More Kidney-Related Fun

A promotional video made by my friends at Paddleball Productions. They're both incredibly awesome and completely stupid at the same time...which is why I love them.

Witness for yourself an interview with Vijoy's kidneys:



Don't forget the 2008 National Kidney Foundation Music Jam this Saturday at Lucas School House. Minimum $10 donation; Doors at 7 p.m., Music at 8 p.m.

2008 National Kidney Foundation Music Jam

So, many people might not know that I (periodically) suffer from a lovely kidney disease called kidney stones. You can Google it if you want. I really don't want to get into the specifics here, but it's pretty excruciating to say the least. So, because I have sort of a personal interest in kidney health, I was pretty stoked to find out that my good pal Vijoy Rao of Vijoy Rao and The Removers is coordinating a benefit for the National Kidney Foundation on Saturday, August 2. It will be at the Lucas School House (1220 Allen in Soulard, St. Louis).

Vijoy, besides being a fantastic musician and super cool dude, is also somewhat of a saint. Not too long ago, he selflessly (and without hesitation) donated one of his kidneys to his father. There just aren't words ...

Today, I had a little chat with Vijoy about the show:

Brandy: So, what is this show all about?
Vijoy: I pulled together this event in support of a cause that was close to my family. It’s the best way to raise money that I know of so I figured, what the heck. All proceeds will be going to the NKF so the other bands and Lucas School House have been very generous. The cause of the NKF is something very close to my heart … uh … figuratively and quite literally.

Brandy: How did you guys get involved in the show?

Vijoy: It was pretty easy since I am the one who is throwing the event. I presented my idea of a benefit show to the NKF several months ago and they thought it was a good idea. About our playing the show – self-serving? Maybe…but c’mon, I got cut open for Pete’s sake. Gimme a break. The other bands? Mostly friends of mine and connections through the local music scene. The drummer for The Clark Canan Band is a kidney recipient. Ya know, the scene here is really not as bad as they say. You just gotta know where to look. And besides, who are “they” anyway?

Brandy: Is Vijoy Rao and the Removers really one of St. Louis’ most exciting bands like it says on the flyer?
Vijoy: My mom said so…and she never lies. Except when she said the moon was made of cheese. Mmmmmm ….. cheeeeese.

Brandy: Why is your band called The Removers?
Vijoy: I pulled the band together about a year ago to record our record and play the CD release party. These guys are my favorite musicians in town and it’s an honor to call them my friends. My dad once asked how the band was sounding. Being a solo/acoustic act primarily, my songs were usually restricted to a certain sound. But with the band, songs started taking on their own life and some become reggae tunes, some became alt-country, some became bluegrass, etc. The band “removed” any parameters set by just playing them solo. Hence, the removers. Buying that? Well … it’s true.

Brandy: Not really sure if you knew this, but I’ve actually suffered from kidney stones myself (twice). They suck in a way I can’t even explain. So in a way, you’re really helping to support your old pal Brandy. How do you feel about that?
Vijoy: Jeeeeeez. Why does everything always have to be about you?
I keed, I keed. Didn’t know that. Yeah … it sounds like that sucks. Well, I am glad to help in any way I can. Now I feel the pressure. We’ll try extra hard to sound good … just for you.

SO, please, all of you St. Louis folks mark your calendars for this awesome event. If you're away from St. Louis or simply unavailable and want to make a donation to the National Kidney Foundation, you can do so here.

It's Time For Some Campaigning

It's been a while since my last post. I promise more frequent writing. In the meantime, entertain yourself with this courtesy of JibJab...(and so it starts)