During Joe Cantafio’s one-year solo concert tour “Let
Freedom Sing,” honoring fallen New York Firefighters
after the attacks of September 11th; Cliff Russell,
brother of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Russell, asked
Cantafio, “What do I do once your one-year is
completed?” Cantafio turned to Russell and said, “We’ll
take it to the troops.”
Cantafio started calling musicians he believed wanted to
step up and entertain their fellow Americans who are
sacrificing so much for us all. His first call was to
former Cheap Trick bassist Jonathan Brant. With Jon’s
help, Joe rounded out the rest of the group with Vic
Lubieniecki on keyboards, guitarist Ron Stetta, and
Chicago Blues icon, Tim Scruggs on drums. Soundman Mike
Shlifka took on the role of road manager, sound tech,
and comic relief. He wore all three hats very well.
In looking for a name, Joe noticed they would be
performing for the famous 101st Airborne Division in
North-Central Iraq.
 The name was a perfect fit for their
new mission. ”The 101st Rock Division” was born.
Occasionally someone will introduce them wrong; “Ladies
and Gentlemen please welcome Joe Cantafio & the 101st
Airborne Division.”
In 2008, Joe Cantafio & the 101st Rock Division head out
on an aggressive world tour, including Iraq, Afghanistan
and up to 80 military bases located in 27 states across
America.
Click on the picture to learn more about the new members
of the band and see their personal bios.
|
