For those of you who know the Lane James Band, you already know that for the last six years the band has been committed to playing benefit shows for the Soldiers Project.
What is the Soldiers Project? It is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing post 9/11 vets with PTSD care at no cost. As Lane James always states, “They fought for us, so let’s fight for them!”
The group wants to see some drastic changes to the way the government treats returning veterans and James experienced the current treatment himself when he returned from Vietnam. He elaborated, stating: “Our ultimate goal is to have a mandatory 30 day decompression which entails open group and private sessions with therapists several times a week on the base. Simply by doing this and making it mandatory, so many would not harm themselves or their families, and would find a way to adjust back into society.”
Besides the incredible work the band commits to and raises funds for, many may not know about Lane James’ own personal struggle. After his son, Matthew Howard James, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident, James and his family fell into a dark hole. Eventually, just as after he returned from the war, writing and being involved in music helped him through the grieving process tremendously.
In fact, the CD titled “I Just Wanna Talk To You”, was released as a result of James turning to music during this dark time, and singing these songs from the album dedicated to his son has helped in ultimately healing him. He states: “To cry in voice and music is like singing to him, I know he hears me.”
As the Lane James Band turns to music to help heal those who are being ignored and left to deal with their PTSD alone, it also had a huge impact on Lane James himself, and he wants to extend that good will.
To hear this incredible band play with their fuse of blues and rhythm, and also contribute to a very worthy cause, you can go to their benefit concert and CD release party on January 22, at 5:30PM at the Nectar Lounge in Fremont. Don’t miss this great opportunity!
To learn more about the Soldiers Project, visit www.thesoldiersproject.org.
