Here’s a way to make a difference in the world: Go to Rams Head Live in Baltimore today at 3 p.m., kick off your shoes and join Hanson on a one-mile walk to raise money for the fight against poverty and AIDS in Africa.
The three brothers who made a name for themselves as a teen pop band in the mid 1990s have not only matured into a more distinctive rock/pop band, but they’re on some very tangible missions to fight poverty. Before each show on this current tour, the members invite fans to walk with them for one mile to raise money for charity. It’s the group’s hope that the fans will then continue strides for charity on their own.
“The biggest thing we’re doing right now is the walk around the world,” said Zac Hanson, the youngest group member. “We want to talk to our fans about leaders on their own. There’s nothing we do that they can’t do.”
A visit to South Africa and the high-profile works of U2’s frontman Bono spurred the brothers to action. The walks are just one example. Proceeds from Hanson’s song “Great Divide,” plus a host of partnerships and projects are designed to raise money and donations for the cause.
In the midst of all this, the band continues to tour behind its 2007 release, “The Walk,” which won critical acclaim. The music shows that the once pop-boy-band has matured into rockers with a distinctive sound, a growth many of the band’s musical peers haven’t achieved.
Perhaps that’s because the brothers grew up on a diet of Motown music from the ‘50s and ‘60s, including such super groups as Sly & The Family Stone. Now that the brothers have formed their own label, it’s easier to move ahead with their vision of the band’s sound rather than follow the orders of others.
“We have always adapted ourselves to the songs instead of vice versa,” said Isaac Hanson. “Yes, our band will change and evolve, but we want to establish the reality of what this band truly sounds like.”
Not to mention stands for.
IF YOU GO
Performer: Hanson’s “The Walk Around The World Tour” with Dave Barnes, Everybody Else
When: 7 p.m. tonight
Where: Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore
Details: $30 Adv., $32 Day of Show; 410-547-SEAT; www.ticketmaster.com
Walk details: 3 p.m. today, Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore; www.hanson.net
