Jonathan Larson Grants Recipient Concert!

I was lucky enough to receive a Jonathan Larson Grant in the spring of 2020, just as everything shut down. On Monday, the American Theater Wing hosted a concert celebrating the last four years of winners who never got to have an awards concert. I was honored to have the talented Sarah Lynn Marion sing the title song from my musical BORDERLINE. Check out a few photos below from the event, courtesy of Broadway World!

Check out the full article about the concert here!

Benjamin Velez and Sarah Lynn Marion

Benjamin Velez and Rona Siddiqui

Videos now live from Larson Legacy Concert!

Check out the full video from my Larson Legacy Concert @ Adelphi University featuring a phenomenal cast of performers and musicians! You can find all videos HERE.

Larson Legacy Concert at Adelphi - September 25th, 2021

I am THRILLED to get to work with these talented artists on my upcoming Larson Legacy concert at Adelphi University!! Over a year ago I had the honor of receiving a Jonathan Larson grant, so it’s exciting to FINALLY get to showcase my work in person and celebrate Jonathan’s Legacy.

Join me Saturday, Sep 25th @ 3pm where I’ll be featuring songs from a bunch of my musicals in development. The concert is co-produced by Ruthie Fierberg and myself, and Music Directed by David Gardos.

Featuring: Micaela Diamond, Hannah Corneau, Lincoln Clauss, Troy Iwata, Jon-Michael Reese, Marissa Rosen, Florrie Bagel, Vishal Vaidya, and myself.

With an incredible ensemble featuring: KC Dela Cruz, Joseph Fierberg, Alesha Jeter, Joey Miceli, Kianna Kelly-Futch, Bill FitzPatrick, Paul Esswein and Alexia Sanchez.

CLICK HERE to get tickets! And check out the write up on Broadway World HERE.

"Borderline" at the Dramatist Guild Foundation Fellows Showcase

I had a blast presenting material from Borderline at the DGF Fellows Showcase at the Signature Theater! Aryanna and I had a wonderful experience developing Borderline in the Fellows Program over the last year under the guidance of Michael Korie, Larry O’Keefe, and Allison Gold. It was a thrill to see the work presented by our other fellows, such a phenomenal showcase of talent.

Special thanks to Associate Director Signe V. Harriday, Director Candis C. Jones and Music Director Josh Kight, not to mention Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty who created the program in the first place!

You can check out more pictures from the event on Lia Chang’s site or on BroadwayWorld!

1st Row: Michael Korie, Benjamin Velez, Jay Adana, Kit Yan. 2nd Row: Michael Korie, Charles Gershman, Melissa Li, Ericka Dickerson-Despenza, Aryanna Garber, Nambi E. Kelley, Zeniba Now, Rae Binstock, Zack Zadek, Mathilde Dratwa, Laurence O’Keefe. Photo by Lia Chang

"Neverland" Featured at Cutting Edge Composers 3

My song "Neverland" was chosen to be performed at the third ever Cutting Edge Composers, which is partnering with the New York Musical Theater Festival to showcase the work of new composers. To top if off, I'm lucky enough to have the talented Nic Rouleau performing my song, who is currently starring in The Book of Mormon​ on Broadway. The concert is this coming Monday, July 23rd, updates to follow!

***Update - Concert was amazing! Check out the write up on BroadwayWorld.com