Lucy Hammond and Ben Rice’s collaboration began in early 2011. Their first show at Blackwell’s Café, drew a packed house, of enthusiastic fans. The personal, & musical chemistry was immediate, & unmistakable! The audience found the pairing electric! With voices blending effortlessly, a natural ease of give & take, a show filled with laughter, & great music, it was clear something special was happening! Showcasing both their original music, & collaborating on favorites, their performances continued drawing enthusiastic audiences! The 2011 release of Lucy’s #1 RMR album, ”Proof”,& Ben’s latest award winning release, “Pour Me Some Whiskey”,each received significant US, & International airplay. While still performing with their own bands, compilation groups, & various artists, Ben & Lucy continued to perform together as a duo, & in a band format throughout the NW, as much as their schedules allowed. While collaborating on the recording of Lucy's production,"NW Roots Uprising Vol.1", they found even more common ground in the studio. The cross-genre collaboration/compilation, recording & performance project,intent on showcasing some of the NW’s best “roots” based artists, & contributing to the growing community among them led to even greater opportunities.Together with co-producer/studio owner/artist Kevin Nettleingham of Nettleingham Audio,Lucy anticipates an early September 2014 release,that also feature more or Ben & Lucy's collaboration. When two NWRU-Vol.1 artists,(Ben Rice,& Tevis Hodge Jr.) won the honor of representing the Cascade Blues Society in International Blues Challenge,it seemed an ideal opportunity to do some advance promotion for the project! While in Memphis promoting the project,interest in Ben & Lucy touring as a duo surfaced,and the "Double Strength Tour" was born! Touring throughout Arkansas,Mississippi,and Tennessee,early May 2014, Ben & Lucy mesmerized & entertained audiences with their easy going,accessibly blending vocals,well crafted tunes,& authentic stage presence. Out of the "Double Strength Tour" came this incarnation of these Ben Rice originals. Though some have been previously released, the "Destination Clarksdale" versions bring a new layer of texture,soul,& playfulness with the addition of Lucy's vocals. The laughs and electricity continue for Lucy and Ben, as they pursue their passion for making great music, delighting audiences, and enjoying the creative synergy, their collaboration creates! Both prolific writers, Ben, & Lucy are busy penning new tunes for more upcoming records,and fulfilling the Summer/Fall performance schedules! Available for Fall/Winter 2014 bookings.