Lonesome Halos staging benefit concert for Doctors Without Borders

Chicago-area band releases "positive, pro-peace anthem," raising funds for Doctors Without Borders at benefit concert May 10.

Lonesome Halos to perform benefit concert
for Doctors Without Borders

CHICAGO, May 6 ? Lonesome Halos, an "American Maverick" band with a twangy worldview, will stage a benefit concert Saturday, May 10, for Doctors Without Borders as part of the group's first CD single release, "BrotherMan."

The performance, which will feature many special guest artists, kicks off at 9 p.m. at the Lyons Den (1934 W. Irving Park Road, 773-871-3757). A minimum donation of $10 is requested.

Lonesome Halos co-founder Marty Larkin says current world events moved him and co-songwriter Scott Wills to create the composition, which Larkin describes as a "danceable, positive, pro-peace song."

"No matter which side of the fence you may have been on regarding the war in Iraq, there's one thing no one can argue: The ones suffering the most are always innocent civilians, many of whom haven't had proper medical care for years -- if ever," Larkin explains. "And now, their situation is even worse."

According to Wills, he and the band chose Doctors Without Borders as its non-profit beneficiary because of the organization's selfless approach to providing emergency medical relief. "Their group often operates with little regard for their own safety," he says. "Their services are free, non-political and non-religious. They're active worldwide, and not just Africa and Iraq -- they're also going into cities and countries with SARS outbreaks."

The two songwriters decided to collaborate on "BrotherMan" after meeting through The Artist's Circle, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping professional and amateur artists alike realize creative and financial rewards through their art. The Artist's Circle is co-producing the event.

In addition to "BrotherMan," Lonesome Halos and their special guests will perform other original songs from their upcoming CD, including "The Way To Heaven" and "Roll With The Punch," among other selections. Larkin characterizes Lonesome Halos' sound as "American Maverick."

"We write and play the music we feel," he says. "Some say they hear strains of Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Hank Williams -- even a little rockabilly."

Featured musicians and guest performers for the evening include:

-- Rockin' Billy And The Wild Coyotes. Longtime Chicago favorites, performing original rockabilly.

-- Chip Znuff, bass guitar. As a founding member of Chicago?s Enuff Znuff, he performs all over the world, including numerous appearances on "The Howard Stern Show," "Late Show With David Letterman," MTV and more.

-- Marty Larkin, Chicago-based musician/singer/songwriter. Also known as "The Rock & Roll Chef," he stages his live cooking and music show at venues around the country. In October, he also has his own line of Halloween-related products (including being a professional pumpkin carver).

-- Scott Wills, artist/singer/songwriter. This Chicagoan's articulate, insightful and image-filled songs are quickly gaining fans and recognition.

-- Tim Beattie, a Nashville/NYC-based musician/singer/songwriter whose blazing virtuoso harmonica, lap steel guitar and soaring vocals are a can't-miss in this rare Chicago appearance.

-- Dan Eli, an emerging Chicago-based singer/songwriter.

-- Mike Hanko, Chicago-based musician/composer/arranger. Hanko and his MidiMagination studio composes and produces albums and soundtracks, with a resume including works for "American Justice" and feature films.

-- Phil "Philly" Brines, drums/percussion. Brines is a Berklee Music School alum who performs with various bands in Chicago, including Orchestra 33.

Other guest performers include: Leslie Wells-Santos (drums/percussion); Brian Clarke (vocals); and John Abbey (bass).

In addition to the May 10 event, a portion of the sales from the "BrotherMan" single will be donated to Doctors Without Borders (audio download available online at May 1 at http://www.LonesomeHalos.com).

Promotional assistance for the event is provided by GiRGiT.

For more information, to make a donation or to download or purchase a copy of "BrotherMan," visit http://www.LonesomeHalos.com.

# # #