Now that fewer donations and greater demand have reduced the surplus at area food pantries, a local band, working with the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) is making music as a way to create awareness of the problem and to help make sure Iowa families don’t go hungry.

Airwaves is a newly formed pop-rock band based in Cedar Rapids that has dedicated their summer to playing at fairs and other town-sponsored events around Eastern Iowa. They will be donating their time so that all proceeds and food supplies generated can help replenish Iowa food pantries.

Airwaves is fronted by Jonathan Dyrland, the new choir director at Marion High School. His wife, Meegan, sings back-up . The other five band members include Harrison Hixson on bass, guitarists Mike Davis and Adam Calcara, formerly with Greenbrier and Brett Calcara on drums and Tim Calcara on keyboard.

Airwaves covers some of the most popular music of the last 30 years featuring such artists as Rascal Flatts, U2, Daughtry and the Doobie Brothers. The band will have containers available at their shows this summer and they’re asking that people bring non-perishable food items for donation. Cash gifts of any amount are also encouraged and all proceeds will go to help area organizations feed the hungry.  Airwaves will be performing at the Linn County Fair on Friday (6/29) at 5:30 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Free Entertainment Tent.