Akron Music: Benny Lava and the Guavas record new material after pandemic delay
The seven-piece band blends soul, rock, and doo-wop while working on unreleased tracks and new collaborations.
By Yasmin Nasser ·
Benjamin Patrick, known onstage as Benny Lava, is recording new music with his band, the Guavas. The seven-piece group combines soul, rock, and doo-wop elements. The band is currently working on unreleased material that dates back to early 2020. Patrick is considering recording fresh versions of those tracks with the current lineup. The group is also developing several original songs written by vocalist Shamara Costa.
Patrick has lived in Akron for more than a decade. He previously led local bands Taxidermy Special and the Dreemers. He co-founded Akron Recording Company, a studio that provides audio and video production services. In 2018, the studio released the first “Where the Hell Is Akron, Ohio?” compilation. That album featured 16 artists from Northeast Ohio.
The Guavas formed in 2019. Patrick participated in an artist residency at Akron Soul Train, a nonprofit for local artists. The residency prompted him to revisit unfinished work. He developed roughly 10 songs during that period. The band held its first performance during the residency. Patrick said the residency became the catalyst for the entire project.
The song “Get Along” helped define the group's direction. The track encourages listeners to find common ground during difficult times. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the band's momentum. It changed the lineup and delayed the release of recorded music. Patrick filmed a music video for “Get Along” to revive the project. Samantha Grace, a fellow musician, connected Patrick with Costa. Costa appeared in the video and joined the group.
The current lineup includes Justin Tibbs on saxophone. Samantha Grace handles keyboards and vocals. Corey Herron plays bass and sings. Logan Patrick, Benjamin's brother, plays drums. Hesiel Chavez Juarez plays auxiliary percussion. Both Patrick and Costa attended Firestone High School in Akron. Their paths did not cross until years later.
Costa transferred to Firestone from Archbishop Hoban High School. She discovered the theater program there through other young performers. She later studied in New York City and worked for Disney Cruise Line. She returned to Northeast Ohio to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Kent State University in 2018. The sudden death of her father changed her perspective on life and career. She decided to stay closer to family while exploring creative opportunities in Akron.
Patrick and Costa approach songwriting from opposite directions. Patrick typically develops instrumental grooves before adding lyrics. Costa begins with poetry. Their song “How Deep” originated as a background track for an Akron Recording Company promotional video. Patrick had assembled the instrumental quickly in five minutes. Costa heard the recording and connected with it immediately. She wrote lyrics inspired by the music. The band transformed the demo into a full song.
The band performed at Cleveland's Brite Winter festival and Akron's PorchROKR this year. Patrick has performed at PorchROKR with various projects for years. This year's show took place near the corner of Exchange and Burton streets. Patrick described the event as feeling like a neighborhood block party. He said the community shows love and appreciation for music on that day. The band continues to build its catalog while maintaining ties to the local scene.
