In November of 2014, Ms Benjamin assumed the position of first-ever Executive Director of Music Canada Live after serving as the Canadian Arts Presenting Associations’ (CAPACOA) Executive Director for six and a half years. She had formerly joined CAPACOA after eight years as the first Executive Director at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF, now known as Folk Music Ontario) which followed a decade-long career as a touring and recording singer/songwriter.

She brings a strong vision for the live music sector that focuses on relationship building, networking, out-reach and strategic advocacy. Throughout her career she has lead a variety of major sector initiatives including CAPACOA’s “The Value of Presenting: A Study of Performing Arts Presentation in Canada” and the development of the national mentorship program The Succession Plan (TSP).

Erin grew up in Toronto, attended Concordia University in Montreal where she graduated with a Fine Arts degree (theatre), and has made Ottawa her home since 2003. She is the co-chair of the government/industry-led Ontario Live Music Working Group. She has served on a variety of non-profit Boards including the East Coast Music Association, Folk Alliance International, the Songwriters Association of Canada and Creative Industries Northern Ontario (formerly MFM). She lives in a vibrant downtown Ottawa neighbourhood with her son Oliver and daughter Toby.