Music
Harmonizing Passions: The Maile Brothers' Remarkable Journey
2024-10-21
Hitting the Right Notes: The Maile Brothers' Musical Journey
In a world where siblings often take divergent paths, the Maile brothers have found a unique balance between their passions. While one brother, Luke, has found success on the baseball diamond, the other, Ben, has carved out his own niche in the world of music. This captivating story explores the brothers' shared experiences and the unexpected turns that have shaped their lives.Harmonizing Talents: The Maile Brothers' Remarkable Story
Discovering the Rhythm of Life
Growing up, the Maile brothers were no strangers to the limelight. Luke, the elder sibling, had already made a name for himself as a talented baseball player, rising through the ranks to join the Cincinnati Reds. However, it was Ben, the younger brother, who found his true calling in the world of music. From an early age, Ben's passion for the guitar and his natural talent for performing captivated those around him.As Ben recounts, his musical journey began in the fifth grade, when he first picked up the acoustic guitar and started taking lessons at the Music House. Under the guidance of his teacher, Sarah Wilke, Ben honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art of music. While his brother Luke excelled on the baseball field, Ben found solace in the soothing melodies and the power of self-expression that the guitar provided.Navigating the Crossroads of Passion
Ben's love for music, however, did not come without its challenges. As he progressed through his high school years, he faced a pivotal decision – to pursue baseball or to fully embrace his musical aspirations. Despite his athletic abilities, which included playing freshman football at Covington Catholic High School, Ben's heart ultimately gravitated towards the guitar.The turning point came when a season-ending injury on the football field led Ben to discover a new avenue for his talents. "I got a spot in the band as a drummer," he recalls, "and I continued playing baseball, eventually playing at Lindsey Wilson College." But it was the allure of music that ultimately won him over, and after a year at Lindsey Wilson, Ben made the decision to focus his college studies at the University of Kentucky, all the while continuing to hone his musical skills.Embracing the Spotlight
As Ben's musical journey unfolded, he began to find his voice as a performer. His first gig was at the St. Joe's Festival, where he showcased his drumming skills. But it was his transition to the guitar that truly allowed him to shine. "My first guitar gig was at Barbz on Monmouth Street in Newport," he remembers. "I just started showing up on Wednesday evenings, and people would ask where I was when I was a no-show."It was during these early performances that Ben learned the art of being a "front man." He started with a repertoire of around 30 songs, but over time, his musical library grew to an impressive 250 tunes. Ben's ability to captivate audiences with his guitar-playing and soulful vocals quickly became a hallmark of his performances.Balancing Passions and Professions
While music has always been a deep-rooted passion for Ben, he has also found success in the family business. Maile Tekulve & Gray, a residential and commercial building and remodeling company, has provided Ben with a stable career path, allowing him to pursue his musical aspirations as a hobby and a source of additional income."My music is still a hobby and a bit of a money maker," Ben explains, "but my full-time work is with the family business." This delicate balance between his professional and creative pursuits has enabled Ben to maintain a fulfilling and well-rounded life, where he can indulge in his musical passions while also contributing to the family's legacy.The Boots and Brews fundraiser for The Point/Arc, where Ben performed alongside the Derek Alan Band, was a testament to his ability to seamlessly blend his musical talents with his commitment to community service. As the overflow crowd at the event attested, Ben's music has the power to captivate and inspire, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.