Join us at the Elgin Math & Science Academy as we welcome renowned artist Ben Sollee. Sollee is an Emmy Award-winning cellist, singer-songwriter, composer, and experiential designer whose work sits at the intersection of music, community building, and environmental stewardship. Over the past two decades, he has earned national recognition for his innovative blend of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and contemporary music while using his platform to advocate for people, communities, and the natural environment.

Ben describes the central purpose of his work as helping people “grow their affection for each other and the environment” through shared experiences and storytelling. Environmental advocacy has been a defining element of Ben’s career. He has collaborated with organizations including The Nature Conservancy, Oxfam America, Appalachian Voices, and Canopy Kentucky, and is widely known for using music to foster connections between people and the natural world. His work has included environmental documentaries, conservation-focused projects, and even bicycle-powered touring that emphasized sustainable transportation.

Likewise, Friends of the Fox River works to preserve, restore, and protect the Fox River watershed through advocacy, education, habitat restoration, water-quality monitoring, and community engagement. The organization’s commitment to building a community of caretakers and fostering environmental stewardship makes this concert and partnership with the Elgin Math & Science Academy especially meaningful.