MIKE BENJAMIN AND THE TRIO GRANDE

Mike Benjamin & The Band
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mike Benjamin began his musical journey as a teenager busking the streets of Harvard Square and performing in Boston’s subways. His early years sharpened his skills and love for connecting with live audiences, soon leading to steady gigs in bars and clubs throughout New England.

After relocating to New York City, Mike quickly established himself as a sought-after studio vocalist and guitarist. He recorded dozens of national commercials — from Coca-Cola and Clorox to Budweiser — while performing with numerous bands on the city’s thriving club circuit. Settling in on Martha’s Vineyard, Mike joined Boston Music Award winners Entrain and became an integral part of the island’s vibrant music scene. Mike later formed his own group; The Mike Benjamin Band, releasing two acclaimed albums, Never Too Late and Backyard. Both received strong airplay across New England, with tracks featured in regular rotation on stations including WMVY, WBOS, WCIB, and WUMB. Over the years, Mike has shared stages with luminaries such as Mark Cohn, Delbert McClinton, Patti LaBelle, Paul Shaffer, Bo Diddley, the Blues Brothers Band, and Susan Tedeschi. The group was also honored to perform at Late Night host Seth Meyers’ wedding, where Brad Paisley joined them for the couple’s first dance.

Today, the band channels a dynamic blend of Americana, New Orleans funk, Delta blues, and classic rock — drawing inspiration from Little Feat, The Meters, the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers, Paul Simon, and the Neville Brothers. Their sound is both soulful and infectious, crafted through years of musicianship and shared musical chemistry.

The current lineup, known affectionately as The Trio Grande, brings together a mix of veteran players and new comers:
• Wes Nagy (keyboards, bass) — a seasoned performer and composer whose credits include Lou Rawls, Gary U.S. Bonds, Bo Diddley, and Mick Taylor, as well as scoring hit TV shows like The Drew Carey Show, The West Wing, Felicity, and Spin City.

• Rob Loyot (saxophone, percussion, vocals) — founding member of Entrain, with performance credits alongside Carly Simon, Susan Tedeschi, and Dave Mason, plus stage appearances opening for Joan Jett, Hall & Oates, and Huey Lewis & The News.

• Steve Tully (saxophone, vocals) - played with The Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Ben. E King, as well as Boston favorites like Taylor Made and the Love Dogs.

• Jeremy Driesen and Hudson Bausman (drums) — alternating drummers who sometimes bring the “two-drummer magic” to the stage. Jeremy’s resume includes Chuck Berry, Billy Idol, Sam Moore, Bo Diddley, and Richie Havens, while Hudson represents the band’s next generation of groove.

• Chris Knott (bass, guitar, drums, vocals) — a versatile Rhode Island-based multi-instrumentalist who adds even greater depth and flexibility to the band’s evolving sound.

Together, Mike Benjamin & The Band deliver a rich, rootsy, rocking experience — a musical journey that celebrates timeless grooves and genuine musicianship.

The Fallout Shelter is an all ages performance venue welcoming worldwide, world class music in an intimate setting. Our studio audience attends to watch the creation and production of the music television series The Extended Play Sessions. The Fallout Shelter events are immersive experiences for both audience and performers alike...a live music experience like no other. We are fully ADA compliant and have wheelchair access. We have a wide selection of beer and wine for your adult beverage pleasures and each show comes with a free commemorative event poster. Our doors open at 6PM. Seating is General Admission. We recommend you arrive at the time the doors open.