john condron & the benefit

With sonically thrilling live performances, a high energy stage show, and unforgettably infectious material, rock n' roll hasn't been this refreshingly "working class" for far too long! From the unique vocals and "cutting" guitar stylings of their front man to the unbelievably melodic and "sticky" bass lines of Jeff Bella to the virtual "rhythm cannon" of drummer Barret Harvey, john condron & the benefit capture all the excitement and work ethic of a truly great power trio.

The Chicago based trio initially came about as a performance vehicle for the material on the cd "my own device", which Philadelphia transplant John Condron had recorded using friends and session players in the absence of an actual working band. This "vehicle" soon blossomed into much more, and the first seeds of what was to become the benefit were planted. The line up is now set in stone with one of the most formidable rhythm sections around and is currently playing material off of both the first record and the latest release "down to dorsey" as well as a number of brand new tunes to enthusiastic and growing audiences whenever they appear.

The benefit's performances have quickly become "must see" events, and many believe that the group is on the verge of a sizeable and well deserved breakthrough!

John Condron - Lead Vocals & Guitars

John was born on Dec 24, 1972 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the age of 5, he received his first guitar, and shortly thereafter began performing vocally with the world renown Philadelphia Boys Choir. John’s time in the choir, which included three world tours and countless performances, solidified his love for connecting with an audience through music. He continued playing and singing throughout his “post-choir” years, and eventually began to focus on writing his own songs.

After a brief stay in college studying music, John decided what he really wanted was to start a band and begin performing again. Later that year, the Philadelphia based trio “J.C. Taxi” was founded and played the East Coast for the next three years. When “J.C. Taxi” disbanded, John took up rhythm guitar and backing vocal duties for the New York/New Jersey based rock band “Poets & Slaves”. After touring and recording, “Poets” eventually decided to relocate to the Chicagoland area. Shortly after moving to the Midwest, the band began experiencing difficulties with their record label and soon went their separate ways. John decided to stay in Chicago and work on material for what would become his first solo recording, “My Own Device”. Following the release of his CD, John met two talented musicians and formed a band, thus bringing to life not only the material off of the CD, but also new songs written since its release. “John Condron and the Benefit” are currently performing in and around Chicago and promoting the newly released cd "down to dorsey"

Jeff Bella - Bass Guitar

Jeff began his musical studies in the 4th grade...
he is currently in the 29th grade.

Barret Harvey - Drums

Barret Harvey began his percussive journey at age 10 thanks to world-renowned puppet rock drummer, Animal. He later refined his tastes falling in love with the styles of Buddy Rich, Stewart Copeland, Mitch Mitchell, John Bonham, and Steve Gadd. Young Barret could be found in front of the record player or behind his drum set…not much has changed. He has had the privilege of being a Yamaha artist since 1997. "If I didn't play Yamaha Drums, I'd play the French Horn. My drums are packed, moved and shipped as hard as I play them and they always look, sound and feel great."

As a first call session player Barret has added his district drumming approach for countless producers and full-length recordings. His commercial work includes Disney, Ford, Nintendo, Coors, Budweiser, Gatorade, Nextel, Kraft, NASCAR and many others. Currently Barret can be seen breaking your skull with John Condron & the Benefit.
It is good to be brained!