Journopalooza Rocks National Press Club

January 12, 2009

NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Posted by Ryan Howell - 01/12/2009 | Email the editor
Journopalooza Rocks National Press Club

Four journalist-driven bands rocked the Club on Friday in the first-ever Journopalooza music festival for charity. The Club sold more than 700 tickets for the event and raised about $15,000, according to an early estimate, packing the ballroom and overflowing onto the 13th floor in a concert for which every dime benefited a journalist.

"Everything exceeded our expectations: the crowd, the music, and especially the amount of money raised,'' said Jonathan Landay, a reporter for McClatchy Newspapers and member of Nobody's Business, the last band of the night.

"We can take great satisfaction knowing that there will be brother and sister journalists whose lives, livelihoods and dedication to their calling will be better protected and young, aspiring journalists whose careers will be better nourished as a result of this event,'' he said.

"Charity never sounded so good,'' added Josh Meyer, Los Angeles Times correspondent and guitarist/vocalist for Suspicious Package, the third band of the night.

Also playing at the show were Anchorage, which opened the night with a half-hour with an original set honed at the Black Cat, Fort Reno and other DC-area clubs; and the Surge, which combined sonic blasts with blogger sensibilities.

Attendees included Club members of all ages, including the dean of the Club's ex-presidents, John Cosgrove, who celebrated natal day #90 a few months back. CIA director Michael Hayden also dropped by and, from all appearances, had a great time.

Along with ticket and t-shirt sales, support for the event was provided by Bloomberg News, the Washington Post, Hearst Newspapers/The Houston Chronicle, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, the National Beer Wholesalers Association and Red Bull Energy Drink. Additional contributions and t-shirt purchases are available at the Press Club front desk and at www.journopalooza.com.

Check out clips of each band by clicking here.