Ben Stalets

Ben Stalets is not a songwriter; he’s a song. Realizing he couldn’t wash the Toledo off, Ben leaned into it. Inspired by the blue collar underdogs and anti-heroes the rust belt surrounds you with. Talking to Ben is talking to an old friend, and that’s exactly how his songs are written and performed. As comfortable in a bar as he is in a listening room, by the 3rd verse of the first song, Stalets will have the room quiet enough to hear someone clutching their pearls, just before the refrain gives permission to laugh.
After almost a decade of songwriting and performing, it’s your civic duty to catch Ben whenever he comes within 100 miles of your town.

Ben’s medley of soundscape has allowed him to open for a wide berth of critically acclaimed acts, such as Justin Townes Earle, Damien Jurado, Valerie June, Whitey Morgan, Local H, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Cory Branan, and Daniel Romano. He’s also been a staple at classic music destinations like Nelsonville Music Festival, Wurst Celebration (wiener fest) in Mansfield, TX and as a return guest on Knoxville’s Blue Plate Special. 

“Ben Stalets is the folk hero Toledo needs right now.” - Jason Webber, The Blade

"Ben Stalets shares his tales of true love, police raids, friends, and good fortune through smart lyrics, humor, and euphonic guitar licks. Derived from his blue-collar roots in Toledo, Ohio, and honed through extensive touring, Ben's original music, charming personality, and quirky approach to storytelling are so uncommon that you're going to wonder if folks like Bob Dylan were influenced by his approach to songwriting. To experience Ben Stalets "live" is the very essence of Americana and an opportunity that shouldn't be missed." - Shane Finster, Producer, Press Room Recordings