fight the bear

Saturday night is indeed all right for fighting, and this week, Falls Church rockers Fight the Bear are set to take on multiple sclerosis in an appearance at Janet's Java in Alexandria. The group is playing to raise money and awareness.

For the band's lead guitarist, Jason Hoese, this fight is personal. His mother-in-law, Dianne L. Carroll, 65, of Arlington County had MS diagnosed in 1995. For two years, Fight the Bear has played a private fundraising party to coincide with the National Capital Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's "Walk MS" fundraiser, which is scheduled for April 26 in Reston.

"I've been doing the MS walk with Jenny, my wife, since 2001. I've always been pretty bad at raising funds, because I'm not the type of guy that asks people for money. I don't like doing that," Hoese said. Offering his music at a party in his living room in return for donations was a comfortable solution, he said.

The group decided to make the fundraiser a bigger event this year, scheduling it at a larger performance space and opening the door to all comers. Hoese said he is hopeful that the early start time and greater seating capacity will encourage more of Carroll's friends and others who want to help the cause to turn out.

"I know my mother-in-law is going to be in a wheelchair eventually. That's the reason why I do it," he said. "For her; she's a great lady."

Since becoming involved with the MS Society, the guitarist has seen multiple sclerosis's effect on others, too. He said he has been particularly moved by the plight of younger people who have had the disease diagnosed and are facing the prospect of a long physical decline as it slowly attacks their nervous systems.

Music fans attending Saturday's show will be doing more than helping a cause. They will also be getting an earful of an excellent band. Fight the Bear's brand of hard rock is built around Hoese's meaty riffs, and has more hooks than an angler's tackle box.
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Singer and guitarist Bill Hughes is blessed with a throat that sounds bioengineered for rock. He contributes strong melodies and lyrics to the band's textured and well-crafted songs. The aggressive and inventive rhythm section of bass guitarist Jude Plessas and drummer Kurt Snyder is a mesmerizing presence.

Plessas, who has played in numerous bands for the past 25 years in his native Syracuse, N.Y., and in the Washington area, said: "This is the best project I've ever been in." The bassist said that not only can Fight the Bear write great songs, but that the band knows how to deliver them, too. "Playing with this band is a huge release of energy. . . . It's about playing really good music and having fun doing it."

The band plans two sets Saturday, including an acoustic set of covers and originals to start the evening. Fight the Bear has been working in local clubs this spring and recording at Actiondale Studios in Annandale with producer Mike Harvey. The group plans to release a CD by summer.

-- C. WOODROW IRVIN

- The Washington Post