**HONORS/AWARDS** *Six-time Minnesota Music Awards Nominees (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 x2) *Number One New Addition on XM Satellite Radio Real Jazz, January 2006

*SURRENDER TO THE WIND listed in the KBEM-FM (Jazz 88 Twin Cities) ON AIR TOP FIFTY for over three months.
*Selected twice for the Walker Art Center's FIVE MINUTES OF FAME internet arts exhibition (2002, 2003). *Ben Siems has received five commissions from the American Composers Forum and seven grants from New York City's MEET THE COMPOSER, Inc.
*Featured guest on Minnesota Public Radio's, THE JAZZ IMAGE numerous times.

Ben Siems and Jeremy Hauer formed the Willie August Project in the late 1990s. Both musicians draw their inspiration from the small group jazz of the 1960s and from the 1970s pioneers of the so-called ECM sound. Their music is characterized by consistently inventive rhythmic interplay and a natural, melodic flow. This is music of considerable depth; the Willie August Project has found a way to reach a wide audience without sacrificing a musical vision born out of deep conviction and passion.

For a more complete history of the band, plus bios and photos, please visit The Willie August Project's web site, http://WillieAugust.tripod.com. Or, to hear a variety of full-length MP3s, visit, http://www.myspace.com/WillieAugust.