Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Ari began his musical journey at the award winning Roosevelt High School Jazz Ensemble. By the time he was 18 he had already performed at such places as: The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, The North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho, Reno Jazz Festival in Nevada and countries like Italy, France, and Germany.

While in High school Ari was awarded countless awards including the Outstanding Festival Guitarist award at the Lionel Hampton Jazz festival. Recently, after studying at both Rutgers University and The New School, Ari has graduated from the New School in Manhattan earning his BFA degree, jazz and classical music concentration.

Over the years Ari has gained experience playing and studying with musicians such as Kenny Barron, Richie Beirach, Wayne Krantz, Jack Wilkins, George Garzone, Ralph Peterson, and Ray Brown. After spending time in Brooklyn where he lead his own Trio and Quartet, Ari currently resides in Seattle where he is playing with people like Joe Doria, Mark Fendel, John Wicks, Skerik, Ron Wienstien, and many others.

He has been a member of the infamous Acidophilus Culture, The Fort Greene Jam Project, Zulu, Hathead and the ever changing Ari and Friends. He is a fine young musician with both the creative energy and drive to take this music to a new plateau. Over the years Ari has played with musicians like Rashied Ali, Ralph Peterson, Robert Glasper, E.J. Strickland, Marcus Strickland, Ari Hoenig, James Carter and many others.