A Tribute to
Ben Arnold
Poet - Musician - Brother - Son - Humanitarian
CD Pre-Release Announcement
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Musicians, bring your instruments, as we’ll do some open stage, and if there’s time, some jamming. Nuts and cookies will be served (in case of 'munchie' attack). The Dream Was Born, early 2005. When my brother Ben left this earth for his next adventure, I decided to honor he and other family members by creating a project which would feature Ben’s music, and some of mine. With little money, or experience in recording projects, I have been driven by determination to proceed. Between this determination and the help of musician friends I am excited to say my dream will soon come to fruition with: "Something More"- a CD with 8 of the 12 songs on it written by Ben [2 of which I co-wrote the music, and two of which were recorded by Ben, the rest by myself and friends] "Ben Arnold Live at Fiddler’s Dream" – This will be a CD taken from a cassette tape- although there is no way to make this meet today’s standard of recording quality, Ben’s personality and beautiful singing still shines through. This features some of his older originals as well as cover tunes he performed in the late 80’s and early 90s. "Anthology of Hope: Songs and Reflections by Ben Arnold and Patty Arnold"- A book with songs, essays, and a couple short stories by Ben, as well as songs and essays by myself. The above will be available for advance order at the Pre-Release party; those who do so will receive (while they last) the sampler CD, “Something More "to Come", to enjoy as a thank you while you wait for the final product. The funds will help me to finish the final project, which I hope to complete by late 2008 or early 2009. Prices for the above: 1)“Something More” CD- $10.00 If you purchase both CD’s it will be $15.00 for the two. Shipping and Handling will be $5.00 for up to two CD’s that go to the same address, and $5.00 for the book. For this first release, my goal is to get the CD’s and book out to people to enjoy, therefore I will pay any taxes that might become due on the items that have been advance ordered. Hope to see some of you there! Patty Arnold 602-751-0541 |
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More Memorabilia of Ben
Local Musician dies at 46, Ben Arnold was Poet, Singer and Guitarist Wednesday, December 22, 2004 Ben Arnold, a familiar Jackson singer/guitarist who liked to encourage other performers, died Monday night at Foote Hospital of apparent heart failure. He was 46. Arnold came from a spiritual and musical family, said his sister, Patty Arnold-Rutkoff, and he carried those devotions throughout his life. He worked at a professional answering service as his "day job," but he devoted an enormous amount of time to writing, performing and teaching music. He taught guitar at Absolute Music in Michigan Center when it opened in August, recited his poetry at poetry nights at Bella Notte Ristorante and Thunderbird Coffeehouse, and organized the open-mike night at the Thunderbird. For the past few years, he had played each week at The Fellowship, a nondenominational spiritual group. It will have a memorial service for Arnold at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Jackson Women's City Club, 300 S. Brown St. Then the Thunderbird will open for those who want to continue the memorial, owner Jon Hart said |
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Ben Arnold Passes to the Next Great Gig  |
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Richard D. Wyatt said he had known Arnold for about 10 years, mostly through The Fellowship. "Ben gleaned a tremendous amount of experiences out of life," Wyatt said. His sister said Arnold explored a variety of religions, but never quit going to church. "He has his own spiritual beliefs. He had figured out, through study and thinking, how he thought about things, about love, caring and honoring other people," she said. "It wasn't just a way of thinking -- it was a way of life." One of the ways he lived out those beliefs, she said, was by volunteering at various local agencies, including the Center for Independent Living. Arnold performed at the Thunderbird's opener on New Year's Day. His life will be celebrated at the first-year anniversary party at 5 p.m. Jan. 1, Hart said, and donations to help his family cover medical and funeral expenses will be accepted. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois, and a brother, Rodney. He's survived by his father, Henry Richard, a retired minister; two brothers, Dan and Mike; one sister, Patty Arnold-Rutkoff; and a niece and nephew. Arrangements are pending. © 2004 Jackson Citizen Patriot. Used with permission |
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Remembrances of Ben Arnold 1958-2004 By Patty Arnold Ben had a full, rich life from a standpoint of the love he shared and the lessons he learned and taught. He lived in Michigan throughout his childhood years, and much of his adult years. He also had some time to live in and explore other parts of the country, and his life brought him many joys as well as some struggles. The thing about Ben's struggles is that he usually found a way to turn them into lessons, and to be grateful for the people that were willing to share his love and companionship. Ben usually didn't have an overabundance of money. What he did have was a way of looking at the world that allowed him to respect the differences in people and to love them for who they are, even when he didn't agree with them. As an adult, when I had some perception that something was lacking in my physical appearance or abilities, and shared this with Ben, he let me know in no uncertain terms that I was mistaken, that I was fine the way 1 was. |
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I'm older than Ben by a year, but there was very little sibling rivalry, rather a strong sense of companionship. We took care of each other in many ways, sometimes I helping him and sometimes he helping me. We did many things together through the years, and helped each other with various projects. There was a time period in my life where I was really struggling and had an extreme panic attack. I was not afraid that Ben would think I was crazy. I just called him and he came, and by the time he arrived I was calmer7 just knowing he would be there soon. As many of you can attest he was also a deep thinker as well as having an interesting sense of humor. |
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Ben had a strong sense of community involvement from a young age. Just to mention a few of his endeavors: In high school he was on church youth committees and was a church camp counselor. At Jackson Community College he helped with the Macintosh lab and advocated for needed materials, and was included as runner up in one of their publications of stories. He was also in "Rosier Players", a summer-traveling, old-time vaudeville troupe doing music and skits. Here in Jackson, Ben has been very active in performing and teaching music, writing, and the arts, as well as with disabilities organizations, giving much of his time to various organizations. A few of those benefiting from his generosity were Disability Connections, The Center for Creative Arts, Independent Living Centers, as well as too many festivals and community events to mention. He was a strong advocate for persons who have disabilities, and communicated through words and action that all people have a right to be treated with respect and kindness. If a person behaved badly but was willing to look at and change their behavior Ben offered forgiveness and another chance. And he was willingness to apologize if he felt he was in error, in action or impression. But he also has always known how to stand up for his own rights and command the respect he deserves. Over the years Ben's music was obviously a source of joy and expression for him. His songs tell of some of the places he has lived, from California, to Arizona, to Indiana, and to Michigan. But as his song "Always Coming Home" makes reference to, it has always been the people that he met and befriended that made any particular place his home, for whatever period of time he was there. Ben, as you play in the "Heavenly Acoustic Band" and recite poetry in the "Heavenly Coffeehouse", know that you always have an additional home here in the hearts of your friends and family. We love you forever. |
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