Some Chicago friends are following through on a very worthwhile project that culminated with a CD release today. The disc, an EP from the group Grogshow, is one I haven't yet had the chance to hear, but based on previous work by the folks involved, I'm sure it's good.

Here, from an e-mail they sent out today about the project, is a better explanation than I could cobble together, taken from the liner notes to the CD:

"Marc Kisting was a dear friend we lost to a sudden illness in 1996 following a long and courageous battle with leukemia. We met him in 1983 at Wahlert High School in Dubuque, Iowa. Along with Ed Carew, we formed our first band, Bob White and the Quails.

While attending the University of Iowa, Marc formed The Hakkenkraks with Al Hennagir. After calling it quits in 1992, Marc continued to develop his unique style of guitar playing and poetic lyricism.

In 1994, he met drummer Jason Williams of Davenport, Iowa. After a handful of live shows, they recorded eight songs under the name Grogshow. Using only only one guitar, voice and drums, Marc told us he had found the sound he'd been looking for. The intricate yet deceivingly simple melodies and arrangements showcase Marc's emerging talent.

Marc touched everyone he met with his humor, openness, and ability to see the best in people. He was a beautiful person and an inspiration to us all. We miss him and all the music he never got a chance to write."

The disc is available online through Future Appletree Records (also a good spot to get some other good, catchy Iowa-based pop) and CD Baby. Proceeds go to the Leukemia Research Foundation.

UPDATE: Here's the Grogshow MySpace page, with streaming audio of four of the EPs eight tracks and a bit more information. Having acquired the disc and given it a listen, I can report that while a bit rough, the songs here show Kisting to be a budding talent who would have been right at home amid the Neutral Milk Hotels of the late-90s early-aughts indie world.