On a night filled with melodies rather than home runs, it was Ben Maile, the brother with the acoustic guitar, who captured the spotlight at the Boots and Brews fundraising event. This gathering, aimed at supporting The Point/Arc, took place at the Newport Car Barn on Saturday.
Now in its 52nd year, The Point/Arc is dedicated to assisting individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Its mission focuses on helping these individuals reach their highest potential in educational, social, residential, and vocational settings.
Ben Maile, the talented guitar-playing and singing brother, entertained the crowd alongside the Derek Alan Band. Many may know of his older brother, Luke, who plays baseball for the Cincinnati Reds.
“I’ve just always loved music,” shared the 30-year-old Ben. “I started playing acoustic guitar in fifth grade and took lessons at Music House with Sarah Wilke as my teacher.”
For those curious, the acoustic guitar belongs to the string family, where plucking a string sends vibrations from the bridge, resonating through the guitar’s body.
Ben also dabbled in sports during his youth. “I played freshman football at Covington Catholic High School but broke my femur during that season.”
That unfortunate injury led him to a new opportunity. “I got a spot in the band as a drummer. I continued playing baseball and eventually played at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky, but left after a year,” he recounted.
Ultimately, music won out over baseball. He completed his college education at the University of Kentucky while still pursuing his passion for music.
“My first gig on drums was at the St. Joe’s Festival, and my first guitar gig was at Barbz on Monmouth Street in Newport,” he recalled. “I started showing up on Wednesday evenings, and people would ask where I was if I didn’t come.”
“I learned how to be a front man during that time,” he said. “I began with about 30 songs, and now I’m up to around 250.”
While Luke pursued baseball and achieved great success, Ben carved his own path. “We’re four years apart,” he noted. “In fact, I played baseball with him during my freshman year at Cov. Cath. My issue was that I loved music, and I wasn’t a very big kid.”
Reflecting on his childhood, he added, “I thought I had some really big shoes to fill growing up. I just liked music a little bit more.”
The enthusiastic crowd at the Boots and Brews fundraiser clearly appreciated his musical talent.
Although Ben describes music as a hobby and a source of extra income, his full-time commitment lies with the family business, Maile Tekulve & Gray, which focuses on residential and commercial building and remodeling.
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