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Canfield students organize benefit concert
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Jim Merhaut, Victoria Manenti, Ryan Kirk, Alexa Billy, JD Eicher and Dan Prokop pose for a photo after a very successful show.
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Dan Prokop performs on the keyboard during the benefit concert.
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Playing at the concert were band members Dan Prokop on keyboard, JD Eicher singing, Ryan Kirk on drums and Jim Merhaut on guitar.
By EMILY GIANETTI
As seniors in National Honor Society, Victoria Manenti and Alexa Billy needed a service project that would help the community, but also be a lot of fun.
They came up with the perfect idea.
Billy got in touch with family friend JD Eicher, who agreed to bring his band, JD Eicher and the Goodnights, to the Canfield High School auditorium Dec. 17 to play a benefit concert.
The proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Dorothy Day House of Hospitality in Youngstown. The house helps the underprivileged in the community.
“We loved everything that this local charity stood for,” said Manenti. “Alexa and I are extremely happy that we did it and greatly appreciate the band and everyone who came to the show.”
More than 100 people attended and about $1,000 was raised.
The response for the band was great as well. The ‘light rock’ band’s fan base has been growing steadily since the release of its first record “The Shape of Things” two years ago.
“We had a great time and we felt like we were connecting with the audience. Everyone was really friendly,” said Eicher, the band’s vocalist.
The band also includes guitarist Jim Merhaut, Ryan Kirk on drums and Dan Prokop on keyboard.
“They’re what every band should strive to be,” said fan Bailey Sandin. “They sound great live, they have meaning in their songs and they interact with their fans.”
The band’s new album “Shifting” was released last summer. Both albums can be purchased at www.jdeicherandthegoodnights.com, or on iTunes or Amazon by typing in the band’s name. The band can also be visited at www.facebook.com/jdeicherandthegoodnights.