A local IT worker, student and trumpet and piano player says he is excited to have found a place on local stages.
Ben “Broke Roach” Stone was born in Ireland, and moved around throughout the U.S. as a child before moving to Tahlequah as a teenager.
“I knew I wanted to perform on stage in high school when I was performing in the Tahlequah High School band,” Stone said. “I loved improving with the jazz band, and having solos in the marching band. It was such a rush, and I love every second of it.”
He originally only played jazz and classical tunes, but after several years away from music, he has begun to expand his musical horizons.
“I’ve been performing at open mics at the Squeeze Inn, and that has opened my mind to a lot of genres,” Stone said. “Trumpet can be added into just about any genre and it’s so fun to experiment with that.”
Many artists have shaped his musical stylings, including R.C. Edwards, Lance Roark, Casey Van Beek, Charles Tuberville, and Jeff Evans. He said he’s got to play along side these artists, as well as other local artists such as Austin Reece, Eian Klock, “Scary” Larry Huitt, Brendan Barlow, and Nikki Griffin.
“I’ve also jammed with my good friend Daniel Dew. More recently I was honored to play with the great Randy Crouch and The Red Dirt Rangers,” Stone said. “I am so ecstatic to have been given the opportunity to play with all of these wonderful musicians.”
Stone said he appreciates every opportunity he has been given, and that he considers himself lucky.
“I am extremely grateful for my trumpet professor, Dr. Benjamin Hay. I couldn’t afford a trumpet at the beginning of this journey and he was kind enough to let me borrow one for months,” Stone said. “None of this would have happened without his help.”
Stone said that in addition to collaborating with many artists, he is working on his solo career.
“I genuinely appreciate and love to play any and every genre of music,” Stone said. “I lean toward alternative and indie music when it comes to my own solo career.”
Stone enjoys going to the gym, seeing physical progress on a weight loss journey, and playing disc golf. He is also studying computer science and music, and is learning how to play trombone and guitar.
“My home life has always been a bit rocky. I had a hard time as a kid and struggled a lot. But I’m thankful for that, because if I hadn’t gone through hard times, I may not have ended up where I am now,” Stone said. “I have two cute dogs whom I love a ton. I also have an amazing mom, two awesome brothers, and a caring stepdad.”
He has advice to share with others: Remember that life is always worth living.
“Bad times are temporary; just stay strong and try to do what you love, while not caring about what other people think about you,” Stone said. “Just be the person you want to be, and joy will follow.”