Ben Stalets * Cold Leather Seats

***THIS SHOW IS IN THE THEATER, WHICH IS ON THE 2ND FLOOR & ACCESSIBLE ONLY BY STAIRS. We would love nothing more than to be able to welcome every human into the theater and are working really hard to have an elevator built in the near future.***

 
Ben Stalets is not a songwriter; he’s a song. Realizing he couldn’t wash the Toledo off, Ben leaned into it. Inspired by the blue collar underdogs and anti-heroes the rust belt surrounds you with. Talking to Ben is talking to an old friend, and that’s exactly how his songs are written and shows performed. As comfortable in a bar room as he is in a listening room, by the 3rd verse of the first song, Stalets will have the room quiet enough to hear someone clutching their pearls, just before the refrain gives permission to laugh again.

After almost a decade of songwriting and performing under his belt, it’s become your civic duty to catch Ben whenever he comes within 100 miles of your town.

Ben’s medley of soundscape has allowed him to open for a wide berth of critically acclaimed acts, such as Justin Townes Earle, Joe Pug, Damien Jurado, Valerie June, Arlo McKinley, Whitey Morgan, Local H, Cory Branan, Daniel Romano, Icarus Account and so many more. He’s also been a staple at classic music destinations like Nelsonville Music Festival, Wurst Celebration (wiener fest) in Mansfield, TX and as a return guest on Knoxville’s Blue Plate Special. 

In 2021, Ben released Everybody’s Laughing on WhistlePig Records. With an abundance of caution towards the pandemic, Ben chose not to tour extensively for the release, going against his road dog mentality. However, the time off has only seemed to sharpen his dive bar wit and songwriting focus, making the shows that he has played his most engaging performances yet. 

For 2024, Ben’s slated to release his 3rd studio album Lucky Dog, a collection of songs based on people he’s known or been. “It took me 4 albums to finally sound and talk like myself and I truly feel like a lucky dog for making it this far” Stalets said on the yet-to-be-released album.

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Cold Leather Seats is an Americana band from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their sound has been described as “if the Zac Brown Band wrote a folk album.” Known for their raw, emotional storytelling their music explores love, longing, and the search for meaning. Blending folk, rock, and country influences, their music carries a sense of wanderlust—rooted in tradition yet constantly moving forward. 

Since their debut, Cold Leather Seats has built a reputation for powerful songwriting and intimate live performances. They’ve shared the stage with renowned artists, including Full Cord—winners of the 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Festival—Drew Hale, named ‘Best New Act in Country Music,’ as well as Rachael Davis, Michigan Rattlers, Armchair Boogie, and more.

With every note, Cold Leather Seats invites listeners into a journey where past and present intertwine, and the open road stretches endlessly ahead. Fueled by faith, family, and the timeless power of music, they’re artistry speaks to the heart of the human experience.