Ben Stitzel
Keys
Hailing from Cincinnati and seasoned in the vibrant jazz clubs of St. Louis, Ben is a multi-instrumentalist and composer whose musicality is defined by both technical mastery and adventurous exploration. His journey through the St. Louis scene has seen him grace the city’s most prestigious stages, including the Fabulous Fox, The Sheldon, and the Muny.
A prolific creator, Ben has released three distinct albums under his own name—Cartographer (2019), Electric Improvisations Vol. I (2020), and the recent We Get There When We Get There (2024). His versatility was further proven on the national stage in 2025, when he wrapped a cross-country tour with The Million Dollar Time Machine, a high-octane tribute to the icons of rock history.
In his role with Free Nation, Ben serves as the architect of the atmosphere. Managing keyboards, synths, and the vocoder, he blends his deep jazz roots with modern soundscapes to craft the group's unique sonic identity.
Quick Stats (Sidebar/Details)
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH / St. Louis, MO
Released Works: Cartographer, Electric Improvisations Vol. I, We Get There When We Get There
Specialties: Keyboards, Synth, Vocoder, and Musical Arrangement
Notable Tour: The Million Dollar Time Machine (2025 National Tour)
