Pittsburgh rocker John Vento & Nied’s Hotel Band have released a “Greatest Hits” compliation. Downloads of the band’s catalog will benefit Autism music programs.
“Energetic, heartfelt and versatile” – Music Existence
“One of the best albums of this kind that you can pick up in 2020” – Jamsphere
John Vento & Nied’s Hotel Band have been called Pittsburgh’s answer to the E Street Band. They have been releasing their patented brand of gritty, rootsy rock and roll since their 2004 self-titled album. Over the course of 4 more albums, including several live releases, NHB have remained one of the Steel City’s most durable musical forces.
Fifteen years after that NHB debut, Vento stretched his legs with 2019’s critically acclaimed solo release, Love, Lust and Other Wreckage, featuring the Top 20 iTunes rock chart hit, “Rainbows and Lightning.”
In the meantime, Vento and local club owner, Ron “Moondog” Esser paired to create the non-profit organization, Band Together Pittsburgh. The organization creates music programs for individuals with Autism. In 2019, Caitlin Nicole released her Top 5 iTunes pop release, “Differently Abled Man” to benefit the charity.
Now, John Vento and Nied’s Hotel Band are happy to announce the release of their Nied’s Hotel Band 2.0 compilation to benefit Band Together Pittsburgh. The collection features the band’s career-spanning “Greatest Hits” from their previous releases. In fact, the band have also made their entire catalog available for donation-based purchase through their website at https://niedshotelband.com/downloads/. Patrons are invited to “Download whatever you want and leave what you can to help us create music programs for folks on the autism spectrum.”
ABOUT BAND TOGETHER PITTSBURGH: Band Together Pittsburgh believes that music has the power to unify the world. We envision using music to inspire and enrich the lives of those on the autism spectrum, enabling integration with family, friends, and society as a whole. Band Together Pittsburgh uses music as an instrument for change. We provide innovative programming, experiences, and vocational opportunities to enhance the lives of those on the autism spectrum. Band Together Pittsburgh was founded in early 2016 by John Vento and Ron “Moondog” Esser. For more information, please visit https://www.bandtogetherpgh.org/.
ABOUT JOHN VENTO: John Vento, a successful Pittsburgh businessman, returned to music to front The Nied’s Hotel Band, voted Pittsburgh’s Best Bar Band in 2016. Through his performances, he has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for charity. His leadership, generosity and work ethic are well known throughout the Pittsburgh music scene. John loves to perform and wants to share that experience with those on the Autism spectrum. John is a Top 20 iTunes charting artist, a Billboard Magazine Emerging Artist and a 2019 International Music and Entertainment Association Award Winner. He has appeared on Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC TV. For more information, please visit http://www.johnvento.com.
ABOUT RON ESSER: Ron “Moondog” Esser has been a huge part of the Pittsburgh music scene for 30+ years. Ron owns Moondog’s and the Starlite Lounge in Blawnox, and he produced the Pittsburgh Blues Festival for more than 20 years. The Festival, during that period, netted over $2 million for charity. Moondog has also been awarded Volunteer Philanthropist of the Year by the Western PA Fundraising Professionals and he is a board member of the Autism Society of Pittsburgh.