Meet Ben! Ben is originally from Vancouver and has been living here in Kelowna for 13 years now. He enjoys golfing, snowboarding, spending quality time with loved ones, and sharing his love for music with the community.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Vancouver, but have lived in West Kelowna since the summer of 2006.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love my family, and spending time with them is always great! But I do want to give a special mention to one of my best friends, Josiah, who now lives in Alberta. He and I became friends in High School Guitar Building class at Mt. Boucherie Senior Secondary. Josiah’s the friend who no matter how long it’s been since we’ve hung out, or how far away we are from each other, we always pick up right where we left off. He’s been nothing but supportive of my music career, his family is great people to be around, and he’s an all-around good friend.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Being a musician, Wentworth Music and Keystone Music are at the top of my list. They’re a local, family-owned business, with some of the best techs, teachers, and staff I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know.
Describe yourself in one word.
Ambitious.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Australia - 100%. I snowboard up at Big White Ski Resort, and in 2016 and 2017 the band and I played a few times up at Globe and Snowshoe Sam’s through the winter months. Always a great party up there, and I got to meet some Australian’s that were working the ski season who mentioned they loved music, and they had been to the Tamworth Country Music Festival. I also had a friend of mine recently come back from a long trip out to Australia, and the stories and experiences she has after that trip are inspiring. Also, my mum’s side of the family is from England. So I’d love to take a trip over to Europe and the UK to see where she grew up.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I’m a golfer. I’m not great at it by any stretch, but all the courses in Kelowna are beautiful! I’ve got a group of friends who like to golf as well, and we go every couple weekends.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Over the years, I’ve forgotten lyrics in the middle of a song, my guitar cables have come unplugged from the amps, breakers have been blown mid-show and mid-song, but I’ve gotta give this one to when I was younger and had a crush on the girl next door. I had just gotten a new skateboard (which I couldn’t ride and still can’t) and was practicing out front of my house when she walked over to hang out. The skateboard shot out from under my feet, and I fell directly on my tailbone onto the driveway. So much for trying to be “Mr. Cool"
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was inspired to become an artist, musician, and songwriter after my first concert in 2001, Shania Twain. And through being a part of the music industry, I’ve had the opportunity to go and live in Nashville for a number of months every year, and just last year got to see a fellow Canadian, and incredible artist, Tenille Townes, debut at the Grand Ol’ Opry (Ryman Auditorium - “Mother Church of Country Music”). As a country music artist, the amount of history on that stage in the circle is magical, and knowing Tenille through the years made it even more special when she sang her first #1 single on the Opry Stage.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Receiving my first guitar at 5 years old. It was a Christmas present from Santa. A half-sized, Yamaha, nylon string acoustic guitar. I still have it to this day hanging on the music room wall. I opened up the case, picked it up, and held it backward and upside down (similar to Jimmy Hendrix), and started to strum and play Christmas songs. Sounded awful, but I loved it. Shortly thereafter, I was taking lessons from a private Vancouver teacher, Tony Chotem, who I still keep in touch with, and am forever grateful for Santa and Tony for starting my musical journey and believing in a kid with a dream.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
This past May, I organized and hosted a benefit concert called “Music Fest MS” at the Kelowna Community Theatre. This was one of the largest single-day fundraisers in Multiple Sclerosis fundraising history raising $27,500 in one day. After my dad was diagnosed with MS in June of 2018, I wanted to do something to help and connect the communities within the MS Society, the music community, and the local community here in Kelowna (music fans and local businesses). The initiative was to raise awareness, and help those who are directly and indirectly affected by MS and their caregivers. Plans are already in the works for 2020 to make the show bigger and better in year two! Alongside organizing “Music Fest MS”, I give my time back to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, MS Walk, and other charities around town.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Remembering “everyone has a story”, and to try not to judge as quickly. There’s a reason people react and are the way they are.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I’m not a big coffee drinker, but I LOVE the hot chocolate over at Pulp Fiction Coffee House.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Slowing down on the roads, and life in general. Kelowna is beautiful with its mountains, golf courses, beaches, the lake, etc. and there’s so much to love! Just taking the time to relax, and enjoy time with the people around you, the environment, and the local community.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna has one of the most supportive, local, loyal communities I’ve ever been a part of. Whether that’s through supporting live music, supporting charitable causes, or supporting everyone’s friends and family.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Playing the Grand Ol’ Opry
2. Stand Up Paddle Surfing
3. Driving a Formula 1 Race Car (or any race car) on a track
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love lemon! Anything lemon. Lemon squares, lemonade, lemon meringue pie, lemon iced/sweet tea... anything with lemon, I’m all for!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I’m always open to connecting over social media! Facebook (Ben Klick) and Instagram (@Ben_Klick) are my two main socials, but I run a YouTube page, and anyone can contact the team and I through my website, as well: www.benklick.com and www.klickentertainment.com
What is the name of your business/organization?
Klick Entertainment
Why did you get into/start this business?
From a young age, I’ve always loved music, and it has always been a huge part of me. Klick Entertainment is a booking and management company that has been expanding into a talent buying, fundraising, and event production business. Anything to do with music (writing, recording, performing, producing, etc.) is what I love to do, and to be able to do what I love for a living is one of the best feelings I could have. I’m very grateful for everyone who has supported me in my journey so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing where things take me next.
What is the goal of your business?
As a country music artist, I want to build a legacy to be remembered for my music, lyrics, and how I treat people, along with help and inspire those people that also want to be in the industry, or be a part of it in some capacity. It’s one of the greatest feelings to walk away from a show or have someone send me a message saying one of my songs touched them in some way, brought back a memory, or has inspired them to get into music.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Confidence. I struggled with confidence for years after an elementary school teacher gave me a “B” in music because she felt I came across cocky. And for years, that experience was ingrained in my mind. It wasn’t until I started working with coaches, and my mentors/producers in Nashville who have helped with the last 2 records, 7-17 Music (Clay Krasner and RyLee Madison), that I have started to re-gain and build that confidence back up.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I’m a big believer in the phrase, “things happen for a reason”. I’ve made mistakes, but without those, I wouldn’t have learned how to make sure those things don’t happen again. I love my life, I love my family, I love my friends, and I love my fans. And without their support through everything so far, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“That was fun”. Or if I’m on the golf course... “FORE!!!”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Live in the present, believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to dream big. Present, privilege, and purpose are the 3 words the family and I try and live by on a daily basis."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Justin Timberlake. The guy can sing, dance, act, write, play, and so much more!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Community is one of the best things about Kelowna. Regardless of the industry, the business is in, local support is what helps the growth and expansion of these businesses. I want to try new restaurants, and visit local clothing stores because the customer service is personalized, and sometimes they may have brands that you’ve never heard of, or create their products in house. There’s a lot of talent, time, and drive that goes into starting a business, and supporting those businesses on a local level, to help them achieve their personal goals, is very important in building a strong community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Living in Nashville and exploring outside of my comfort zone through the winter of 2018 and early 2019. Having the local community support me through my career thus far has been incredible. And having a “home away from home” in Nashville (aka. “Music City”) to grow, write, network, and learn from some of the best was inspiring. It was a true test all around.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Gonna have to give this one to my mum and sister, Cherise and Sara Klick. They are two of the strongest and smartest women I know. They’re both leaders, live their lives to the fullest, and are always thinking of and putting others before themselves. Love you guys!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ian Locket, Heidi Mecham - Surfside California Tacos
Dirk Stroda - Vortex Management and Consulting Ltd.
Brandi Hughes - Dance In Line
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I want to thank Kelowna and the Okanagan for all the support over the years. A few local organizations like Music in the Park, and ParksAlive! helped launch my career as an artist giving me platforms and stages to play and grow. And to the local community of business owners, music fans, media, and people who live here, thank you for supporting live, local music in your community. Without you, myself and other local artists wouldn’t be able to do what we love, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the local community of Kelowna and the Okanagan.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
