"Giving for a Living" Retro Band by AIRWAVES

Now that fewer donations and greater demand have reduced the surplus at area food pantries, these two families are making music together as a way to create awareness of the problem and to help make sure Iowa families don’t go hungry.

They will be donating all revenue and food supplies generated to Iowa food pantries.

Airwaves is a newly formed pop-rock band based in Cedar Rapids that has dedicated this summer to playing at fairs and other town-sponsored events around Eastern Iowa.  They will be donating their time so that all proceeds and food supplies generated can help replenish Iowa food pantries.  Jonathan Dyrland, the new choir director at Marion High School is lead vocalist. His wife Meegan sings backup .  The other five band members include Harrison Hixson on bass.  Guitarists are Mike Davis and Adam Calcara, formerly with Greenbrier. Brett Calcara plays drums and Tim Calcara on keys.   

They cover some of the most popular music of the last 30 years featuring such artists as Rascal Flatts, U2 and The Fray. But they prefer to lean toward family-friendly lyrics when selecting songs they will play.

“We feel the music we play is important since we are a family band and also because we are playing at fairs which are typically family venues,” says Brett Calcara. “We’d rather sing about topics that build up the family, not tear it down.

Sometimes we’ll do a song that doesn’t necessarily have positive lyrics but most of the songs are positive and promote family values.”

The band will have containers available at their shows this summer and they’re asking that people bring nonperishable food items for donation. Cash gifts of any amount are also encouraged and all revenue will go to help area organizations feed the hungry.

More information about the food shortage in Iowa can be found at www.givingforaliving.com. For bookiing information, call 319 213 7275.