ben performing “Electrified” from his 2011 album Inclusions: