Hanson - doing something productive for society

I am so glad that my favorite band is doing more with their music than corrupting minds and topping the charts with empty meaningless lyrics. Hanson isn't really in the spotlight anymore, but they are making a difference nonetheless.

While working on their latest album the guys went to South Africa to record a children's choir for a couple of their songs. While they were there they saw the dire need for help in many of the areas. One need was for AIDS relief as well as poverty relief. As a result they decided to donate all the money from the download of "The Great Divide" off iTunes to HIVSA, a company that researches AIDS.

That wasn't where it ended though. During their recent tour the guys promoted TOMS shoes which donates a pair of shoes to kids in poverty for every pair sold. They conducted walks in each city to raise awareness of the need in South Africa, and all over the world for that matter. I participated in the walk in Charlotte and the guys spoke about how this generation has the capability to help instantly, but we're too wrapped up in the latest gossip and our own affairs.

Now they are in South Africa with TOMS giving out the shoes and became aware of yet another need. The school that lent their voices to Hanson's latest album is in a very bad state. They have limited space and are in need of supplies. Hanson has challenged not only their fans, but anyone willing to donate money by Sunday Nov. 25th for this school. Their goal is $10,000 and they have already reached $8,000. If you're interested in helping out you can go to http://www.abryanphoto.com/blog/ and get involved.

God is certainly using these guys to better His world and inspire others to do the same. I'm so thankful that they are willing to step out of the "norm" of mainstream music and be a positive influence. They are more concerned with putting out a quality product than getting something out quickly just to please the fat cats. They would rather tend to others needs than rack up platinum albums for their own glory.

MMMBop may have given them a stereotype image, but if people really took the time to see what they are up to now and listen to their music, they might be inspired and rediscover what real music sounds like.