Ben Balmer

The son of a classical pianist mother and a harmonica-playing father, music has been a  constant for Ben Balmer. He started playing harmonica at 13 in his hometown of  Ypsilanti, Michigan, and by 16 was playing guitar and performing club gigs across the region.

Balmer’s early listening was as eclectic as it gets and encompassed everything from Bela  Bartok to The J. Geils Band. Over time, his musical influences expanded to include Fiona Apple, Taj Mahal, and Tom  Waits. He’d play along to his dad’s blues records, especially  Sonnyboy Williamson and Paul Butterfield. Following his dad’s lead, Balmer took harmonica lessons from Grammy Award-winning player, Peter “Madcat” Ruth. As a teenager, Ben began his 10,000 hours of live performances, singing in a local band (Comatose Collin) and has even shared the stage playing harmonica for Motown legend, Martha Reeves.

Weekend Live Music

Highland Brewing weekend live music showcases amazing bands including local favorites, talented regional acts, and national touring bands hailing from the East Coast and beyond. Free and open to guests of all ages (unless noted otherwise), bring your crew to dance, listen and vibe to a myriad of genres including soul, bluegrass, acoustic, country, folk, R&B and more! 

In warmer months, live music is held on the scenic Meadow stage where camp chairs and blankets are welcome. Coolers and outside beverages are not permitted. Shows are rain or shine – if the skies don’t cooperate, the music moves indoors to the Taproom where we’ve got plenty of room for you to boogie down!