Brother Jupiter isn't just promoting a new album; they're promoting a cause as well. The "A CD for a Smile" fundraiser donates 100 percent of the group's self-titled album sales to The Smile Train, a worldwide organization to help children afflicted with a cleft lip or palate.
Band members Gruszkowski and Steve Graganchuk recently released Brother Jupiter's self-titled album to a crowd of anticipation. Less than a year after forming Brother Jupiter, Gruszkowski and Graganchuk collaborated on a studio produced album to benefit an international cause.
The independently produced and promoted album features an interesting interspersion of rock and folk tunes. Gruszkowski's vocals range from aggressive spoken word to smooth melodic harmony. As juxtaposed as it sounds, she at times evokes the sound of Stevie Nicks and other times could fit right alongside Robert Plant.
The band originated just last year and has since developed a repertoire all its own. Claiming influences like Van Halen and Led Zepplin, Brother Jupiter plays a combination of classic, hard rock and slow, folk ballads.
Draganchuk, playing both the guitar and percussion, backs up Gruszkowski's vocals. The unexpected result is part rock, part folk yet entirely passionate and dance worthy.
Both Gruszkowski and Draganchuk grew up listening as well as playing to a wide range of genres. They each played with a variety of bands over the last few years and after meeting in 2007, decided to record an album together.
The chosen New York-based charity, The Smile Train, works to provide surgery for clefts in developing countries around the world. The cleft surgery is a simple procedure; it costs as little as $250 and takes only 45 minutes. The Smile Train educates doctors to improve the lives of children around the world. The Smile Train focuses solely on this important issue and has a high standard of quality services.
To strengthen its donation, Brother Jupiter is donating 100 percent of album sales. The generous cd can be purchased on the band's website.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
