Posted on June 21, 2008 - by Curvball

Strike Orange Reaches Out For Darfur

Through an all age’s collaboration, punk and metal bands united on June 20th to reach out to the people of Darfur located within the Sudan through the Peace Punk and Metal Festival 2008. Punk and metal bands gathered to raise money and develop awareness about genocide in Darfur. Ben Mench-Thurlow, drummer for Strike Orange, was at the top of the list to play with his band for this life-saving cause.

“I am honored to play and raise money for such a great cause,” Mench-Thurlow said. “Strike Orange loves to play anytime we can and especially for the people of Darfur.”

The Save Darfur Organization is backed by Barack Obama and other presidential candidates to raise money as well as awareness for the people of Darfur that are dealing with genocide, social inequality and other horrific issues. Chapters are popping up all over the country to contribute to the cause and when asked to be part of it, Mench-Thurlow was there to be part of it all.

“I was approached by Obama’s team to play for the presidential candidacy last week,” Mench-Thurlow said. “They found out that I was playing the Peace, Punk and Metal Festival 2008 for such a great cause and they asked me to play for their Albany campaign.”

Strike Orange, previously known as Orange Juice to their fans, has been playing around the New England area for several years. With three albums under their belt and industry interest on the rise from all around the country, Strike Orange promotes their non-violent values through songs like “war is hell” and “bombs away.” The remarkable talents of Strike Orange found a home at the Save Darfur benefit and in the hearts of all those who attended.

The most unique thing about Strike Orange, who is now part of Alonce Music Agency, is that none of the band members knew how to play an instrument until after they decided to start a band. Each member is self taught and together they self recorded as well as self produced their albums. Listeners and industry professionals alike agree that Strike Orange has natural talent that can hold its own up against more known punk and metal bands around the nation.

Strike Orange can be heard live during their mini tour of the East Coast, called the East Coast Attack Tour. They are playing in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and all throughout New Jersey.