A group of local musicians will gather for a tribute show and CD release this weekend to celebrate the life of one of their own, San Lorenzo Valley local Ben Laney, who died in June during the production of his final album, “Here in these Hills.”
The well-known Boulder Creek singer and songwriter died of hepatitis C in June. He was a longtime Santa Cruz County musician and had often been found singing on the streets of downtown Santa Cruz in the early 1980s, producer Jim Lewin said.
“He was a super-talented emotional songwriter,” said Aprylle Gilbert, another valley musician. “We were hoping to get it out before he died.”
Gilbert, a singer, met Laney during open mics in the San Lorenzo Valley.
“I really looked up to him,” she said. “He was really humble. He never had an arrogant musician’s ego.”
Laney, who died June 13 at the age of 59, was known for his guitar lessons in Boulder Creek, as well as his work with Jack Fuller and Bobby Carr in the band the Nice Guise in the early ’80s. He also opened for Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers at the Madera Fairgrounds in 1983.
The tribute show will feature musicians Lewin, Gilbert, Bill Laymon, Keith Graves, Pattie Maxine and others. The CD, featuring several songs about Santa Cruz County, such as “The Angels of Emeline Street,” and “One More Day in Santa Cruz,” will also be on sale.
“We wanted to have a special time to honor his music and writing, because it was such a big part of who he was,” Lewin said. “We want to secure his legacy as a great (Santa Cruz) County musician.”
At a glance
What: “Songs of Ben Laney” tribute concert
When: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17
Where: Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9
Details: A CD release and tribute to Ben Laney of Boulder Creek, who died in June.
Cost: $10
Info: www.aprylle.com
