A songwriter in Phoenix, Arizona, Benjie Messer offers uncensored, catchy musical takes on everything from love to politics and humor to heartbreak. You can find him at open mics and showcases throughout the valley, and he’s working toward recording an album of original songs.

Benjie also keeps Phoenix streets funky as the leader/singer/trombonist/sousaphonist of Bad Cactus Brass Band. And he serves as the music director/song leader/pianist/guitarist/choir director/AV supervisor at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix. In the past, he’s played trombone and tuba with many of the best bands in Phoenix, led singing at protests, taught music at local colleges, composed for independent film, and gathered odd musical jobs.