Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, Otis Redding, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King, Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Marvin Gaye, Bonnie Raitt, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, Beatles, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, Gladys Knight, B.B. King, Duane Allman, Jeff Beck, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, David Bowie, Queen, Sly and the Family Stone, and your mom.
or Sarah Benck & The Robber's new release, Neighbor's Garden
To purchase Sarah Benck and The Robber's debut album, Suicide Doublewide, or latest release, Neighbor's Garden, visit any of these fine online retailers
or
Visit one of these fine local music retailers:
Homer's Music Omaha AND Lincoln, NE
About Sarah Benck -
When you see Sarah Benck for the first time, the immediate question in your mind will be, “How does such a big voice come in such a small package?” When you listen to Sarah’s lyrics, you’ll wonder, “How can someone so young write such introspective and personal songs?"
Still in her early 20’s, Sarah has become a mainstay of the Omaha music scene. She has been performing solo acoustic and with local bands since age 15, and was even asked by Omaha indie-rock band Cursive to record vocals for the song "Retreat" on their 2006 release Happy Hollow.
In January of 2007 she was named “Best Singer/Songwriter” at the First Annual Omaha Entertainment Awards. Sarah was awarded the OEA for “Best Adult Alternative” in 2008.
Sarah’s band helps her write, arrange, and evolve the music with an “anything goes” attitude, yet always serving the song.
Guitarist Jason Ferguson was obsessed with music from an early age and grew up with the sounds of blues, jazz and rock. He brings a wealth of studio and stage experience to the band.
Bassist Bob Carrig has already established himself in the Omaha music scene with his frenetic yet groove-laden playing. Having grown up listening to anything from Motown to Fugazi, Bob brings a fusion of musical diversity and classical training.
Drummer Scott "Zip" Zimmerman has a diverse musical background. Aside from playing and singing with several rock, funk, and jazz groups, he has taught music privately and in public schools. Zip provides the perfect feel with his funk-rock swagger.
Sarah Benck has become a sought-after regional favorite, gigging often and sharing the stage with luminaries Buddy Guy, Sue Foley, Dawn Tyler, Renee Austin, Eric Sardinas, Hadden Sayers, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Rich Robinson, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Bernard Alison, Savoy Brown, Kory and the FireFlies, Lee Rocker, Orenda Fink, Neva Dinova, REO Speed Wagon, Indigenous, Gillian Welch, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Conor Oberst, Blues Traveler, BoDeans, Raul Malo (Mavericks), Johnny Winter,and Bon Jovi.
With the release of their second CD, Neighbor’s Garden (2007), Sarah Benck and The Robbers demonstrate how they’ve matured together musically. While their debut Suicide Doublewide (2005) was described by many as “bluesy rock”, their sophomore effort is devoid of any straight ahead blues tunes. The Robbers take a foundation of rock, funk, roots, and blues and build upon those genres with this record. One could almost describe them as a soul band, especially on slower tracks such as “Good Man” and the album closer “I Can Still”. It is the more upbeat and groove-laden tracks such as “What You Got”, “Dig Your Grave”, “Dump The Truck”, and the title track “Neighbor’s Garden” that keep the crowds coming back to their live shows, giving the audience what they really want: that opportunity to subtly bob ones’ head, full on dance to the music, or just feel what the band is sending their way. Sarah Benck and The Robbers succeed in delivering that, both live and on their new album and that is what will allow them to continue to enthrall and grow their audience.
This music resonates with young and old alike. After a performance, the line to meet the band says it all. From preteens with dreams of singing and playing guitar to baby boomers who swear they’ve just witnessed the next Bonnie Raitt. There’s something there for everyone. Catch them live, and you too will become one of the faithful.
Press Quotes -
"This band has never failed to create that impression of future possibilities: the songs are there, the live performance is electric, and the band rocks til it hurts." -Rick Galusha - Omaha City Weekly
"...she is extremely reserved and soft-spoken; one could almost even say meek, but when shes onstage, theres no doubt she belongs there as she jams on that Gibson hollow-body guitar, singing as if her vocal chords were attached to her soul. To say she has a powerful voice is an understatement."
- Staff- Omaha City Weekly
"On the new album, Benck continues to lean on a voice that's equal parts Bonnie, Ricki, and Joni, sung over tunes that are equal parts Van Morrison, Black Crowes and Spin Doctors. At the age 23, Benck's voice is still growing, though it's already bigger than her 5-foot nothing frame. The fact that the music lies somewhere between Americana, R&B, chick pop and good-time rock is surprising and respectable, especially since she's well aware that she's doing it from the heart of indie. Benck never caters to the mode o' day of the Creek/indie/slacker nation -- where Omaha just happens to be the capitol -- and that's just the way she wants it -- preferring pop to pap." - Tim McMahan - Lazyi.com
"The combination of the soft acoustic guitar and Sarahs beautiful, sincere vocals send shivers down my spine. This band is extremely talented and has a bluesy swagger that will knock you on your ass." - Kyle Kolitha, Omaha Pulp
"The second release from this Omaha based combo sees them turn in a confident and accomplished set of soul and funk infused rock, with the prerequisites for the successful delivery of their chosen genre all firmly in place." - John Hinshelwood - Americana UK
"How about Sarah Benck & The Robbers? They fuckin' rock!" - John Popper (opening for Blues Traveler, July 2006)
"Every year we see countless “Best of” lists come out starting about November. These are interesting to come up with, but can lead to guilt and remorse because of glaring omissions noticed after the fact.
While I’ve come in off the ledge and don’t plan on jumping anymore, my list would be different today if I had received all the ‘07 releases I have now actually IN 2007. One of the CDs that would be at or near the top is by one of several fine female artist that are new to me, Sarah Benck and her band The Robbers. The 2007 CD Neighbor’s Garden is a fantastic CD by a truly wonderful singer and songwriter. Neighbor’s Garden is the sophomore effort for the Omaha resident and her band, consisting of Jason Ferguson on guitar (a graduate of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood), James Carrig on bass and Scott “Zip” Zimmerman on drums. This CD had me from right from the first energetic beats of the opening title track. When Sarah opens her mouth its like she’s opening a can of “whup-ass” on you; you’d never imagine a package this petite could pack so much punch. After hearing all the styles she handles on this disc, I’m not sure there’s a style she couldn’t handle. Her bluesy-rock stuff is great, such as the title track. “Dump the Truck” has a bit of a funky feel to it. Slower ballad? Covered, with “Good Man.” She even straps on the acoustic guitar for a solo acoustic tune “Once a Week,” which also displays Sarah’s great vocal range. She adds a bluesy horn section to the upbeat “Trails,” another standout cut. This is definitely a performer you need to check out!" - Don Zelazny- rootsamericana.com
Hi Sarah- Thank you for sharing the time with The Barons November the 7th in Ames at the Progressive. You are an amazing talent and we love what you do so very much. It was a treat for me to get to share that time.....thank you again!
Sarah! I see you at Dietze often! I always buy high e strings cause my guitar hates them. Check out our stuff! Then you'll know what my music sounds like and you can tell everyone at the store when I come in that my band sucks.
You guys were TIGHT tonight! It was a good crowd and it was nice to hear all the positive comments around me! :-) Thanks for another great show! Love ya! ☼
