Hanson fans can join band on charity walk before tonight's show at Intersection

Published: Monday, August 16, 2010, 9:42 AM

GRAND RAPIDS -- Fans going to tonight's concert by Grammy-winning boy band Hanson also can ditch their shoes and join the activists on their "Take the Walk" barefoot walk for charity before the show.

"The purpose of the walk is to connect with poverty by asking people to walk without their shoes and do more 'than the mindless donation,'" Taylor Hanson said of their ongoing effort during an appearance early today on WXMI (Channel 17)'s morning broadcast with news anchors Sarah Broadhead and Mike Avery.

The one-mile walk, which leaves at 5 p.m. from The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW, is open to the public.

"Actions speak louder than words, is kind of the point," guitarist/vocalist Isaac Hanson said.

The band of brothers, best known for its 1997 hit song "Mmmbop," also performed "Thinking 'bout Somethin'" and "Waiting For This" off their album "Shout It Out" (3CG Records, June) during the TV broadcast.

Tickets to tonight's show are $25, are available at The Intersection box office, Purple East, Shakedown Street, Vertigo Music or Ticketmaster outlets. Doors open at 6 tonight; the show starts at 6:30. Hanson also will chat at 6 with LoveSickRadio, which won the band's OurStage contest.

Tonight's concert also will feature opening band Rooney, who is touring this summer off its new album "Eureka." The album, released in June, was produced on the band's own label California Dreaming Records.

For more information, visit sectionlive.com or hanson.net.