Local pianist releases new CD at benefit

After more than 12 months of recording at Echo Park Studios, local pianist Craig Brenner will unleash his blues, jazz and sometimes bossa nova stylings on the world this weekend. And he will do it while helping others. \nSunday, Brenner and friends will host the CD release party for his third album, Window on the Soul, with all proceeds benefiting the Community Kitchen of Monroe County and the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.\n"When you have you should give and when you don't you should let other people help you," Brenner, a 20-year food bank volunteer, says.\nLocal musicians the Crawdads (Brenner's band), IU professor Pat Harbison, James Campbell, Janiece Jaffe, Gordon Bonham, Brian Lappin, Joe Donnelly, Dave Pavolka, David Wierhake and others who were included on the CD, will also donate their time to play with Brenner.\nRoland's Cajun Catering will donate enough gumbo, jambalaya, bread and soda for 150 people. Tickets are $10 or $7 with three cans of food, and are available in advance at Bloomingfoods, the Community Kitchen, the Food Bank or from Brenner. Children are admitted free. \nBrenner says this album takes him in a new direction. Where his past discs primarily feature cover tunes, Window on the Soul is almost all original material. \n"Elias" and "Nathaniel" were written for Brenner's sons, musicians who will also take the stage at the John Waldron Arts Center this weekend. IU student Nathaniel is an 18-year-old bassist while his 20-year-old brother Elias plays percussion. \nCatch these local musicians banding together for a good cause and grab some Cajun food at 3 p.m. Sunday at the John Waldron Arts Center Auditorium. For more information see www.craigbrenner.com.