These concerts are the North Carolina Symphony debut for Ryan Ball.

Ryan Ball is a North New Jersey-based guitarist, bassist, composer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer/producer, and music teacher.

In his formative years, Ball could be found playing in neighborhood bands and performing in local clubs. He eventually graduated to performing on the New York City circuit by his late teens. After high school, Ryan studied music composition and performance, earning a bachelor's degree from SUNY Purchase.

In addition to The Machine, Ball also plays guitar with the popular Chicago tribute Beginnings, bringing to life both the 1970s guitar stylings of Terry Kath and the 80s-era power pop of one of the greatest horn bands of all time. Creatively, he has been a part of numerous original projects through the years including concept indie outfit Sleep Station and American roots rock-and-soul band Swerling.

In between performances, Ball runs his New Jersey-based recording studio The Gearbox and teaches at his own Bergen County Guitar Lessons.