The musical trio Nora Ben & Eli features 16- and 17-year-old multi-instrumentalists Nora Grossman, Ben Scruton, and Eli Kleinsmith playing an exciting and eclectic mix that includes jazz, Irish and Appalachian folk, old time music, and original tunes. Their own unique arrangements incorporate a variety of instruments including fiddle, guitars, banjo, accordion, percussion, ukulele, and tinwhistle as well as vocals.
Nora Ben & Eli began playing music together as members of the Louisville Leopard Percussionists where they were exposed to an array of musical styles and were introduced to improvisation and composing. After graduation from the LLP, their compatibility as friends and musicians led them to form their own group. They are constantly evolving as an ensemble, adding new styles of music, new instruments, and even some traditional dance elements into their performances.
Nora has been involved with folk music and dance for most of her life. She plays guitar, mandolin, percussion, ukulele, and piano. Nora also performs with the Angleterre Morris Dancers, Samovar Dance Theatre (experimental belly dance), and her school's Salsa Club. Nora is a junior at duPont Manual High School.
Ben plays a range of folk instruments that includes banjo, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, accordion, tin whistle, and recorder. He also plays piano and is a trombonist with the Youth Performing Arts School bands. Ben also participates in cross country, ultimate Frisbee, math competition, and folk dancing. He is a senior at duPont Manual High School.
Eli began Suzuki violin lessons at the age of 8. In addition to being an outstanding fiddler, he is an accomplished classical violinist. Eli performed with the Louisville Youth Orchestra for three years. Eli also plays guitar, piano, banjo, mandolin, and percussion. His other interests include film and visual arts. Eli is a senior at St. Francis High School.
~Consuming Louisville