Interview with Lounge Performer Benny Chadwick

At Keno's we have enjoyed hosting a wide variety of entertainers in the lounge and outside at the tent. Lounge performer Benny Chadwick is no exception. Our loyal patrons love being in the company of a musician and singer who can dish out all of the hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and today. In today's post, we wanted our guests to get further acquainted with Benny, so here's an intimate Q&A session with this fun-loving and multi-talented musician. 

Keno's: Benny, thanks so much for taking the time to share a little bit about yourself. 

Q: How did you get your start in the entertainment industry? Growing up, were you always a singer and a musician or did you have a preference?

A: My first performance was at The Haven coffee house in Pomona CA. During an open mic. I was mighty nervous to do it, but friends kept egging me on until I got the courage to get up and risk being laughed off stage. I got a standing ovation and from that moment on, I couldn’t be sure if I was a musician or just a guy addicted to applause! Growing up, I always loved to sing with the radio, so when I was 10, my mom showed me 3 chords that she learned on guitar and immediately, my grades at school began suffering! I play music as a full time job now and I’ve been able to travel the world and experience life to the fullest!

Q: What genres do you like to experiment with?

A: My favorite genre or maybe I should say, “era,” is the 60’s pop/rock era. The Beatles and The Beach Boys have always stood out to me as the greats! However, as a kid, Prince was my hero! I wanted be just like him, so as I kept going on my musical journey, I tried to learn how to play any instrument I could get my hands on… just so I could be more like him, especially in terms of creating my own songs. I still love to record all the parts by myself in my home studio. I play drums, piano, guitar, bass and ukulele. I love learning about music. I don’t read it, but I hear when things sound good and I love breaking songs apart to see how they were built.

Q: You have made multiple appearances here at the Keno's lounge entertaining the crowds in the evenings. What would you say is the most rewarding part of your career as an entertainer?

A: The most rewarding part of being an entertainer is to see people perk up when they hear a song they recognize. It never gets old! Traveling is great, too. Although, I would say, you don’t see much when you play music professionally. You see a lot of hotel interiors, airports and an occasional trip through the city on the way to the venue. But that’s still more than most folks get to see, it seems.

Q: What are your goals for the near future with your music career? Do you prefer flying solo or being part of a band?

A: My goal is to make a comfortable living playing fewer shows so I can spend more time with my family. I love to play, but I’m excited to be a husband and a father. It’s the most rewarding experience I can imagine. I would’ve had a way different answer 20 or even 10, years ago!

Q: What's your most requested song by fans when playing here at Keno’s?

A: The most requested song I get, here at Kenos, is any song I haven’t learned yet! Ha ha! Seriously though, people seem to really enjoy Tiny Dancer by Elton John. It’s not requested always, but when I play it, I feel the audience come alive.

Q: How can fans reach you? Do you have social media profiles or a website? Are you available for private events?

A: I’m the WORST self promotor! I can be found as Benjamin Chadwick on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bchadwick76. I announce my shows during the week of my performance! So look out!

Q: We have to ask, what's your favorite thing at Keno's?

A: I love the staff! They go WAY out of their way to make me feel at home and so many of the patrons have complimented me and requested my return! I’m always looking forward to the next night at Keno's.