Ben McDonald

Honky Tonk piano player Ben McDonald rattles the ivories with his variety entertainment that has the audience tapping their feet and clapping along.

This year he won the Instrumental section of the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards for the third time in a row and last year he was also the overall runner-up. He has performed on the Spring Fever Road Show with Marian Burns, Peter Cairns, Tami Neilson and New Zealand country music veterans Jenny Blackadder, Allan Barron and Roger Tibbs.

Earlier this year he also toured with Adam Harvey and Pixie Jenkins from Australia.

Originally from Gore, Ben moved to Christchurch to study at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art before taking to the road promoting concerts and playing music all over the South Island. He currently lives in Christchurch where he produces and plays piano for the Red Rose Dinner Theatre, Christchurch's Professional Theatre Restaurant at the Arts Centre.