All Over The Place: An Internet Radio Fundraiser For Ankylosing Spondylitis

There are many ways that each of us can make a difference in the world. Today, I would like to introduce you to an Internet radio DJ who took a personal cause and turned it into an event.

He goes by the on-air name of “Lazlo,” preferring to remain anonymous. He runs his radio station, BlowUpRadio, out of his apartment in Old Bridge.

BlowUpRadio started broadcasting in 2000. The station focuses on New Jersey artists.

Said Lazlo, “BlowUpRadio started from an interest in Internet radio that plays local bands. People actually cared about hearing local bands."

The benefit is called Banding Together. It takes place on BlowUpRadio over a five-day period, starting on Friday, October 19 at noon.

Banding Together is set up as a benefit to help those who suffer from ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a genetic disease that causes inflammation of the vertebrae and fusion of the joints. It is an extremely painful condition. It is also incurable.

Lazlo’s wife, Naomi, suffers from the condition. Others who have AS include Mick Mars of the band Motley Crue and golfer Ian Woosnam.

All proceeds raised from Banding Together go directly to the Spondylitis Association of America. A link will be made available on BlowUpRadio’s site. Anybody who makes a donation will receive a free downloadable compilation featuring 48 of the participating artists.

The live show morphed into Banding Together so a larger audience could be reached.

“The first year, I set up a live concert that was a massive marathon. The next year, I thought ‘well why don’t we have a bunch of bands come over here and perform?’” recalled Lazlo.

“It was chaos because we did everything live as it was happening. It was a little crazy. Now we have bands coming, but they’ve prerecorded here over the last couple of months.” said Lazlo.

Many of the sets are recorded at Lazlo’s apartment, but he has ventured out to some local venues such as Asbury Park’s The Saint or Espresso Joe’s in Keyport as well.

Seventy-one artists are participating in this year’s Banding Together. Lazlo has put a lot of work into this event, including personally recording many of the bands.

Over the five days of the event, every set will be broadcast twice. There will also be public service announcements about AS. People with the disease will also appear on Banding Together to talk about their experiences.

One of the highlights of Banding Together will be the debut of a live album from Richard Barone, a musician who lived in Hoboken for a number of years when he fronted The Bongos. His new live album, Cool Blue Halo 25th Anniversary Concert, will be broadcast for the first time anywhere on Monday night at 9 p.m.

The 71 artists cross a wide range of musical styles. Some of the bands will play outside their comfort zones. “We have Lost In Society and The Accelerators who are punk bands that will play acoustic.  Anything recorded in the apartment has to be acoustic,” said Lazlo.