Running Blind

Music fans aren't the only ones who'll benefit from Running Blind's upcoming eight-hour concert.

The Manitowoc County-based rock 'n' roll band is holding Rockathon for Autism on Saturday at Double Dam Bar & Grill, 6497 Manitowoc County B, Shoto,with proceeds to benefit the Autism Society of the Lakeshore. The concert is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. There is no cover charge, but donations will be accepted."What they're doing means a lot to me personally, and it means a lot to my family," said Double Dam owner John Breden,whose daughter, Rylie, 5, has a mild case of autism."The Autism Society doesn't have all the funds and resources it needs — it can't stay open in the summer — so we're really hoping this helps.For the guys to be able to attempt something like this is pretty special."

Chad Hoerth, founding member of Running Blind, said the band's longest previous concert was a six-hour show in Pulaski."The Rockathon just started out as a challenge," Hoerth said. "We have talented songwriters, but it gets to the point where we never get through all the songs when we perform. We wish we could play longer."So somebody told us, 'Hey, I bet you can't do eight hours.' And we took the challenge. Then, we figured, 'If we're doing something like this, we should get a charity involved and make an event out of it.' "Running Blind performed at Double Dam in June with The Black Mollys, and was eager to return to the newly built outdoor stage.Hoerth and Breden brainstormed ideas for a charity, and then it hit Breden to assist the Autism Society of the Lakeshore."I thought it was a great idea," Hoerth said. "We wanted to raise as much money as possible, and keep as much of it in Manitowoc County as we could."
With that in mind, there also will be an Autism Charity Motorcycle Ride on Sunday. Each bike donates $10. Riders will meet at Double Dam at noon and travel to area businesses that made donations. The final stop before returning to Double Dam will be at the Autism Society of the Lakeshore to present a check for the money raised.

"They don't have to wait a few weeks or months to get the funds — they're getting it the same weekend," Hoerth said. In addition, on Saturday there will be free lunch and activities for children with autism; a raffle will feature door prizes from local businesses; Sticky's Tattoo will be on location; there will be volleyball and horseshoe tournaments; and Double Dam will have food and drink specials all day.Hoerth will be joined on stage by Jeff Stoeger, Chris Brooks, Peter Virant and Shed Dog. Some band members will occasionally take a break during the eight-hour concert, but the musicians are versatile and will fill in on instruments as needed to keep music flowing the entire time.
Running Blind repeated in 2009 as Best Local Band in the Best of Manitowoc County Reader's Choice Award, organized by the Herald Times Reporter. The band has been getting increased airplay and has opened for some national performers in recent months. Hoerth said the band is preparing to return to the studio to record its next CD. - Herald Times reporter

There was a good three inches of snow already on the ground and it was still falling with no end in sight. The next night they would travel to Milwaukee in similar conditions to open for Hinder at the Rave. Fans of Running Blind, new and old alike, thought nothing of braving the elements to hear this band perform. And perform is such an understatement for what you will experience at one of their shows. They completely took over Anduzzi's with an energy that shook the stage and pulsated throughout the crowd. It is an energy that is a visible connection among Running Blind's band members. They are a true rock 'n' roll band combining musical influences from classic 60's and 70's to the most current rock sounds. At times compared to Alice in Chains, Godsmack, or 3 Doors Down. Chad "Chief" Hoerth, bass guitar and vocals, is the only remaining original member of Running Blind which formed in 2006. The current line-up has been together since October 2007, consisting of Hoerth, Jeff Stoeger lead vocals/guitar, Shed Dog lead and backing vocals/guitar, Peter Virant guitar/vocals, and Chris Brooks drums/keys/vocals. They are 5 guys who love to entertain and when they get onstage don't expect to see them take a break; they will play non-stop from 9pm until 2am. They want you to hear all your favorite songs with more heart and emotion than you thought possible. The artist/song list is incredible and unbelievably versatile - Aerosmith, Collective Soul, Beastie Boys, Eric Clapton, Buck Cherry (big favorite), Puddle of Mudd, and Eagles, just to name a few. They can really do it all and with a current set list of 110 songs their goal is to push that to 150 songs, insanity! Running Blind was named The Best Local Band in the Best of Manitowoc County Reader's Choice Awards for 2008. What this band has accomplished in the relatively short time together is amazing. Their debut CD, "The Other Side," is an all-acoustic project featuring all 10 original songs written by Stoeger. Running Blind Live at Anduzzi's in Green Bay, WisconsinWhat you will hear are great lyrics put to life by a talented musical collaboration of 3 acoustic guitars, acoustic bass, percussion, keys, and a blending of four part harmonies. This was an important and very successful effort to illustrate Running Blind is more than electric. Their next cd, which is currently in the works, will be all electric. Chad "Chief" Hoerth said, "With all of us working together the ideas are flowing great. We have had a year together and now it is time to utilize all of our strengths and passion and put it into this project." Running Blind does not lack for passion and I would say they are not "running blind" but running with great vision toward their goals. - Sarah

Running Blind stops in to visit NBC 26 Later Today. Running Blind played a few new acoustic tracks live and will be at Doubles in Green Bay this Friday and Saturday. They can be found online at www.running-blind.com or www.myspace.com/therunningblindband
- NBC26