Von Chalant
December 8th, 2009
Ever hear "Eye of the Tiger?” It was co-written by Jim Peterick. He is no doubt legendary for co-writing this hit song as well as countless others. Jim, along with his son Collin, were kind enough to allow us to record the vocals for our contest winner's version of “Do it for you (Two)” performed by contest winner, Dan Suarez, at his home studio last week. With Collin at the helm and Jim's ultra cool vibe it will truly be remembered as a highlight of this whole experience for me and I will be forever grateful for your contribution!
Kris Kancler (Super Star)
Ever hear "Eye of the Tiger?” It was co-written by Jim Peterick. He is no doubt legendary for co-writing this hit song as well as countless others. Jim, along with his son Collin, were kind enough to allow us to record the vocals for our contest winner's version of “Do it for you (Two)” performed by contest winner, Dan Suarez, at his home studio last week. With Collin at the helm and Jim's ultra cool vibe it will truly be remembered as a highlight of this whole experience for me and I will be forever grateful for your contribution!
Kris Kancler (Super Star)
"We Are One" Fundraiser
Held at Chantilly Banquets in Countryside IL on Sunday, Nov 15
Click Here for Pictures from We Are One
Von Chalant at "We Are One" Fundraiser
(See video on RealCollegeTour.com Blog)
Click link below for "The Doings" newspaper article:
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/westernsprings/news/1887173,western-springs-ltrecording-111909-s1.article
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/westernsprings/news/1887173,western-springs-ltrecording-111909-s1.article
Dan Suarez of Western Springs sings Sunday (11/15/09) at the "We Are One Rocks La Grange" event at Chantilly Banquets with his band, Von Chalant.
(Jeff Krage/for Sun-Times Media)
(Jeff Krage/for Sun-Times Media)
Lyons Township junior Dan Suarez of Western Springs recently won a competition to record on a CD with some notable rockers.
Lyons Township junior Dan Suarez of Western Springs sings Sunday at Chanatilly Banquets during a fund-raiser for the We Are One Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at raising awareness of burgeoning drug and alcohol use among high school students.
LT junior sings out from madrigal to alternative
(http://www.pioneerlocal.com/westernsprings/news/1887173,western-springs-ltrecording-111909-s1.article)
November 17, 2009
By JANE MICHAELS [email protected]
Many lead rock singers venture back only as far as classic hits of the 1960s, but Lyons Township High School junior Dan Suarez is just as at home performing 16th century English madrigals.
"It's really different. I like the contrast," said Suarez, a member of LT's madrigal groups and choir since his sophomore year. "In choir, we sing a whole bunch of languages and sometimes in 16-part harmony. It's some crazy stuff."
The Western Springs teen also sings lead vocals for Von Chalant, an alternative band with fellow LT students
Mike Leszczynski on bass, Nolan Galivan on drums, Christian Zwit on keyboard and Brian Quinlan on guitar.
"We have an element of jazz in our sound and traditional rock with guitar parts," Suarez said. "We tried to think of a name for it, like jazz fusion or jazz-pop fusion. You could compare us to the Killers or Red Hot Chili Peppers.
"I'm a baritone with more of a lower range, which can be kind of difficult. Traditional rock and roll can call for a higher range, but I work around it."
The band took top honors in September during a Battle of the Bands contest in LaGrange Park and has been selected to perform first hour at some of LT's late arrival days at both the north and south campuses.
Suarez also took first place in a recent contest for teen singers to win the chance to record on a CD with notable rockers promoting teen substance abuse prevention. He will be recording a track for the title cut of "Serenity," produced by the We Are One Foundation, based in La Grange.
"Dan showed enthusiasm and passion in his performance that demonstrated he was the young star we were searching for," said Kris Kancler, who launched the foundation a year ago following his own recovery from an 18-year battle with alcohol and drug abuse.
Kancler of La Grange and his twin brother, Marc, of Malibu, Calif., wrote and recorded the CD's songs with donations of time and talent from performers in Kiss, Heart, Goo Goo Dolls and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
"The contest was really exciting and I was really pumped to find out I'd won," Suarez said. "The foundation has an important message that can otherwise get lost in the fray. It's pretty important."
Though he's only 16 years old, Suarez said he's not that nervous singing before a crowd, because he started performing pop duets with his brother, Eddie, two years ago.
"He wrote the songs, sang and played piano, and I'd sing back-up and play guitar," Suarez said. "Eddie's a freshman at Indiana University this year."
Suarez said he's grateful his parents are very supportive of his music, yet urge him to strike a balance in life by keeping up his grades and other responsibilities. Though music is on his horizon, he said he may consider medical school or a career in psychology.
"I definitely like the idea of having a steady job and doing music, too," he said. "I don't want to get too ahead of myself. Music is really competitive."
(http://www.pioneerlocal.com/westernsprings/news/1887173,western-springs-ltrecording-111909-s1.article)
November 17, 2009
By JANE MICHAELS [email protected]
Many lead rock singers venture back only as far as classic hits of the 1960s, but Lyons Township High School junior Dan Suarez is just as at home performing 16th century English madrigals.
"It's really different. I like the contrast," said Suarez, a member of LT's madrigal groups and choir since his sophomore year. "In choir, we sing a whole bunch of languages and sometimes in 16-part harmony. It's some crazy stuff."
The Western Springs teen also sings lead vocals for Von Chalant, an alternative band with fellow LT students
Mike Leszczynski on bass, Nolan Galivan on drums, Christian Zwit on keyboard and Brian Quinlan on guitar.
"We have an element of jazz in our sound and traditional rock with guitar parts," Suarez said. "We tried to think of a name for it, like jazz fusion or jazz-pop fusion. You could compare us to the Killers or Red Hot Chili Peppers.
"I'm a baritone with more of a lower range, which can be kind of difficult. Traditional rock and roll can call for a higher range, but I work around it."
The band took top honors in September during a Battle of the Bands contest in LaGrange Park and has been selected to perform first hour at some of LT's late arrival days at both the north and south campuses.
Suarez also took first place in a recent contest for teen singers to win the chance to record on a CD with notable rockers promoting teen substance abuse prevention. He will be recording a track for the title cut of "Serenity," produced by the We Are One Foundation, based in La Grange.
"Dan showed enthusiasm and passion in his performance that demonstrated he was the young star we were searching for," said Kris Kancler, who launched the foundation a year ago following his own recovery from an 18-year battle with alcohol and drug abuse.
Kancler of La Grange and his twin brother, Marc, of Malibu, Calif., wrote and recorded the CD's songs with donations of time and talent from performers in Kiss, Heart, Goo Goo Dolls and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
"The contest was really exciting and I was really pumped to find out I'd won," Suarez said. "The foundation has an important message that can otherwise get lost in the fray. It's pretty important."
Though he's only 16 years old, Suarez said he's not that nervous singing before a crowd, because he started performing pop duets with his brother, Eddie, two years ago.
"He wrote the songs, sang and played piano, and I'd sing back-up and play guitar," Suarez said. "Eddie's a freshman at Indiana University this year."
Suarez said he's grateful his parents are very supportive of his music, yet urge him to strike a balance in life by keeping up his grades and other responsibilities. Though music is on his horizon, he said he may consider medical school or a career in psychology.
"I definitely like the idea of having a steady job and doing music, too," he said. "I don't want to get too ahead of myself. Music is really competitive."
Check out the You Tube clip above for a sampling of all the great "We Are One" audition performances!
Dan Suarez sings with his band Von Chalant during the Rock the Reber at Lyons Township Thursday November 5, 2009. Dan was chosen for the We Are One auditions aiming to raise awareness of drug and alcohol use among high school students. Photo by Erica Benson.
LT junior lends a hand —and voice to recording project
Dan Suarez may have a great set of vocal chords, but that does not mean he has a big head.
The Lyons Township High School junior auditioned for and won a place as a vocalist on a CD with a strong message that living a life without drugs and alcohol is the only way to achieve one’s dreams.
The “Serenity” CD is part of a bigger campaign by the We Are One Foundation to encourage sobriety among high school students. The auditions were held at Border’s Books in La Grange Oct. 25.
Dan, who is a vocalist for the alternative band Von Chalant, said he found out from a friend of his mother’s about the audition.
“It interested me so I checked it out, and I thought it was pretty cool.”
Prior to the audition, Dan watched a video of 10 other vocalists hoping to secure a spot on the CD.
“I saw a couple of friends of mine who did really well,” he said. “I listened to the music — it’s really more hard rock. I didn’t really think it was my style, which is a little more relaxed. But they said they would let me throw in my own style and thoughts in to it. They pretty much gave me creative control over it, which is pretty exciting.”
The project is the brain child of Super Star, formerly Kris Kancler, who, along with his brother, Rock Star, formerly Mark Kancler, started the foundation in response to Super Star’s fight with and victory over addiction. The nonprofit organization is aimed at raising awareness of burgeoning drug and alcohol use among high school students.
Super Star called Dan a real trooper.
“It’s tough to stand there in front of a panel of judges,” he said. “They’re taking notes and the singers notice that. That would make me nervous for sure.”
Dan came into the audition with Von Chalant guitarist Brian Quinlan, who accompanied him on “Do it for You.”
“He just blew us away,” Super Star said. “His voice is very warm and inviting, and it will definitely help us convey the message of the song.”
Dan recorded the final track on the 12-song CD, featuring the Kancler brothers and members from Kiss, Heart, Goo Goo Dolls and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Other members of Von Chalant include Nolan Galivan, drums; Michael Leszczynski, bass; and Christian Zwit, keyboards and synthesizer.
Meanwhile, Dan is not letting his guest appearance on a CD featuring an all-star cast get to his head.
“I try not to get ahead of myself,” he said, “but it’s really exciting and I’m very excited.”
By Joe Sinopoli, [email protected]
La Grange Suburban Life
Mon Nov 09, 2009
La Grange, IL
The Lyons Township High School junior auditioned for and won a place as a vocalist on a CD with a strong message that living a life without drugs and alcohol is the only way to achieve one’s dreams.
The “Serenity” CD is part of a bigger campaign by the We Are One Foundation to encourage sobriety among high school students. The auditions were held at Border’s Books in La Grange Oct. 25.
Dan, who is a vocalist for the alternative band Von Chalant, said he found out from a friend of his mother’s about the audition.
“It interested me so I checked it out, and I thought it was pretty cool.”
Prior to the audition, Dan watched a video of 10 other vocalists hoping to secure a spot on the CD.
“I saw a couple of friends of mine who did really well,” he said. “I listened to the music — it’s really more hard rock. I didn’t really think it was my style, which is a little more relaxed. But they said they would let me throw in my own style and thoughts in to it. They pretty much gave me creative control over it, which is pretty exciting.”
The project is the brain child of Super Star, formerly Kris Kancler, who, along with his brother, Rock Star, formerly Mark Kancler, started the foundation in response to Super Star’s fight with and victory over addiction. The nonprofit organization is aimed at raising awareness of burgeoning drug and alcohol use among high school students.
Super Star called Dan a real trooper.
“It’s tough to stand there in front of a panel of judges,” he said. “They’re taking notes and the singers notice that. That would make me nervous for sure.”
Dan came into the audition with Von Chalant guitarist Brian Quinlan, who accompanied him on “Do it for You.”
“He just blew us away,” Super Star said. “His voice is very warm and inviting, and it will definitely help us convey the message of the song.”
Dan recorded the final track on the 12-song CD, featuring the Kancler brothers and members from Kiss, Heart, Goo Goo Dolls and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Other members of Von Chalant include Nolan Galivan, drums; Michael Leszczynski, bass; and Christian Zwit, keyboards and synthesizer.
Meanwhile, Dan is not letting his guest appearance on a CD featuring an all-star cast get to his head.
“I try not to get ahead of myself,” he said, “but it’s really exciting and I’m very excited.”
By Joe Sinopoli, [email protected]
La Grange Suburban Life
Mon Nov 09, 2009
La Grange, IL
Dan Suarez wins "We Are One" Audition - Von Chalant to perform Nov 15 at "We Are One" fundraiser in Countryside IL
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS WE ARE ONE FOUNDATION AUDITION
Auditions help find vocalist for the final track on a CD dedicated to fighting youth substance abuse.
Dan Suarez, a junior at Lyons Township High School, was chosen out of all the aspiring singers who turned out for the We Are One auditions held last Sunday at Borders Books in La Grange, Illinois.
“Dan showed enthusiasm and passion in his performance that demonstrated he was the young star we were searching for,” said Super Star. Suarez will record the final track on the CD, called “Serenity,” featuring twin brothers Super Star and Rock Star (aka Kris and Marc Kancler), plus an all-star lineup of performers from bands such as Kiss, Heart, Goo Goo Dolls and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. It is a project of the brothers’ We Are One Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at raising awareness of burgeoning drug and alcohol use among high school students.
"We want to send a strong message that living a life without drugs and alcohol is the only way to achieve your dreams, and our ‘Serenity’ CD is one component of a much broader campaign to make sobriety cool," said Rock Star.
The other 11 tracks on the CD are complete. The brothers can now start the process of working with this young star who proved he had the pipes to deliver the goods on the final song, proving that staying sober and having the guts to follow your dreams can make them come true.
For more information and video of the event, please visit www.weareoneonline.com or call 310-740-6850.
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“We Are One Rocks La Grange”
Event Page: http://www.weareoneonline.com/events.htm
We believe that growing up is hard enough as it is, and when drugs and alcohol are thrown into the mix, being a teenager is extremely difficult. Our goal is to help adolescents make the right decisions, resulting in positive changes in their lives. This is accomplished with professional, relevant, educational and reality based programs and services that assist and support both adolescents and their parents
What:
An event to introduce the We Are One Foundation, a registered 501c3 non-profit, to your community. In addition to explain explaining the programs we will be launching in La Grange, there will be a dinner, live student band from LT (Von Chalant), a silent auction, and more….
Why:
To underwrite programs designed to help young people in the Chicagoland community resist the temptations of substance abuse.
Who:
This event is open to anyone and everyone in the community.
When:
Sunday, Nov 15th, 2009 from 5pm to 8pm
Where:
Chantilly Banquets 5412 S La Grange Rd. Countryside, Il
Tickets:
Tickets are $40 each or $35.00 for groups of two or more. Student tickets can be purchased at $12 each with admission at 7pm.
For more information and ticket prices, please call Kris Kancler at 310-740-6850.
We Are One is a non-profit (5013C) operating foundation launched by Super Star and Rock Star in an effort to get kids whom are early in recovery, off the street and into a safe environment where they can rock! The We Are One mission is to help youth understand their struggle with addiction. By providing hands-on mentorship training, our very own Rehearsal Workshops/Seminars, and a fundraising program designed specifically to help school systems provide students with the opportunities to hold discussions about this subject matter in and out of their classrooms, we intend to raise the bar in creating awareness to the importance of sobriety.
Program from "We Are One" Fundraiser
