When you see Sarah Benck and The Robbers for the first time, the immediate question in your mind will be, “How does such a big voice come in such a small package?” When you listen to Sarah’s lyrics, you’ll wonder, “How can someone so young write such introspective and personal songs?"

Still in her early 20’s, Sarah has already become a mainstay of the Omaha music scene. She has been performing solo acoustic and with local bands since age 16, and in January of 2007 she was named “Best Singer/Songwriter” at the First Annual Omaha Entertainment Awards. Sarah was even asked by Omaha indie-rock band Cursive to record vocals for the song "Retreat"on their 2006 release “Happy Hollow”.

The Robbers help Sarah write, arrange, and evolve the music with an “anything goes” attitude, yet always serving the song.

On guitar is Jason Ferguson. He started playing at age seven and was raised on on a steady musical diet of diverse styles. He is a graduate of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. with over twenty years of studio and stage experience.

James Carrig plays bass guitar with a tight, solid, and brilliantly understated style that drives the music. James has played with Sarah the longest and his connection with her music is undeniable. Like all the classic bass players, he truly provides the foundation of the group.

Drummer Scott "Zip" Zimmerman has a diverse musical background which includes teaching music in public schools and private lessons. He's played drums, percussion, and sang with several rock, funk and jazz groups. Zip’s funk-rock swagger provides the perfect feel to The Robbers music.

Since joining forces, Sarah Benck and The Robbers have become sought-after regional favorites, gigging often and sharing the stage with luminaries Buddy Guy, Sue Foley, Dawn Tyler, Renee Austin, Eric Sardinas, Hadden Sayers, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Rich Robinson, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Bernard Alison, Savoy Brown, Kory and the FireFlies, Lee Rocker, Orenda Fink, Neva Dinova, REO Speed Wagon, Indigenous, Gillian Welch, Conor Oberst, Blues Traveler, and Bon Jovi.

With the release of their second CD, Neighbor’s Garden (2007), the band demonstrates how they’ve matured together musically. While their debut Suicide Doublewide (2005) was described by many as “bluesy rock”, their sophomore effort is devoid of any straight ahead blues tunes. The Robbers take a foundation of rock, funk, roots, and blues and build upon those genres with this record. One could almost describe them as a soul band, especially on slower tracks such as “Good Man” and the album closer “I Can Still”. It is the more upbeat and groove-laden tracks such as “What You Got”, “Dig Your Grave”, “Dump The Truck”, and the title track “Neighbor’s Garden” that keep the crowds coming back to their live shows, giving the audience what they really want: that opportunity to subtly bob ones’ head, full on dance to the music, or just feel what the band is sending their way. Sarah Benck and The Robbers succeed in delivering that, both live and on their new album and that is what will allow them to continue to enthrall and grow their audience.

This music resonates with young and old alike. After a performance, the line to meet the band says it all. From preteens with dreams of singing and playing guitar to baby boomers who swear they’ve just witnessed the next Bonnie Raitt. There’s something there for everyone. Catch them live, and you too will become one of the faithful.

Neighbor's Garden

Rock

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