Musician to come alive at Buskirk

Ever since he was 14 years old, local folk-rock musician Ron Vanzo has played the guitar. While he never truly considered himself a professional musician until recently, having worked odd jobs for much of his life to pay the bills, Vanzo always wanted his music to be heard.\n"I've pretty much been a full-time musician in the past year or so," said Vanzo. "I'm gradually going in that direction."\nVanzo and his backup band, The Voyagers, will be headlining a show at 8 p.m. tonight at The Buskirk-Chumley Theater in honor of the release of Vanzo's first album, "Vanished." \n"Vanished" is Vanzo's first official solo release of original songs. He describes his music as folk-rock and lists a diverse array of musicians as personal influences, including Neil Young, Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.\nJennifer Weiss, a friend and long-time supporter of Vanzo, describes him as a talented musician who tries to raise awareness of important issues through his songs.\n"The beautiful thing about Ron's music is I don't think it's preachy at all," Weiss said. "Music can raise awareness without shaking a finger."\nVanzo said a portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the Indiana Forest Alliance and the Citizens for Appropriate Rural Roads. \n"I'd hope that anything I can do for them can benefit their cause," Vanzo said. "I think since there are so many things that need help right now, we need to focus on immediate things in our own backyard."\nBoth groups work to preserve Indiana's forests and wildlife, with CARR also focusing on the current legislation to build Interstate 69 and the possible privatization of some state highways. \nWeiss, who is a volunteer at IFA and helped promote the show and organize the benefit proceeds, said she hopes the show will create some awareness to the causes. \n"It's actually a real critical time for both these issues," Weiss said. "Part of the reason for the show is to celebrate the work of these groups and to just enjoy the moment."\nAs for Vanzo's future, he said he hopes to keep playing and writing music. He has a second album in the works and aspires to take his show on the road to venues outside of Bloomington. \n The Voyagers will be preceded by two opening acts. Tickets are $8 and are on sale at Bloomingfoods and at the door.