Ben Antelis talks about touring with David last summer

TOURING WITH AN AMERICAN IDOL

How did you get the gig touring with David Archuleta?

It all started in New York actually. I was playing with my band at the Living Room, a great New York venue, and someone who was at the show asked me to play in his band with him. I did, and when I told him I was moving to LA, he put me in contact with his friend, an active guitar player in the music scene. One day I received a call from this friend, asking if I knew any good guitar players who would be able to audition for a new artist in town, so I sent my good friend and LA Music Academy alum Jonathan Linden, and he landed the gig. Jonno introduced me to the drummer on the gig, Randy Cooke, who became a mentor and close friend. Randy then recommended me to his friend Mike K who is the Musical Director and guitar player for David. Soon after I had moved back to NY, I got a call from Mike asking if I could come down to the U.S. Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in 3 hours for a rehearsal for the event that coming Saturday and the rest was history.

Could you please describe the experiences of playing on national TV for the US Open Arthur Ashe Kids day on CBS and Regis and Kelly on ABC?

Amazing! It was fun being on the other side of the screen after watching performances on television my whole life. It was also particularly surreal due to the last minute nature of the opportunity. I felt a nervous excitement about playing with a big act in front of millions on national TV, yet prepared, due to my training and experience.

LA Music Academy