Since moving to Chicago in 2001, multi-instrumentalist and composer Ari Seder has been an active performer in a wide variety of genres. Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, he moved to the windy city after graduating from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music with a B.M. in jazz guitar. As a guitarist, Ari has performed with players such as Von Freeman (recently named an NEA Jazz Master), and venues ranging from south side bars to the Chicago Jazz Festival. Ari has also performed as a leader with his own trio and has recorded 3 albums of his original compositions.

After playing primarily jazz for several years Ari began to become more eclectic, performing Klezmer and balkan music with the band Balkano at venues including the Taste of Chicago, Hothouse, and the Chicago World Music Festival. In 2008 Ari began teaching himself to play the bass guitar while simultaneously immersing himself in the Chicago Blues scene.

In a relatively short period of time he has become an in-demand sideman, performing with blues artists including Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell, Guy King, James Wheeler, Peaches Staten, Marty Sammon, Joe Moss, Shirley Johnson, Rob Blaine, Charlie Love, Demetria Taylor, Pete Galanis, Nate Manos, and Toronzo Cannon in styles ranging from traditional to r&b and rock-influenced. Ari has performed at all the major Chicago blues venues, from downtown clubs like Buddy Guy's Legends and the House of Blues to south side juke joints like Artis's Lounge, in addition to touring nationally. In June 2011 he became the bass player in the Guy King band. Ari still plays guitar and enjoys a well-balanced musical diet!