BEN HOGNESTAD (Piano) Born in Saskatchewan, Ben came to Toronto in 2009 to pursue a degree in jazz studies at the University of Toronto, where he studied with Phil Nimmons, Chase Sanborn, Gary Williamson, and Dave Young. He also had the opportunity to participate in an ensemble led by faculty member Andrew Downing, which has since developed into the working ensemble Canvas. The group is soon to release its first recording. Ben also recorded the album Reflections with the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra, featuring compositions and solos by saxophonist Mike Murley.

An emerging artist on the Toronto scene, Ben performs regularly and recently travelled to Mexico to perform at the Northern Lights Music Festival with the Richard Underhill quartet featuring Terra Hazelton. Ben also leads his own trio, which has performed for several years at Music Niagara as well as the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival, the Grand River Jazz Society, and venues around Toronto.