USTORM.ORG

Working in the music industry has its perks. Sometimes you get t-shirts or show tickets, and sometimes, like yesterday, you get to meet a boy named Taylor creating abstract art projects from his hospital bed.

I had the privilege of accompanying Barry Brown of the USTORM foundation (United So Together Our Reach Multiples) to the Children's Memorial Hospital to deliver a donation to Snow City Arts- a foundation that enables hospitalized children to partake in music, theater and art workshops to restore educational and creative outlets lost during extensive treatment and isolation from their peers.

Executive Director and Poet-in-Residence, Paul Sznewajs, explained to us that the children they work with primarily receive continual treatment for extended periods of time. Snow City Arts takes this normally solemn diagnosis and spins it on its head saying, "Hey, while we've got you here, let's teach you how to play the guitar!"

Kevin Kostelecky, fellow USTORM founder, became aware of Snow City Arts through his research on how to appropriately allocate some of the funds that USTORM has been able to raise during the last year. Aiming to "raise funds to improve the lives of needy children and young adults by providing access to music and art education programs," USTORM's mission seemed to mesh perfectly with that of Snow City Arts.

For one, the aim at bettering the lives of children through music education is not a lofty goal but a critical one for many. Like these children, so many of us know and have felt the healing power of music at one point or another in our lives. And two, both USTORM and Snow City Arts champion musicianship as a key value to the philosophy and success of the organization.

Our first indication of this commitment on Snow City Arts' behalf was their extremely qualified staff of paid artists-in-residence. Sznewajs explained that the foundation pays (rather than using volunteers) for their artists because "we want professionals and professionals should be paid for their work. We support local Chicago artists and want the students to learn from the best."

I love that. To me, it's the crux of the whole program because it illustrates the respect Snow City Arts has for these kids. They invest in artists who will show up and do their very important job, and do it well. Empowering sick kids by allowing them the means and inspiration to express themselves through music and art? Count me in!

The donation, acquired through USTORM events throughout the year including USTORM's 1^st Birthday Party and Concert, and various other fund raising efforts. The $5,000.00 donation was graciously accepted by the Snow City Arts Foundation, who then proceeded to show us exactly where our donation would be put to use. This is where we met Taylor and his family. We also met Jonathan Stein, an abstract painter and an artist-in-residence working with Taylor, who teaches kids to find inspiration in magazine clippings. I don't know what illness Taylor is suffering from, but I DO know that he has an eye for abstract expressionism.

It was a great afternoon with USTORM. It made me think in much greater detail about the many wonderful things we can do with passion, commitment, inspiration, and yes, money. That $5 you paid for raffle tickets at the Riverview Music Festival this past summer? It’s now contributing to guitar lessons for a kid at the hospital (and much, much more!). It matters. Your money is doing something great- and will continue to do so, for as long as there is USTORM. How cool is that?

USTORM
1st Birthday Party
The Park West
Chicago, IL
3-31-07

Just by looking at the front foyer of the Park West you could tell it was going to be a party. The tiny merchandise booth had a Jim Pollock poster and a USTORM 1st Birthday t-shirt, both adorning the laundry list of guests. The party goers were handed complimentary party hats and key chains as they walked into the seating and floor area. It appeared the table was set for a great night; all the party needed was some music.
The celebration was kicked off by members of the Off the Streets Club accepting a check from USTORM for $3,000 and signing Happy Birthday in return. The dust barely had time to clear before Brendan Bayliss (Umphrey’s McGee, USTORM) and Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band) had settled on stage. The duo would run through a few songs they have written together over the course of the past year. At first glance, the first few songs “Always Up”, “#6” and “Susanah” all have a very soothing mixture of mandolin and acoustic guitar that is upbeat for the most part. In contrast, I couldn’t help but sense a little bit of sarcasm in the lyrics that accompanied them. This comedic pair slowly started to spin the revolving door of musicians, inviting Jake Cinninger (Umphrey’s McGee) to play guitar on “That’s The Way”. With no delay Cinninger belted out that Zeppelin tune then jumped behind the drum kit to make way for Al Schnier (moe.) and Ron Johnson (New Monsoon) - who took over on guitar and bass, respectively. The now five-piece band ran through “Grave” before Austin made his way off of the stage, so that “the rock-show” could begin.
This meant that Aron Magner (The Disco Biscuits) could add a little spice on the piano and keyboard rig. The revolving door would continue allowing the “band” to add their own unique twists and turns to crowd favorites “Willin’” [Little Feat], “Fearless” [Pink Floyd] & “Aint No Sunshine” [Bill Withers]. A very unique, bluegrass version of “I’ve Just Seen a Face” [The Beatles] was even slipped in there with Bayliss and Schnier sharing the stage. The set ended in dramatic fashion starting with Bayliss playing “It Makes No Difference” [The Band] on acoustic guitar as Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) basically stole the show on lead vocals. After a deep breath, a few more guests were brought out to play on “Wish You Were Here” [Pink Floyd] before closing the set with The Band’s “The Weight”. This seemed to be a very fitting end to the set, at least to me. Bringing up all the guests to celebrate “The First Waltz” really seemed to be a defining moment for the USTORM organization. There you had members of at least seven different bands all showing what “United So Together Our Reach Multiplies” really means.
The second set started right where the first left off, with another super-jam. The partying crowd watched as Andy Farag, and Kris Myers (of UM) took the stage along side band mates Bayliss and Cinninger to nearly complete the Umphrey’s McGee line-up. (Joel Cummins could not be in attendance). This was rounded off by Al Schnier, Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein (The Disco Biscuits) filling in the holes - the band launched into a loose rendition of Umphrey’s McGee’s “In the Kitchen”. What an ever-evolving tune this song has become - it morphed into a free-for-all jam that surprised the hell out of me. To watch these seasoned veterans communicate through head nods, pointing, laughing and a few leg kicks was a pleasure. The music was actually breathing, no body wanted to suffocate the listener with any over-playing and every body had their day in the sun during this roller coaster ride of segue. The end result was a nice transition into another Pink Floyd cover, “Have a Cigar”. The pace picked up under the command of Magner’s vocals, while he almost rapped the lyrics, he played a little one-handed synthesizer. To follow this one up, the Talking Heads classic “Life During Wartime” shot the energy through the roof. Although, as a critic, I must say that this may have been the low point of the show musically, but it also may have been the high point in terms of crowd energy. Not a soul stood-still as Ron Johnson and Cinninger held the rhythm down with Al Schnier taking over on lead vocals. Although there was a missed change or two and some lyrical revisions, the piece came off just as it was intended; loose and loud. I couldn’t help but laugh as I watched Magner play the synth solos as if he was riding a bull; one hand on the board and one hand up behind him, keeping his balance.
The song would slowly fade into “Dear Prudence” [The Bealtes], allowing for some nice trade offs between Al Schnier and Jeff Austin. The ever-evolving line-up soon gave way for a horn section consisting of Jen Hartswick on trumpet and Josh Quinlan (Ray’s Music Exchange) on sax. The opening notes of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon” sent chills down my spine. Hartswick and Quinlan accented the thick and muddy lines that Magner was throwing down, ala Herbie. Jake Cinninger hopped off the kit, allowing for Myers to return, along with Ryan Stasik (Umphrey’s McGee) on bass to complete the trilogy of The Band’s songs with a horn-blaring version of “Ophelia”. The set would roll on with a guest appearance from Barry Brown (Jack Straw, USTORM) on the keys for “Willie the Pimp” [Zappa], followed by the Radiohead anthem, “Karma Police”. Al Schnier once again got the spotlight to showcase some guitar work on moe’s “Moth” which proved to be a crowd favorite. After the sing along, Jen Hartswick came back out to belt “Helter Skelter” [The Beatles] and seal her reputation as a “rock star” forever. Not to be out-done at his own event, Brendan Bayliss crooned to the ladies with Beck’s “Debra”, nailing the falsetto and receiving his own hefty applause for it.
This marathon set of over 2 hours in length winded down with a tip of the hat to The Disco Biscuits fans with “Home Again”. The line-up took a final spin as members of UM and tDB joined forces to become The Brain Damaged Eggmen! Choosing to close out with “Brain Damage>Eclipse” [Pink Floyd], the show came to a halt with the crowd on its feet begging for an encore. The ensuing encore of Paul Simon’s “Late in the Evening” was the perfect indication that it was near closing time and the party was over.
What a party indeed! A party that would not be possible without the additional efforts of Kevin Kostelecky (The Store, USTORM) and Mike Lemaistre (Jam Productions, USTORM). The behind the scenes work of Wade Wilby (My Chemical Romance), Robbie Williams (UM), Adam Budney (UM), Bob Ston (UM) and Kevin Gregory (YMSB) also played an integral part in making this event happen. It was quite the unique event in hindsight. The premise of the show was to help raise money for music and arts programs, this was done by performing music with artistic and charitable merit; music that once inspired these artists at a young age. You see, I was beginning to see the full circle here. The artists giving back to the art, what a beautiful thing to be a part of! What made it all the better was that this was not just one band; it was a combination of musicians coming together for this one purpose. Being able to combine their differences to make one congealed sound was a rare treat to watch. Kudos to USTORM for creating one of the most diverse gatherings this side of a festival, and frankly, I don’t think I could have asked for a better party.

Review by Brandon DeJaynes

Jambands.com

This month we feature USTORM.org, the website of USTORM, a charitable organization founded by musicians but supported by fans, whose participation is needed to make it all work. Here is a bit on USTORM and its upcoming birthday event...

The USTORM Foundation is based in Chicago, IL, and was started by Brendan Bayliss (Umphrey's McGee) and 3 of his close friends: Kevin Kostelecky (owner of Chicago watering hole "The Store"), Mike LeMaistre (promoter for Jam Productions), and Barry Brown (member of Chicago-based band Jack Straw). This group of friends realized that through their various ways and means, they could produce some positive, fun and exciting events that could raise money to be put towards different worthwhile causes. The group met "officially" for the first time in January of 2006 and decided that they would do what it took to get their official non-profit status from the state of Illinois before they held any official events. While this process can take up to a year or more at times, with the help of an attorney/friend, they acquired their official "non-profit" status at the end of March 2006. The USTORM Foundation held their first event (The Kick-Off Party) at The Store in May. Since then, they've held a number of fun and music filled events, including the sold out BRAIN DAMAGED EGGMEN show (featuring Brendan, Jake and Kris from Umphrey's, and Marc and Aron from Bisco) at The Vic Theater in Chicago in August, and the late-night Umphrey's after party show on December 29th featuring Chicago bluegrass band CORNMEAL.

Through their fund raising efforts, USTORM has been able to support a number of Chicago based non-profits. These are groups that fulfill what USTORM wishes to accomplish, as stated in their mission statement: to provide funding for music and art education programs for children and young adults that may not otherwise have the access to such programs. To this date, USTORM has made donations to Keys for Kids, The Merit School of Music, Rock for Kids, and The Chicago Off the Street Club. The group looks forward to supporting other worthy causes in the upcoming months and years.

USTORM now looks ahead towards their 1st Birthday Party and Concert on March 31st. A very impressive line-up of friends and supporters have committed to donating their time and talents to assure a great night of acoustic and electric music for those lucky few in attendance. Among those scheduled to appear: Brendan Bayliss, Al Schnier (moe.), Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band), Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein (The Disco Biscuits), Jennifer Hartswick (The Trey Anastasio Band), Ron Johnson (KDTU, New Monsoon), Josh Quinlan (Ray's Music Exchange), plus various members of Umphrey's McGee and other special guests.

A "USTORM" ROLLS INTO CHICAGO!

Jambase.com

One of the greatest things about the music community as a whole is that we tend to be a very generous and socially conscience group of people. We care not only about the music and the good times, but about the people around us as well as the people that are not as fortunate. It is within this spirit that THE USTORM (United So Together Our Reach Multiplies) FOUNDATION has been founded and is officially up and running in Chicago!
USTORM is a non-profit organization aimed at raising funds to help needy children and young adults improve their lives by providing access to various music and art educational programs. USTORM is founded by Brendan Bayliss, member of the Chicago based band UMPHREY'S McGEE; Kevin Kostelecky, owner of the popular Chicago bar THE STORE; Mike LeMaistre, concert promoter with JAM PRODUCTIONS; and Barry Brown, member of Chicago jam band JACK STRAW. Together these four friends got together and decided that they could use the strength of their friendships with so many kind and caring people to create a positive force (or a storm, per say...) to help needy children and young adults improve their lives by providing access to the arts.
USTORM held its first event - THE KICK OFF PARTY - at The Store on Friday, May 12th. Over 150 people came out to support the cause, eat some food and have some drinks, and win some great raffle prizes (including signed posters, great concert tickets, and even a pair of autographed tennis shoes from BRUCE HORNSBY!) The evening was a huge success, and the USTORM folks are now in the process of planning future events over the course of the summer and beyond. They look forward to the continued support and involvement of many of you in the months and years to come.

To find out more about USTORM, please check out www.USTORM.org. UNITED TOGETHER...WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! So please, support LIVE MUSIC, and support MUSIC AND ARTS CHARITIES!

USTORM Blows Roof Off Park West

Hidden Track
GlideMagizine.com

The USTORM Foundation threw itself a 1st Birthday Party at the Park West in Chicago this weekend, and just by reading the setlist that follows, we’ve never been more jealous of a lucky group of concertgoers. Da-yum. The non-profit organization that raises money for music and art education better raise some money for a new roof as well, ’cause the USTORM Players musta blown it clean off.

USTORM billed the event as “an evening of acoustic and electric music” and featured a list of impressive live performers, with members of Umphrey’s McGee and the Disco Biscuits dominating the bill that also included the lovely Jennifer Hartswick, Al Schnier, Jeff Austin, Ron Johnson and Josh Quinlan. Throw in some sick covers of The Band, Talking Heads, The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Miles Davis, and we’re holding our heads in disbelief wishing we were there.

It’s not often these days that a setlist makes us really pissed off to miss a show, but there is no denying the pain from missing this ridiculousness:

Set I: Always Up (JA/BB), #6, Susanah, That’s the Way, Grave (Al, Ron, JA, BB, Jaco Drums) > Jam > Grave, Willin’ (Aron, Ron, Al, Jake), Ain’t No Sunshine (Jen, Jake, Ryan, Kris), Fearless (Aron, Marc, Jake, Kris - Drums, BB), I’ve Just Seen A Face (Al, JA, BB), Booger (JA/BB), It Makes No Difference (Jen/BB), Wish You Were Here, The Weight (Al, Jen, BB, Ryan, Jeff, Aron, Kris)

Set II: In the Kitchen (Marc, Aron, BB, Kris, Al, Jake), Have a Cigar > Jam > Life During Wartime (Ron, Jake Drums, Al, BB, Aron) > Dear Prudence (Ron, Al, BB, Jake Drums, Aron, Josh, JA), Chameleon (Horns, Ryan, Jake Drums, BB, Aron), Ophelia (Jake, Kris, Ryan, BB, Aron, Josh), I am the Walrus (Marc, Aron, BB, Jake, Kris) > Willie the Pimp (Ron, Jake, Kris, Al, BB) > Sax Solo > Karma Police (Ron, Kris, Al, BB), Moth (Al, BB, Ryan, Kris, Aron), Helter Skelter (Jen, Ron, Aron, Al, Kris, BB), Debra, Home Again (Marc, Aron, Kris, Jake, Al, BB) > Brain Damage > Eclipse

Enc: Late in the Evening

Musician legend: BB = Brendan Bayliss (Umphrey’s McGee), Andy = Andy Farag (UM), Jake = Jake Cinninger (UM), Ryan = Ryan Stasik (UM), Kris = Kris Myers (UM), AL = Al Schnier (moe.), JA = Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band), Aron = Aron Magner (Disco Biscuits), Marc = Marc Brownstein (DB), Jen = Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band), Ron = Ron Johnson (KDTU, New Monsoon), Josh = Josh Quinlan (Ray’s Music Exchange)