JD’S STRAIGHT SHOT FOR OWENS SCORES $80K

Jim Dolan sang the blues with his band JD and the Straight Shot last week at the Roxy, but the National Kidney Foundation was feeling anything but after the CD release party raised over $80k for its Harold Owens Fund, to help the MusiCares Foundation Director get a much-needed kidney transplant.

Dolan showcased the band’s sophomore release, Right on Time, which peaked at #7 on the iTunes Blues chart, with special guest Eagles member Joe Walsh, who appears on the album, joining him on-stage for the set, including "Slow Motion in Reverse," the first single from the album, as well as a rousing version of the James Gang’s “Funk #49.”

Among those on hand to support the great cause at the June 24 event were Slash and Jeff Lynne and a number of industry execs.

Dolan himself donated $25k to the cause, while several collectible rock and roll memorabilia items were auctioned off to raise money, and can still be bid on here.

They include signed guitars from Bon Jovi, the Eagles, American Idol’s Jordin Sparks, David Cook and Daughtry, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire and the Jonas Brothers; as well as autographed and limited edition posters, t-shirts, concert tickets and more from such stars as Elton John, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, the Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, Queen, Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Bob Marley, Carlos Santana, Frank Sinatra and others.

“We had such a great time unveiling our brand new tunes for such an important cause,” said Dolan. “We were thrilled to be joined by Joe [Walsh], who really kicked the band up a notch. And seeing the generosity of so many people coming together to support Harold gave us all a great feeling.”

National Kidney Foundation of SoCal Exec. Dir. Linda Small said, “JD & the Straight Shot did a fantastic job putting together this event for Harold, and for the Foundation in general. Everyone, from the fans to Jim and the band, really helped draw attention to the lifesaving power of organ donation.”

Right on Time, JD & the Straight Shot’s first newly recorded music in three years, follows the band’s 2005 debut, Nothing to Hide, as well as two subsequent tours with Walsh, who handpicked the band to perform as special guests on his North American tours.

Prior to MusiCares, Owens was the Program Director at the Exodus Recovery Center in Marina Del Rey, CA. Donations can currently be made to the NKF “Harold Owens Event” (please include this information in the memo line) at www.kidneysocal.org. More information on kidney donations can be found at www.livingdonors.org.

For exclusive photos of the event, click here.