This month’s feature band is Sound Cannon, a progressive rock band from the Orlando area.Sound Cannon is exactly what their names implies. They blow you away with their sound, and their message… The band is truly inspiring on so many levels.When I heard about them, and the story about their lead guitarist Jared Hara, I knew they would be a perfect feature for the December issue, “the most wonderful time of the year”.
"Sound Cannon" evolved from the 2006 band "Shift Comma Three" which featured Orlando musicians Baylor Johnson-vocalist, Maxx Danziger-drums, Bryan Boyhan-bass and Jared Hara-guitar. It was Baylor who formed the band with his talented friends, which included Jared, who lost his sight at the age of 12.
Jared was just an average kid with a passion for hockey, when a routine visit to the eye doctor changed his life forever. At age 11, he was diagnosed with Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, which would leave him completely blind in less than 2 years.His story was documented by the HBO movie “Blindsided”, directed by Talia Osteen.Visit: www.blindsidedthemovie.com for more information on this documentary and to view the movie trailer.
This heartwarming inspirational documentary tells the story of the Jared's individual, and The Hara family’s journey through depression, fear, anger, guilt and reconciliation. Jared, then focused his attention and talents from his beloved sport, hockey, to music, eventually becoming an accomplish guitarist.
I had the chance to talk to Jared last month while he was on his way to Miami to take tests for an experimental treatment for his condition.He told me a little about his migration to music, the struggles he and his band has had to deal with, and how they have turned those struggles into opportunities.
“When I lost my eyesight and couldn’t play hockey anymore, I was willing to try anything.So, I picked up the guitar, and I never put it down”.“It became very therapeutic for me, and my family”, he said. His musical influences include; Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, and Animals as Leaders.
Jared is now a Psych major at Rollins College in Orlando.Founded in 1885, Rollins College is a liberal arts institution, and the oldest recognized college in Florida.He is currently doing a four-year study with gene theory treatments.Medical breakthroughs are happening every day.He is hopeful that doctors will find a treatment for his condition.But now his attentions are completely focused on his studies and his music.
Sound Cannon played at The Social for their Record Release Party December 2008.They enjoyed some success playing over 50 gigs in the Orlando area.Their biggest gig was at Hard Rock Live in Orlando in August of 2008.This show validated their talents along with their irresistibly unique rock sound. Employees at Hard Rock Live said, "We've been here 8 years and we don't see bands like this come through. They are amazing."
Things were really taking off for them when tragedy struck again.Friday, March 13, Lead Singer Zachary Bass, passed away at age 21.This was a big blow to the members of the band, but with the support of their fans, they didn’t give up.They continued practicing, and song writing.Then six months later, they enlisted the talents of Trevor Durning as the new front man for the group.
The band’s passion and dreams remain the same.For them, there could be no greater feeling than to have people at their concerts singing their songs while they play. That's when you know you have touched a life with your art.Jared said, ”Our music has depth. We try to write songs that are fun, and come from our own life experiences”.Well Jared, you, and the band, certainly have a lot of life experiences to draw from.Somehow I have the feeling there are a lot more to come…
Keep your eye on Jared Hara and The Sound Cannon Band.You can check out the latest information on them at: www.myspace.com/soundcannonband.Don’t miss them performing right here in SW Florida, as they will be playing at the Englewood Music Festival, scheduled for March 6th 2010 .Look for more details on this show, and information about the band at: www.EnglewoodMusicFestival.com, and in The Parrot Entertainment Magazine which you can always catch online at: www.SWFLParrot.com.Don’t miss this event! Reserve your tickets here>>>
Band Members:
Trevor Durning -Vocals
Maxx Danziger - Drums
Jared Hara - Guitar
Bryan Boyhan –Bass
