In Shaping the Future: Leaders Making a Difference in 2025 – Vol 1, CEO Scoop Magazine proudly features Benjamin “Bencasso” Barnes, a trailblazer at the crossroads of creativity and community impact. As the founder of Culture Scholar Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health, peer counseling, and reentry support through the healing power of art and music, Benjamin is redefining what it means to lead with purpose. His innovative approach to arts education fosters emotional resilience and self-expression across diverse communities.

At the helm of Bencasso LLC, he further amplifies his mission through consulting and motivational speaking, drawing from his rich journey as a musician, educator, and advocate. With a strong foundation in grant writing, public speaking, and digital content creation, Benjamin’s passion lies in uplifting others and using the arts as a catalyst for healing and transformation. His work exemplifies the spirit of this special edition—leaders who are not only making a difference but shaping a more inspired and inclusive future.

Please share the beginning of your career journey with us?

My journey began on the streets of San Francisco in 1975, playing music as a street performer—raw, expressive, and unfiltered. Music and art have always been in my blood. My father, David Barnes, was a soulful singer-songwriter and guitarist. My mother, Lillian Lafayette, a brilliant painter touched by madness, passed that creative fire—and perhaps a bit of that madness—down to me. She taught me how to paint. My father gave me the strings and voice. I was shaped by the chaos and the color of life early on.

I pursued music seriously, studying under some incredible mentors—Sherry Kloss, a protégé of Jascha Heifetz, gave me mad skills on the violin. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music from the San Francisco Conservatory, studying violin with Izzy Tinkleman, viola with Paul Hersh, jazz with Dave Balakrishnan, and bluegrass by transcribing Kenny Baker records. It wasn’t just school—it was a spiritual immersion.

I started recording and producing music in 1993, became a published author in 1996, and entered the world of video in 2015. My work evolved as I did—from being a music educator in San Francisco Unified classrooms, to acting studies in 1987, and even consulting for the U.S. Department of Education in 2019. I’ve always been driven by curiosity and purpose.

But it hasn’t been a straight line. In 2007, I attempted suicide during a severe episode of mental illness—stepping in front of a BART train. I shattered my skull, broke my collarbone, scapula, and two vertebrae. Multiple failed surgeries left me unable to play. I lost my memory, my vision blurred, and I had to relearn everything—especially the violin. Two years of physical therapy brought me back, but I had to fight every day to get there.

That pain turned into purpose. I founded Culture Scholar Corporation to support others dealing with mental health, reentry challenges, and trauma—using art and music as the medicine. I also launched Bencasso LLC to share my journey through consulting and motivational speaking.

Since then, I’ve been blessed: I received a $20,000 San Francisco Arts Commission Grant in 2023, served as a California Arts Council grant review panelist, and published over 1,000 videos across my 18 YouTube channels. My book Loosened Associations Jazz: Automemoirography of Music, Mischief, and Madness tells my story in my truest voice.

As “Bencasso,” I’m more than a musician—I’m a mirror to the struggle and triumph of the human spirit. And I remain committed to honoring my city, my roots, and the rhythm that saved me.

Could you highlight the key offerings?

At the core of everything I do are two complementary forces: Culture Scholar Corporation and Bencasso LLC—both rooted in the belief that healing, empowerment, and social transformation can be achieved through music, art, and entrepreneurship.

Culture Scholar Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit I founded with a mission to combat the growing “Loneliness Epidemic” recognized by the AMA. We serve elders, those facing mental health challenges, and marginalized communities—groups often isolated and underserved. Through our Music for Mental Health initiative, we bring therapeutic live music, arts education, and emotional engagement into senior centers, behavioral health clinics, and beyond. It’s not just performance—it’s connection, memory, and healing.

On the other hand, Bencasso LLC is my creative powerhouse, where entrepreneurship meets artistry. Here’s what we offer:

• Bencasso Media: Our publishing and production wing, releasing books like Loosened Associations Jazz and the upcoming Artistpreneur Economic, alongside music and educational content.
• Benjamin Barnes Music: Providing private instruction in violin, viola, guitar, and voice, as well as live musical performances for a variety of events.
• Bencasso Art Gallery: A curated space highlighting the work of visual artists navigating mental health challenges, in partnership with Culture Scholar Corporation.
• Lafayette Originals and Rilke Music: Two independent record labels delivering over 100 original tracks globally—ranging from singer-songwriter pieces to classical compositions.
• The Coaches Corner: My nationally syndicated podcast segment offering insight and strategies for fellow artistpreneurs, aired on The Price of Business digital network.
• Skeletonichi: A multidimensional brand featuring a fictional dark superhero who teaches electric violin. Born from my Suzuki training, he’s the star of an anime script and anchors a merch line at Skeletonichi.com.
• The Strolling Violinist: My personal gig service for weddings, funerals, corporate events, and community gatherings—where music meets moments that matter.

Together, these platforms are united by one vision: to inspire and uplift—especially those often overlooked—through the transformative power of creative expression and purpose-driven business.

What are your long-term goals, and where do you envision yourself in the coming years?

My long-term goals are deeply rooted in healing, empowerment, and creative entrepreneurship. I envision Culture Scholar Corporation evolving into a nationally recognized model for delivering therapeutic music and cultural education to the people who need it most—especially the elderly, those battling mental illness, and underserved communities. By 2028, my goal is to see Culture Scholar operating in multiple cities across the U.S., supported by a salaried staff and an expanded lineup of programs—ranging from Music for Mental Health concerts to accessible online arts education platforms that touch thousands of lives each year.

Parallel to that, I’m focused on scaling Bencasso LLC into a vibrant, multi-branch creative enterprise that champions independent artists—particularly those navigating mental health challenges. Through Bencasso Media, I’ll continue publishing books, music, and digital content that help others find their voice, reclaim their stories, and build sustainable creative careers.

One of my most ambitious dreams is to bring Skeletonichi—my original dark superhero and electric violin-wielding character—to life as a fully animated film and lifestyle brand. This project blends my love of music, visual art, and storytelling with a powerful recovery narrative, and I believe it can make a meaningful cultural impact.

In the coming years, I see myself touring as a speaker and performer—advocating for mental health, arts accessibility, and the intersection of healing and creativity. I also envision launching a permanent physical hub that houses both Bencasso and Culture Scholar: a creative sanctuary that doubles as an art gallery, classroom, recording studio, and safe space for expression, learning, and recovery.

Ultimately, I want to leave behind a legacy where music and storytelling aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. A world where the arts are not just appreciated, but used as tools for transformation, inclusion, and healing.

Remarkable Accolades  

Benjamin “Bencasso” Barnes has received a wealth of notable recognitions and accreditations throughout his multifaceted career as a musician, educator, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. He is the Founder, Executive Director, and CEO of Culture Scholar Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing therapeutic music and cultural enrichment to underserved populations, including the elderly and individuals living with mental illness.

In tandem with this work, he serves as CEO and Owner of Bencasso LLC, a creative enterprise encompassing multiple branches: Bencasso Media, Lafayette Originals, Rilke Music, Skeletonichi, The Strolling Violinist, Benjamin Barnes Music, and the Bencasso Art Gallery. These ventures collectively reflect his commitment to fusing artistic innovation with purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

His impactful contributions have earned him prestigious honors, including a 2023 San Francisco Arts Commission Artist Grant, awarded for his outstanding work integrating music with mental health support in marginalized communities. He has twice served as a California Arts Council Grant Review Panelist (2022 and 2024), helping evaluate arts initiatives across the state. As a segment host on The Coaches Corner, a nationally syndicated radio podcast on the Price of Business network, Barnes shares practical advice and inspiration for emerging artistpreneurs.

Barnes’s creative output includes over 100 music recordings released through his Lafayette Originals and Rilke Music labels, available on major streaming platforms and webstores. He is also the subject of the award-winning documentary Violin Madness, which chronicles his powerful journey as a street musician and rock artist navigating life after a traumatic brain injury and surviving a suicide attempt. His inspiring recovery and return to music continue to resonate deeply with audiences.

In the literary world, Barnes is the author of Loosened Associations Jazz: Automemoirography of Music, Mischief, and Madness (2024) and the forthcoming Artistpreneur Economic (2025), both published under Bencasso Media. His voice has been featured on PPN Worldwide and numerous national podcasts, where he shares his experience navigating mental health recovery, disability, music, and social entrepreneurship.

Academically, Barnes holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Classical Music Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University. A musical prodigy, he performed the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto as a teenager with his youth symphony. His early career also included winning the Lucky Strike Band Competition in 2000 as the frontman and violinist of the rock trio Deadweight, which led to performances at major events like Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival.

Barnes has collaborated with high-profile artists such as Jason Newsted (former Metallica bassist and producer of his 1995 demo), Les Claypool, Mr. Bungle, DJ Disk, The Coup, and Dead Prez. His chamber ensemble, the Rilke String Quartet, was a semi-finalist in the distinguished Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition. Additionally, he has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education, contributing to the Prosody Project, which uses music to enhance fourth-grade literacy.

Together, these accolades underscore Barnes’s unwavering dedication to creative innovation, social impact, and healing through the arts.

Significant Events of Benjamin Barnes

Benjamin Barnes’ career has been marked by a continuous stream of artistic, educational, and therapeutic innovations. In 2025, he launched his compelling memoir Loosened Associations Jazz: Automemoirography of Music, Mischief and Madness, offering an introspective journey through his experiences with mental health, street performance, and creative resilience.

A year earlier, he became a regular commentator on The Coaches Corner, a segment of the nationally syndicated radio podcast The Price of Business, the longest-running business radio program in the United States. That same year, Barnes also served on the California Arts Council grant review panel, contributing his expertise in evaluating arts-based funding applications.

The year 2023 marked a pivotal expansion of his community impact with the founding of the Culture Scholar Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at promoting therapeutic music and cultural enrichment among underserved populations. Through this organization, he launched the Music for Mental Health Initiative, tackling the global loneliness epidemic by delivering healing art and music to elderly individuals and those facing mental health challenges. Barnes also consolidated his creative ventures under Bencasso LLC, a dynamic e-commerce and multimedia platform encompassing publishing, apparel, education, and live performance.

Barnes’ artistic journey spans decades. His career as a street performer began in 1975, and since 1986, he has taught violin, viola, guitar, and voice while performing in jazz, rock, and bluegrass bands. His presence in orchestral and chamber music circles is equally extensive, and his work has been showcased on Bencasso.org, a web gallery featuring his visual art.

In 2022, he was again selected as a California Arts Council grant review panelist. During this time, he also served as a consultant for the Psychedelic S.F. Art Gallery, secured fiscal sponsorship from Fractured Atlas, and received an emergency medical grant from MusiCares. He completed audio recordings and published sheet music manuscripts, further cementing his legacy.

In 2021, Barnes’ life was the subject of the award-winning documentary Violin Madness, which premiered to acclaim and chronicled his inspiring recovery from traumatic brain injury and his journey back to music. That year also saw the release of Lyric Suite Opus 3 by the Rilke String Quartet and his studies in film editing with Emmy-nominated editor Eric Deinzer. Media appearances included an interview with Madeleine Bonn on Amherst Online.

His 2020 accomplishments included a mayoral grant from San Francisco for COVID-19 relief, 143 music videos, short films, and livestream broadcasts across 18 YouTube channels. These creative outputs highlighted classical, rock, jazz, and collage-based visual art. The year also marked another milestone for Violin Madness, which was further recognized for its profound message of survival and artistry.

In 2019, Barnes founded Lafayette Originals and Rilke Music, expanding his media influence. He also worked as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education and appeared in a KALX radio interview. Previous years highlighted his integration of performance art, educational pursuits, and entrepreneurial efforts. His teaching journey spans public schools and music academies, including positions with the San Francisco Unified School District and Music City Academy.

Earlier in his career, Barnes experienced national recognition with Deadweight, his power trio, winning the Lucky Strike Band Competition in 2000 and performing at Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival. The band toured the U.S., releasing music under Nippon Columbia and collaborating with renowned artists such as Jason Newsted (Metallica), Les Claypool, and Dead Prez. His work also extended into graphic design, with his artwork featured on band merchandise and promotional posters.

Academically, Barnes earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Classical Music Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He also completed a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential with a Music Supplement at San Francisco State University. His additional studies in economics, history, and government reflect his broad intellectual curiosity.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Barnes cultivated his talent through violin studies with respected instructors like Marlon Carlson, Sherry Kloss, and Dave Balakrishnan, and contributed to orchestras and youth symphonies across Oregon and California. His early acting roles and visual art exhibitions at Corvallis High School signaled a lifelong commitment to creative expression.

Benjamin Barnes’ life is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the transformative power of art. Whether through teaching, performing, healing, or advocating, his multi-decade journey continues to influence music, mental health, and the cultural landscape at large.

Who has been the most significant source of inspiration in your life?

Without question, the most significant source of inspiration in my life has been my mother, Lillian Barnes. She endured unimaginable adversity—decades of homelessness, mental illness, and isolation—yet she never abandoned her passion for art or her unshakable faith. Even in the darkest moments, she held onto a painting she had created as a young woman—one that won an international contest in Japan. That painting became more than just artwork; it was a symbol of her resilience, creativity, and inner light.

Despite facing abuse on the streets and in halfway houses, despite losing custody of me and my brother Josh due to her mental health struggles, she never lost hope. Her love for Jesus, her dignity in the face of hardship, and her devotion to her art became the quiet forces that sustained her spirit. She met the world with kindness, even when it offered her cruelty.

My mother taught me that creativity is a form of survival, that faith can sustain a soul through the storm, and that every person—no matter how marginalized—deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated. She is the heartbeat behind everything I do through Culture Scholar Corporation and Bencasso LLC. Every song I write, every student I mentor, every voice I amplify is an echo of her story.

Her life is a testament to grace and courage, and her legacy lives on through my mission: to use music, art, and entrepreneurship to heal and uplift those the world too often overlooks. I carry her with me always.

What were the most challenging obstacles you’ve encountered in your career?

The greatest challenges I’ve faced have been deeply personal—navigating life and building a career while managing schizoaffective disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the lasting effects of a traumatic brain injury. These conditions create daily barriers—mentally, emotionally, and physically—but I made the conscious decision to channel my struggles into purpose through art, music, and service.

I’ve also experienced the harsh realities of poverty, including periods of homelessness and the absence of basic tools and resources. For much of my adult life, I didn’t have access to a computer. Learning to use technology, build digital platforms, and teach myself the fundamentals of entrepreneurship in my forties required immense perseverance, humility, and courage.

Starting from the margins, I had to be incredibly resourceful—creating with minimal materials, funding programs through street performances, and learning everything from scratch. I’ve built networks without privilege, credibility without traditional credentials, and impact without excess.

These obstacles have shaped my resilience and strengthened my empathy. They inform every decision I make—whether I’m teaching a student, performing in underserved communities, or leading Culture Scholar Corporation. More importantly, they’ve instilled in me a relentless passion to prove that creativity, determination, and compassion can transform not only individual lives, but entire communities. My journey stands as a testament that even those society often overlooks can lead, inspire, and thrive.

What advice do you have for the next generation of leaders?

Be unapologetically authentic. In a world that often rewards conformity, your greatest strength lies in your unique voice, your lived experience, and your vision. Don’t dilute who you are to fit in—lead from a place of truth, and you’ll inspire others to do the same.

Study the path of those who came before you. Learn from their struggles, honor their breakthroughs, and use that knowledge as a foundation to build something bold and new. Innovation doesn’t always mean starting from scratch—it means seeing old problems through fresh eyes.

Most importantly, don’t quit. There will be setbacks. The climb will be steep. But persistence is the bridge between your dream and its realization. Keep going. Keep creating. Keep leading. The world needs leaders who aren’t afraid to lead with heart, vision, and purpose. The world needs you.