Whiz Kids: The Brighter Side Band Makes a Difference One Song at a Time

This week's Whiz Kids come to us from Nan Friel, manager of the Brighter Side Band and mother of Jake Friel, lead vocalist and harmonica player.

• Fuad Farah, age 15, attends Jackson High School.
• Jake Friel, 14, attends .
• Noah Simionides, age 16, attends GlenOak High School.
• Keith Wilson II, age 18, attends the University of Mount Union.

Fuad, Jake, Noah and Keith are not only talented Blues musicians, they are strong supporters of giving back to the community. 

Although the band has a busy performance schedule, they are committed to donating their time and talent to give back. Each year, they choose four charity events to perform at. This year’s lineup: Blues for a Cure with the Sean Carney Band, the 4th Annual Combat Veterans Tune-Up Ride for Veterans
(benefiting the Fisher House), Rubber City Warthogs and the Brighter Side Band Blues Fest Benefit (for Captain Dan Stiles and Officer Mark Dodez) and
Riding to Stop the Violence (for Stark County Domestic Violence Project).

They're working to confirm a date with Kristine Jackson of KJBlues for her Kickin’ the Cancer Blues Foundation event.

"Fuad, Jake, Noah and Keith have a strong foundation in their faith and a strong, quiet love for their families, friends, community and country," Friel said. "Between them, they are student scholars, athletes and all-around nice guys who contribute their talents in their churches and community."

"They are modest, humble and generous young men. Each of them has a wickedly funny sense of humor. Travel time to and from gigs is a show in itself. They are not just bandmates; they are great friends."