Whether performing at the Chicago Jazz Festival or traveling the globe with the Lt. Dan Band, Ben Lewis feels at home making music. “A monster of a pianist” (Chicago Jazz Magazine), Lewis excels in bringing both humor and grace to the stage. His “shimmering pianism” and “go-for-broke energy” (Howard Reich – Chicago Tribune) are just part of what give Lewis such a singular voice.  Lewis has recorded and collaborated with many artists. His long-standing creative partnership with vocalist Typhanie Monique helped shape her 2016 debut as a leader – featuring the talents of Grammy award-winning producer Jeff Levenson. Lewis is prominently featured on bassist Matt Ulery’s By a Little Light, named one of the top 50 albums of 2012 by NPR. Other musical associations include such artists as vocalists Grazyna Auguscik and Jackie Allen, and trumpeter Tito Carillo. As founding member and Musical Director of the Lt. Dan Band with actor/bassist Gary Sinise, Lewis has toured the world performing for troops, veterans and their families. The 12-piece ensemble has been going strong since 2003 with no signs of slowing down. Two tours abroad as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department took Lewis to eleven different countries throughout West Africa and East Asia, performing concerts and conducting clinics with local musicians.