Ginger ten Bensel slated for inaugural performance

LINCOLN -- Ginger ten Bensel, central Nebraska television personality, singer and songwriter is slated to sing at the Nebraska Governor's Inaugural Ball. ten Bensel is no stranger to the big stage, and this will be the second time she has performed at a Nebraska Governor's Inaugural Ball.

This time, the former Miss Rodeo Nebraska will be performing a song she wrote commemorating her Nebraska heritage, and her family's struggles and triumphs making a life on the Nebraska plains. The song, "Livin in the Promised Land," is based on her own family's experiences. It is a poignant story of a Nebraska couple making their home and raising their family in the promised land.

ten Bensel is the daughter of Carl and Ella Rea ten Bensel, who live on a farm near Cambridge. Her brother, Jan, also lives in Cambridge.

Music executives in Nashville still greatly respect ten Bensel, and her accomplishments in the country music industry. Tommy Williams, of Magnitone Curb Publishing, said "When Ginger left Nashville, she took the sunshine with her." John Mullins, formerly of Sony Nashville, now at SESAC said, "I truly admire Ginger. She left a promising singing career and the bright lights of Nashville, Tenn., to follow her heart and return to her roots." Jack White, ASCAP award winning songwriter, said "Ginger is my idea of a complete performer." Pat McMakin of Sony Nashville, who discovered Lee Ann Womack, said "Ginger is not just a singer, she's an unbelievable singer."

ten Bensel will be performing at the Governor's inauguration on Friday at the Bob Devany Sports Arena, where she will precede the swearing in of Governor Mike Johanns.

ten Bensel is a singer and songwriter who has opened for Clint Black, Chuck Berry, LeRoy Parnell, and several other headliners. The former Miss Kearney has performed for several governors, the Rockefellers, and the president of the United States. She has also performed at many of Nebraska's top events including the College World Series, AKSARBEN, several Tri City Storm Hockey games, and the spady.com Motorsport Mile.

ten Bensel is currently a television news reporter at NBC affiliate KHAS-TV in Hastings.