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Steve Huisman Mark 1976

A campus favorite from the early ’70’s, Third Floor John (TFJ) announces the release of their first album since the self-titled 1973 LP release hit the CUI campus. This new album entitled Third Floor John – Songs of Love features 17 songs band members have written and recorded over the past seven years.

The album will be available on CD by September 9 at cdbaby.com, but for those who prefer the download version it is available now. You can get your copy of either version and hear samples at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thirdfloorjohn. The album will also be available soon at iTunes and on Amazon.com.

All net proceeds from the sale of this CD benefit the Songs of Love Foundation which provides “the Medicine of Music” to uplift children facing critical and sometimes life-threatening medical challenges. The songs we write for these kids turn their focus toward family, friends and the things that make them smile.

Having a song written for and about them makes these children feel special and can help alleviate pain and trauma during scary hospital treatments. They love sharing their songs in everyday situations such as car trips to the hospital, Show and Tell at school, for family and friends and even for the doctors and nurses.

TFJ is, from CUI class of 1974 – Steve McCombs, Ted Grubb, Terry Van Zee and Todd Shusterman and class of 1976 – Steve Huisman Mark. This band was an unlikely blend of five guys from all corners of the country, but somehow the chemistry just worked. From 1970-1974, the band entertained at campus venues such as Rap (the coffee house in the basement of the old Student Union) and Douwstra Auditorium. They also performed at private parties, conventions (notably, the Iowa Funeral Directors and Embalmers Assoc.) and weddings.

After a 30 year hiatus, in September 2004 the band performed a reunion concert at Central College Homecoming. During that reunion, the band members discussed the idea of getting together for a recording project to benefit the Songs of Love Foundation. The following summer the band met in Arlington TX where they wrote their first two of these special, uplifting songs for children. From this, an annual tradition was born.

For more information about TFJ visit our website and our Facebook page.

www.thirdfloorjohn.com

www.facebook.com/thirdfloorjohn

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  • Bonnie Popp

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    8:46 pm on September 10, 2011

    I remember TFJ, and I think you guys are awesome! What a way to pay it forward!
    BRAVO, and please keep it coming!