Posted June 21, 201611:47 pm
HEY MUSIC BUFFS - what do rockers Michael Stanley, Nate Jones, attorney Doug McWilliams, and classical pianist Angelin Chang have in common? They all collaborated on an album to benefit The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
Cleveland is in the spotlight this month because of the Cavaliers championship run in the NBA finals, but the city on Lake Erie offers more than just basketball – it’s the home of Rock ‘n Roll. It’s also to home to a great legal community – and one of the oldest and most well-known Legal Aid programs in the US.
Through the JAM FOR JUSTICE 2016 album to be released on June 29, 2016 - the worlds of sports, entertainment and law converge. Law students in the Great Lakes Sports and Entertainment Law Academy – under the supervision of attorneys – produced a compilation album the full proceeds of which benefit Legal Aid.
The June 29 release of the album will occurs at the Jam for Justice 2016 fundraiser for Legal Aid, hosted at the Crop Rocks. At the unique fundraiser, seven bands of attorneys and judges perform. Three of the bands performing have tracks on the JAM FOR JUSTICE album.
- CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the Jam for Justice fundraiser on June 29, and be among the first to have access to the album.
- CLICK HERE to buy the album.
The Great Lakes Sports and Entertainment Academy students, led by attorney and professor Mark Avsec from Benesch, secured artist agreements and produced this one-of-a-kind album.
The album will sell for $10 at the June 29 Jam for Justice fundraiser. All proceeds benefit the 111-year-old Cleveland Legal Aid program. Founded in 1905, Legal Aid is the law-firm for low-income individuals focused on ensuring safety, shelter and economic security. Its 40 full-time attorneys and more than 2000 volunteers lawyers use the power of the law to ensure access to basic needs and lift people out of poverty. Last year, more than 20,000 people were assisted by Legal Aid.
Here are details on the 13 tracks featured on the JAM FOR JUSTICE album:
Nate Jones – Wandering Love (Written by Nate Jones) 3:33
Nate Jones: With an invitation to support OAR, Michael Franti, Grace Potter, and X Ambassadors at LaureLive, Cleveland, Ohio’s biggest summer festival of the year, and a shout-out as one of Cleveland Magazine’s Emerging Artists to Watch, 2016 is off to an exciting start for the Nate Jones Band. The Nate Jones Band is the folksy, harmony-driven ensemble behind singer-songwriter Nate Jones, who's spent recent years forging DIY tours and recording his first two full-band releases, The Nate Jones Band EP and This Old Town.
Michael Stanley – Just Another Night In America (Written by Michael Stanley) 5:17
Michael Stanley is a Cleveland legend. The Michael Stanley Band holds the record for attendance at Blossom Music Center. Michael continues to evolve and work as an artist, putting out new music on a yearly basis.
Gringo Stew – For You 4:28
Gringo Stew is made up of four lawyers and three non-lawyers. All have been involved in bands for many years. Gringo Stew plays Country, Southern Rock, Bluegrass, Tex-Mex and Texas Swing. Although they cover many popular bands, they also play original music. Gringo Stew performs at music festivals, bars and restaurants.
Luke Lindberg and Ryan Kennedy – Clear Blue Sky (Written by Luke Lindberg) 4:54
Luke Lindberg and Ryan Kennedy have been writing and performing music together for 14 years. Initially playing for beer money (and actual beer) in law school, the two have since graduated to playing regular gigs in and around downtown Cleveland at bars as diverse as the Barking Spider Tavern, Flannery’s and Around the Corner. From 2011-2013, Luke, Ryan, John Hanley (bass) and Russ Lindberg (guitars, mandolin) also maintained a residency at SB 81 in Westlake. The two recorded “Clear Blue Sky” on New Year’s Day 2009 in Ryan’s West Akron basement, with some help from their unofficial producer, Steve Blazewick. Clear Blue Sky: lyrics / music by Luke Lindberg. Performed by Luke Lindberg (vocals) and Ryan Kennedy (guitars).
潘新东 (All Seeing Eye) – X.W.W. 3:22
万花瞳 （All-Seeing Eye) is a young band built in 2015 in Shangqiu, China. The band involves four men filled with dream. They play original instrumental music and their styles are Post-Rock and Hardcore, using music to express everything they can see. The band performs at live house and music festivals.
Fia Mangla – Break the Cycle (Written by Felisha Mangla, Mike Gonsolin, and Nick Nittoli) 3:46
Born and brought up in Cleveland, OH, pop vocalist and songwriter, Fia Mangla, has been singing, playing piano, and writing songs from an early age. In her music, Fia's voice ranges from exposed, breathy lows to intense, guttural highs that take the listener through an array of bold, yet vulnerable emotions. Fia currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Jalal – Living Room 4:10
Jalal is a Cleveland native joining the ranks of those daring to pursue the ever evolving art form known as Hip Hop. Its drawing nature has enticed many since its inception only decades ago. Combining elements from nearly every music genre, hip hop has become a breeding ground of innovation. These traits among others have always intrigued Jalal growing up. Realizing he possessed the gift of lyricism, storytelling, and musical vision he began to perfect his craft. He now infuses music from the Hip Hop, Jazz, Soul, Classical, Alternative, and Blues genres. Jalal hopes to leave behind a trail of musical mastery laced with thought provoking content.
Angelin Chang – Frederic Chopin’s Barcarolle in F# Major, Op. 60 8:20
Critically acclaimed for her musical poetry and technical brilliance, Angelin Chang is America’s first female classical pianist to win the GRAMMY® Award (Best Instrumental Soloist with orchestra). A First Prize (Premier Prix) graduate of the Paris Conservatoire, she also holds advanced degrees from Ball State University, Indiana University and The Peabody Institute, Johns Hopkins University. She performs worldwide at venues including Lincoln Center (NYC), Kimmel Center (Philadelphia), Severance Hall (Cleveland), Shanghai Grand Theatre (China), the South African Broadcasting Corporation, as well as for the U.S. Department of State, United Nations Women's Organization, and for the United Nations. As the first Artist-in-Residence at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., she participated in developing and launching the Arts for Everyone initiative. Dr. Angelin Chang is Professor of Music (Piano) and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies and Chamber Music at Cleveland State University, where she is also Professor of Law at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and at its joint program with the Case Western Reserve University School of Law: Great Lakes Sports and Entertainment Law Academy.
Mason Ruffner – Antique (Written by Mason Ruffner) 3:34
Mason Ruffner is a Texan who moved to New Orleans and got signed to CBS Records in the same period during which Stevie Ray Vaughn was signed. His landmark album was produced by Dave Edmonds, and also featured Mark Avsec. Mason now spends his time in New Orleans and Europe, playing shows and writing new music.
Doug McWilliams – Under the Bridge (Written by Doug McWilliams) 4:02
Doug McWilliams is a member of the No Name Band, the lawyer dance band that donates its time and talents to support Cleveland’s nonprofit community. Before joining the legal profession, Doug was a singer/songwriter/guitarist with Windwords, Northern Lights, and Collective Vision - in a sometimes successful musical adventure stretched over two decades. Doug dedicates his donated song, “Under the Bridge” to the front line at the Legal Aid Society who take the time to listen to the wisdom earned by those who live on the street.
Says She – Steal Away (Written by Molly Pesarchick and Matt Rehker) 3:20
Says She is a Cleveland, Ohio based rock band with Molly Pesarchick on vocals, Matt Rehker on guitar, and David Shullenberger on drums. In the fall of 2015 Says She recorded their sophomore album "Houses" in Cleveland, Ohio at Magnetic North Studios with engineer and producer Chris Keffer. Says She is very excited to release this next album and to get out to share their new music live!
Carlos Jones and The Plus Band – Step Forward 5:32
Carlos Jones is one of the most respected musicians in Cleveland, and is a fan favorite in Cleveland and beyond. Carlos is an authentic, reggae artist; he and the P.L.U.S. band play music that promotes love and harmony.
Donnie Iris – Love is Like a Rock 6:40
Donnie Iris is a Pittsburgh icon, and Donnie Iris and the Cruisers is a legendary Pittsburgh band that has been playing for nearly 36 years. Formed by songwriter, keyboardist and producer, Mark Avsec, and Donnie in or around 1980, the band has a number of national-charting songs including “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like A Rock.”
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