2010 Lubos Bena & Matej Ptaszek are performing in the new Czech film "Občanský průkaz". In this tragic comedy from the Czechoslovakia communist hippie era they play roles as juke joint musicians. Their music is featured in the opening of the film and also in several main scenes together with Bob Dylan, Black Sabbath and Sweet.

2009 Beňa & Ptaszek was honored as the Hohner Newcomer of 2009 and they performed at the World Harmonica Festival 2009 in Trossingen, Germany.

2009 Beňa & Ptaszek was the opening act of Johnny Winter during his concert in the Czech Republic.

2005. 2006. 2008 Lubos Bena is the first Slovak bluesman who has visited the USA not only as a tourist, but who has also gave performances there. Notably in the Memphis Blues music scene and Arkansas festival circuit

Slovak Blues Society Awards
Newcomer of the Year 2001
Bluesman of the Year 2004
Bluesman of the Year 2008


"While blues remains a distinct African-American cultural expression, it has also become an international popular music in the twenty-first century. In the nation of Slovakia blues has found a fine representative in Lubos Bena."


"He comes from Slovakia, Europe. What impresses me most about Lubos Bena is his strong singing and rhythm. It's natural to him, without any forced mannerisms or affectations, and with perfect timing."

"He listens long and intently to nothing but the best artists - people like Fred McDowell, Son House, Lead Belly, Jessie Mae Hemphill, R. L. Burnside, and others - and lets the sound of their music get inside his head. Then out it comes through his hands on the guitar, his foot stomping, and his voice. This the same way these other great artists learned the blues. Lubos has spent some time in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee, observing blues artists in action, listening, and sitting in, thereby adding a new dimension to his music. The result is real blues feeling with a Slovakian accent. It goes down like southern soul food with a good wine from Skalica, his hometown." (Dr. David Evans, The University of Memphis, USA).