history:

Bess started playing guitar at age 8 and has been performing since age 12. From age 15 to age 20, Bess played in the Western Massachusetts-based band Who’da Funk It?, a dance band that encompassed punk, funk, ska, afrobeat, soul, RnB, hip-hop, jazz, blues, rock, klezmer, bossa nova, etc. She studied classical guitar at Smith College with Phillip De Fremery 2012-2016. In 2016 Bess moved to Seattle and began pursuing her solo project bess hepner, as well as a variety of other projects (see below). She is currently based in Berkeley, California.

bess hepner solo project:

With a love of multi-genre music that keeps you on your toes, bess’ music includes acoustic folk, funk, rawk, jazz, funk, soul, classical guitar, punk, and more. In April 2019 she released her debut solo album 17-24, a coming of age album, which includes visual art and soundscapes.

additional projects:

Bess currently plays guitar for Molly James Band in Oakland, CA. In Seattle Bess played in the duo project Bess and Amber, bass for folk artists Erika Lundahl and Cape Disappointment, guitar for Israeli-Russian jazz vocalist Alina, and has done music for A Frayed Knot’s circus production “The Vivarium.” She is available for guitar and songwriting lessons as well as musical and theatrical collaboration.

Teaching:

Bess has been teaching guitar, ukulele, voice and songwriting since 2019. She also does music programs for toddlers and elementary school-aged children with Tkiya Music. Click HERE for more information.

Site photo credit: Rolling Crone Records