Benjamin Preston @ Rafters

Benjamin Preston grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau and spent nearly three decades overseas, where he discovered Americana and bluegrass while living in Texas. Since then, he has immersed himself in mandolin, guitar, singing and performing—learning by doing and fortunate to play with many musicians in both the US and New Zealand.

He is a member of PettyGrass, a Telluride-born bluegrass band that “grasses up” Tom Petty songs and hopes to bring their act to the Auckland Folk Festival in 2026. Closer to home, Benjamin is an active supporter of the Auckland Bluegrass Club, where he has served as President for the past two years.

His set features songs from a dozen of his favourite troubadours—including Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Neil Young, John Prine, and Lucinda Williams – artists who have shaped his musical journey and the songs he aspires to write and perform.