There’s just something special about this band.  Be it their soothing tunes or their downright passionate performances, they play with heart, soul and an honesty unlike any other. You may recognize the band, as they have been seen throughout our town performing at local venues as well as community events.  They are talented musicians with hearts of gold.  They are…August Rising.

August Rising made their debut in the October/November 2010 issue of élite Magazine.  Since then, they have added the talented drummer, Jesse LeFevers and as a band, continue to play at shows and festivals throughout our Valley as well as neighboring cities.  They participated in the ACS’s Relay for Life and more recently, performed an Industry show for the Los Angeles Music Network where some of the big names in the music business attended.  Currently they are recording their new album and are very excited for its release later this year.  “Since the élite issue, we have been working hard, creating and advancing momentum and it certainly seems to be coming together in many ways,” states band member, Jarod Woznik.
August Rising consists of Southern California native, Jeff Stauning.  Jeff is the songwriter and vocalist for the band.  His musical influences are as diverse as the landscape in which he grew up.  Jarod “JemTone” Woznik, lends his talent as lead guitarist and co-writer for August Rising.  A veteran to the music scene, he has had the fortune of being groomed and directed for two years by The Steve Miller Band multi-instrumentalist, Kenny Lee Lewis.  Jarod has been key in completing the overall sound and chemistry.  Playing bass for the band is the ever so artistic and always smiling Patrick Stephens.  Patrick has a passion for music, which has granted him the opportunity to perform on several western coast tours and opening for many established artists. Patrick has been instrumental in helping to develop them as a cohesive unit with a strong love for the music they create and play.  An Atlanta native, Jesse LeFevers is the newest member to the group.  He moved to California to pursue a musical career and graduated from Musicians Institute.  His steady and reliable drumming is essential in their studio sessions as well as numerous live performances.  His positive disposition as well as his drumming style has played the pivotal role in shaping the music and chemistry of the band.  
This month, the band will be taking the ice…well, not necessarily the ice, but rather they will be entertaining crowds at the Staples Center at the Los Angeles Kings game.  August Rising was one of the four finalists selected amongst thousands of bands to perform as part of the Kings’ Live Music Nights.   
“We’re really honored,” states the band members. “We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to share our music with so many people and play at the Staples Center. To be able to play during a major sporting event for the L.A. Kings is just amazing.”
August Rising will be performing at the Staples Center on March 22 during the Kings/St. Louis game.  They will be playing during the two intermissions, with each intermission lasting approximately 15 minutes.  Their song, Lay Your Hands on Me, which brought the band the most recognition, will be performed, recorded live and featured on the JumboTron.  It will also be posted on the Kings website where fans can vote to crown August Rising as the Champion of the contest.    
“We’ve worked really hard as a band over the past few years and really feel prepared for an opportunity like this and what kind of doors it can open for us.”
Congratulations for being selected, August Rising.  Be sure and show your support for our local band and cast your vote after all the bands have performed at http://lakings.com/livemusicnights.
For exclusive fan content and recent updates with this contest, visit their official website at http://augustrising.com.

photo credit : http://www.facebook.com/JdubPhotographyStudios