A native New Yorker, Ari grew up in Westport, CT, where he trained in classical music and jazz piano. Recognized at an early age for his musical abilities, Ari was presented with an award for pianistic excellence and a scholarship to Berklee School of Music by jazz great, Dr. Billy Taylor. Also actively engaged in performance and theatre, Ari snuck into an audition for a new movie, Manny's Orphan's, directed by Sean S. Cunnngham. This role led to Ari getting the call for Friday the 13th - and the rest is history.
Ari returned to New York City where he studied jazz piano in its breeding ground with Joanne Brackeen and enrolled in NYU studying big band orchestration and jazz piano with Jim McNeely and Vladmir Shafranov.
A seasoned recording artist and professional musician, Ari already received acclaim with his world rock and reggae band, Ari Ben Moses Band, when upon moving to Chicago in late 2002, he (after long laying quiet about his 1980 role) was "discovered" by horror fans who actively sought his attention.
In response to their enthusiasm, Ari drew upon 20 years of experience as a professional musician and recording artist and created First Jason specifically for Horror Fans, especially the fans of Jason Voorhees and Friday the 13th.
First Jason has performed in clubs, festivals, and conventions throughout the Chicago area. The engaging showmanship and superior musicianship have consistently received enthusiastic response and have developed a strong following.
Ari Lehman has appeared in E!, Entertainment Weekly, Blender Magazine, Chicago Reader, Illinois Entertainer, and signings nationwide. In November 2005, he was the first Jason Voorhees to visit Hamburg, Germany. In 2006, he appeared at Collectormania G-Mex in Manchester, England.
Ari Lehman and his wife Elaine are currently based in Chicago, Illinois. Ari will be attending HorrorFest April 17-19, 2009.
