Jen Benton first picked up the electric bass guitar at the age of 15 years. Young and proficient on the trumpet, Jen took an immediate love for the bass and began to pursue it as her primary instrument. Jen quickly earned her seat as her high school’s jazz and concert bassist for the final 3 years of her education. Throughout these years Jen also composed and performed with numerous original acts showcasing her affinity for various musical genres. She also earned a teaching assistant co-op placement where she worked hand in hand with grade 9 music students for the school. In 2001, Jen was accepted into Humber College’s Jazz studies program where she began lessons on the upright bass under the guidance of Pat Collins. She transferred to Mohawk College where she continued to study privately with Pat Collins, as well as completing her diploma in the spring of 2004 with Dean’s Honour Role acknowledgment. In the spring of 2003 Jen was invited to attend Victor Wooten’s Bass/Nature Camp in Tennessee where she received a complete scholarship. Continuing to play with numerous original acts in many genres, Jen was awarded with 14th Best Bass Line for an original tune from online music site Garageband. As well, one of her acts, a duo known as ‘august’, won a Toronto Independent Music Award for 'Best Country 2006'. In the winter of 2007, Jen was invited to audition for Toronto Rock Band – The Cliks. Jen received the call from drummer Morgan Doctor whom she had met on a session 5 years before. Jen was hired as the touring bassist for The Cliks and by spring she became a full member of the band. The Cliks toured extensively throughout North America for the past two years on their own headlining tours as well as earning opening slots for the True Colours Tour ’07 and ’08 and on The Cult’s ‘Born Into This’ Tour ’07 and ’08. The Cliks have completed their next album which was recorded at RadioStar Studios in Weed, California with Producer Sylvia Massy. Their album "Dirty King" is due to be released June 23, 2009. Jen performs jazz, country, funk, and pop gigs with various musicians throughout the GTA. Jen is also a co-founder of the Academy of Sidemen who are currently writing and recording for an upcoming ep release later this year. .
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