Ben Hunter was born in Lesotho, and raised predominantly in Phoenix, Arizona. After studying Violin Performance, politics, and philosophy at Whitman College, Ben set his sights on the intersection between music, arts & culture, and community development. In 2013, Ben co-founded The Hillman City Collaboratory, an instrument of transformation that provides a built environment and programming specifically designed to create community and equip change-makers. Ben co-leads the Rhapsody Project, which brings folk and blues instruction to schools of all ages, nationally. In 2016 Ben co-founded Black & Tan Hall, a co-operatively owned restaurant and performing arts venue, which seeks to maintain Rainier Valley as a destination for cross- cultural arts and education events.