Ben Williams live in San Diego

Experience Ben Williams live on August 21st

Ben Williams will perform at the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in San Diego, California on August 21, 2026. Williams is a bassist and composer known for a style that blends jazz, funk, R&B, and hip-hop influences. He gained prominence as a member of Snarky Puppy, contributing significantly to their Grammy Award-winning albums *Sylva* and *We Like It Here*. His solo work demonstrates virtuosic bass playing alongside complex arrangements and a focus on melodic development. He frequently incorporates improvisation within structured compositions.

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, established in 1895, is a privately supported cultural institution dedicated to enriching the community through music and art. Originally founded as a reading room and lending library, it quickly evolved to include musical performances. Its Arthur Wagner Concert Hall, where Williams will appear, is renowned for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics; designed specifically for chamber music, it hosts a diverse range of classical, jazz and contemporary performances throughout the year. The library maintains collections in both music scores/recordings and visual arts, supporting scholarly research alongside public programming. It operates independently from the San Diego Public Library system.