Heirloom is one of Milwaukee’s most innovative and sought after jazz combinations. Each musician has a deep connection and passion for modern music and draws upon contemporary classical, rock, and indie influences in their compositions. Their original sound captivates audiences through soaring melodies, intriguing rhythms, and magnetic attention to detail. Heirloom performs as a trio, quartet, and quintet with core members Ben Dameron, guitar, and Hannah Johnson, drums.

Check out our review in the Shepherd Express!

  • Ben Dameron

    Ben Dameron’s sound is a unique mix of polytonal, motif-driven phrase structures littered with fiery runs, and a truly expressive touch.

    Ben Dameron studied classical and jazz guitar in his teens with Kevin Callahan in Seattle before pursuing two classical guitar degrees. Since then, Dameron has been an active and sought after guitarist in the greater Milwaukee area.

  • Hannah Johnson

    Drummer, composer, singer and humorist, Hannah Johnson provides an adventurous and joyful approach in her musical endeavors. In Heirloom she offers an optimism in spirit and compositional voice. The awe of rhythm, emotionally moving harmonic structures and the beauty of a bit of chaos drives Hannah's musical approach.

    Hannah Johnson began her drum studies in high school with native Milwaukee drummer Dave Bayles. After graduating from the IU Jacobs School of Music, Hannah returned to her hometown and has become a favored drummer in the local jazz scene.

What audience members are saying….

“If you’re a jazz fan- if you’re a music fan- and you haven’t heard Heirloom, you’re missing out. Their musicianship, their virtuosity, their chemistry is truly special. A true Milwaukee gem.”

- David Shoemaker

Each musician is great in their own right- together, they are electric!  Live, Heirloom's captivating performances and original pieces uplift all types of audiences. They exude contagious joy that energizes audiences.”


-Eva Christensen

"Heirloom’s original Jazz is complex, fun, engaging, and not to be missed. Just fantastic. Find their next date and go.”

-Kevin Boggs