Sarah Benck and the Robbers

If you're seeing Omaha, Nebraska based Sarah Benck and The Robbers for the first time, the immediate question in your mind will be "How does such a big voice come in such a small package?" Then as you listen to Sarah's lyrics, you'll be asking," How can someone so young write such introspective and personal songs?" In her early 20's, Sarah has already become a mainstay of the Omaha music scene. She and her band the Robbers have recorded a masterful debut cd of bluesy rock, Suicide Doublewide.

In her early 20's, Sarah has already become a mainstay of the Omaha music scene. She and her band the Robbers have recorded a masterful debut cd of bluesy rock, Suicide Doublewide. The cd, released in April of '05 runs the gamut from rough and tumble blues-rock to quiet and introspective soul searching ballads. It is at moments a raucous, contemporary blues-saturated affair ( Lonely Road, Downward Spiral ) ; at other times a wine-soaked, reverberating, slide guitar confessional falling closer to Lucinda Williams (California, Canadian Whiskey).The song Tidal Waves was picked up for a national add campaign for the YWCA. Proof enough that this young woman writes and sings with the kind of conviction sorely lacking in much of today's disposable pop culture. Theres something in the music that resonates with young and old alike, wrought with the sort of ability and sincerity that you won't forget. After a Sarah Benck and The Robbers show the line to meet the band says it all. From teens to pre-teens with dreams of singing and playing guitar to 30 to 50 year old men and women who swear they've just witnessed the next Janis Joplin, there's something there for everyone.

The Robbers help shape, arrange and write songs with Sarah in an anything goes approach that always serves the song. On guitar is Jason Ferguson. Ferguson started playing guitar at age seven and was raised on the classics from B.B. King to Hendrix to Miles Davis. A graduate of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood,CA, he brings a wealth of stage and studio experience to the table. James Carrig plays bass. His tight, solid, brilliantly understated style drives the music, just like James Jamerson taught him. James has played with Sarah the longest and his connection with her music is undeniable and is truly the foundation of the group. Drummer Scott "Zip" Zimmerman has a diverse musical background. After earning his Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Zip taught high school band and orchestra in Omaha. He's played drums, percussion, and sang with many local rock, funk and jazz groups. He has also been the percussion instructor for the Lincoln High School marching band since 1998.

Since joining forces, Sarah Benck and The Robbers have become sought-after regional favorites, gigging weekly and sharing the stage collectively 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, Conor Oberst, Blues Traveler, and Bon Jovi.

Sarah Benck And The Robbers, a dynamic, young Rock And Roll band that you don't want to miss. Who knows? They're probably playing at a local bar, concert hall or stadium near you right now!


Press Quotes -

"...Get ready to see this mild mannered female Clark Kent put on her game-face and kick your butt like Super girl.
- Doug Backer, music writer, Omaha Blues Society Blues News

"This chick rocks so hard, the "for a girl" business flies right out the window.
- Andrew Norman, music writer, City Weekly

"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 - former president of Homer's Music & Gifts

"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

"...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."
- City Weekly Staff

"How about Sarah Benck & The Robbers? They fuckin' rock!"
- John Popper (opening for Blues Traveler, July 2006)