Band Bios
The Band
Chasing Ebenezer is a world folk-rock band based in Portland, Oregon. With influences from Celtic, African, and Middle Eastern music, their songs make it hard for audiences to sit still. Their tunes are alive with bohemian violin licks, world percussion, and an ever-increasing array of instruments. The band is fronted by husband and wife team Benjamin & Heidi Beth Sadler.
Similar Artists: John Butler Trio, Ben Harper, Burlap to Cashmere, Dave Matthews Band, Loreena McKennitt
*Photo Credit: Natalie Kristeen
Benjamin Sadler- Lead Vocals/Guitar
Ever since he picked up the guitar, Benjamin’s soul has come alive with music. He's been writing and arranging songs since high school. He loves being in nature, as it is this kind of peace that is essential for nurturing his creativity. He most senses the presence of God when he's in the wilderness surrounded by trees, rocks, and streams. Benjamin also enjoys going to sci-fi movies at Portland's Academy Theater, perusing comic books at Powell’s, and watching zombies on television.
*Photo Credit: Kayla Wolff
Heidi Beth Sadler- Vocals/Violin
Heidi Beth Sadler is a passionate violinist. As a little girl, Heidi told her mother she hated music, but looking back at twenty-five years of playing violin, this childhood proclamation has been proven wrong. Heidi co-fronts the indie folk rock band Chasing Ebenezer with her husband Benjamin. She also plays piano and guitar in local churches. She enjoys partnering with other bands, bringing music to seniors, and collaborating with fellow musicians in the recording studio. She also loves writing, cooking, and good movies. Her favorite movie is Singing in the Rain.
Benjamin and Heidi fell in love while playing in a college campus band in Virginia. They moved to the Portland area in 2007 and thoroughly enjoy romping about the Pacific Northwest. In 2013, they finally figured out what they wanted to do when they grew up and formed Chasing Ebenezer.
*Photo Credit: Alex Hoxie
Bryan Atkinson- Percussion
Bryan started hanging around Ben and Heidi as a teenager and picked up the djembe to jam with them and their friends. As he progressed musically, he added congas and more percussion to the mix. Bryan is a real estate agent with a neighborhood podcast/blog called Parkrose Life and launched Elation Music to help local musicians as a booking agent and manager and to expand the music scene in Portland.
*Photo Credit: Kayla Wolff
Ryan Souders- Drums
Ryan Souders brings a unifying energy to Chasing Ebenezer. He drums with a controlled raucousness Heidi refers to as “drum therapy.” Ryan is a devoted cyclist and promotes a healthy vegan lifestyle.
*Photo Credit: Kayla Wolff
Hunter Wolff- Bass Guitar
Hunter began learning guitar at the age of nine from his grandfather. Since then, his life has revolved around learning and performing music on various instruments. Hunter is a fan of classic rock, including the Beatles (obviously), Rush, and Talking Heads. In addition to playing bass with us, he plays drums in his band, Good Will Hunter, with Chasing Ebenezer alumni Will McCracken. When not playing music, Hunter works to support those with disabilities, goes bird watching, and enjoys spending time with his wife Kayla, and their two cats, Pixie and Crosby.
*Photo Credit: Kayla Wolff