Sarahia Benn

About the Artist

Sarahia M. Benn is a premier multi-instrumentalist, composer, and MSAC Touring Artist whose work bridges the gap between alternative R&B, jazz-fusion, and economic equity. She is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, where she either studied, graduated, or worked with some of the biggest names in music, including the late-Jeff Ramsey, Quincy Jones III, the late-Roy Hargrove, David Dyson, Delfeayo Marsalis, Paula Cole, Danilo Perez, and Lalah Hathaway,. Her technical foundation was shaped by the mentorship of legendary instructors Andy McGhee, George Garzone, and Jack Perricone, with a distinctive bass style further refined under the instruction of world-renowned bassist Kai Eckhardt. As the founder and lead vocalist of The Benn Experience, Sarahia delivers high-energy, soulful performances at prestigious venues including Keystone Korner, Next Phaze Cafe, the Havre de Grace Opera House, and major festivals such as SoWeBo Arts and Poe Fest. For presenters and curators, Benn offers a suite of professional, turnkey programming designed for maximum audience engagement. High-energy concert experiences include the "Minneapolis Experience," the "Mint Condition Tribute," and a premier "Earth, Wind, & Fire vs. Ramsey Lewis" showcase. Her "Gospel Explosion" sets draw on her deep roots as a premier music minister and first-call gospel bassist, while "The Evolution of the Bass" serves as both a premier concert and an educational residency. These offerings are complemented by interactive workshops, panel discussions, and motivational speaking engagements rooted in the cooperative economic principles explored in her book, The Benn-efit Blueprint. Extending her impact through production and community engagement, Benn provides specialized services ranging from DJ DBXXL performances for galas and fundraisers to youth programs focused on choir development and beatmaking. Her music ministry encompasses a broad spectrum of spiritual offerings, including worship concerts, reflective prayer events, and compassionate outreach for hospital and hospice settings. Beyond the stage, she leverages her expertise as an economics instructor to advocate for cooperative systems in the creative economy, providing a polished and multi-disciplinary experience that resonates with both serious music enthusiasts and diverse community audiences.

Artist's Statement

          Elite Production & Legacy Catalogs: Established a creative legacy at Rusk Studios (LA), providing ghostwriting and beat              production for A&M, Paramount, and Solar. This includes a 2006 commission by Jerry Heller and Tomika Wright to                        produce a remix album of unreleased Eazy-E material. National Performance History: Toured with the acclaimed act Nuance, opening for Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhymes, and Chuck Brown. A first-call bassist for gospel icons Shirley Caesar and Dorothy Norwood and a veteran resident DJ (DJ DBXXL) since 2000. Economic Education & Advocacy: Facilitates an economics course intersecting art and finance, serving as the foundation for her book, The Benn-efit Blueprint. She integrates social justice into her music as a functional basis for sustainable cooperative business models. Member of Baltimore Jazz Alliance and 2026 Baltimore Jazz Alliance Keynote Speaker  Member of ASCAP over30 years Services Offered High-Energy Concerts: Full-scale entertainment experiences including the Minneapolis Experience, Hearts Afire (EWF), The Evolution of The Bass, Gospel Explosion, and The Benn Experience ft. Sarahia Benn alternative rnb/fusion sets. Educational Residencies & Workshops: Interactive workshops, panel discussions, and motivational speaking engagements focused on contemporary music and the creative economy. DJ & Event Services: Professional DJ performances by DJ DBXXL for galas, fundraisers, and corporate or community events. Youth & Community Programming: Production services for youth choir development, beatmaking clinics, and collaborative gospel projects. Music Ministry & Outreach: Spiritual and uplifting experiences including worship concerts, reflective prayer events, and compassionate performances for hospital and hospice settings. Custom Media Packages: Bespoke music, media, and marketing packages tailored to the unique needs of nonprofits, serving audiences from youth to elder states-people.