Our Roots
Music for Military was founded by Matthew Schaeffer, a US Navy Submarine Veteran, outdoorsman & musician.
Matt's vision for Music for Military slowly evolved while organizing a 2022 Veterans Day event, a benefit concert for fellow Veteran & Military organization, House in the Woods, Military & Family Retreat, located in Lee, Maine.
Matt's intention for the day was to bring Veterans, supporters & musicians together, to celebrate Freedom and honor the Brave Women and Men that make it possible, our nation's Veterans.
The biggest Honor of the day was for the band, Matt & Friend's, where Paul and Dee House gave their blessing to the band in allowing them to change their name, for one day only, in honor of their son, "The Sgt. Joel A. House Band".
The Sgt. Joel A. House Band consisted of:
US. Army Veteran, Rob Karwanski on drums (North Anson, ME), Scott Cole, guitars and vocals (Skowhegan, ME), Nick Young, guitars and vocals (Norridgewock, ME), and Steve Stoddard, guitars and vocals (Washburn, ME) while Matt held down the low end on bass guitar.
After the Veterans Day event was over. Matt reflected on the impact it had on Veterans, supporters, and the community. Through encouraging words from his bride and biggest supporter, Angela, Matt has shifted his focus on the good that had be done that day. This is when he realized that, through the power of music and performing arts, we can begin the "healing through every beat".
Our Boots
Some of our Veteran performers: They served to protect your FREEDOM.
If you see them out and about, Thank Them for their Service and Sacrifice.
John Hodgdon
US Navy Veteran
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Harp
Rob Karwanski
US Army Veteran
Drums and Keys
Blaine Stetson
US Navy Veteran
Guitars, Vocals
Our BEAts
Our House Band members and Sound/Lighting Team:
Three of the finest guitarists this side of the Mississippi.
Scott Cole
Guitar & Vocals
Steve Stoddard
Guitar & Vocals
Nick Young
Guitar, Vocals
Honorable Mention and Special Thanks to the following individuals and Bands that helped make Veterans Day Benefit for House in the Woods a HUGE success which helped set the foundation of Music for Military:
* Gabriella Martin * Tom Cole * Linda Coelho (with Lucid Dream) * Emily French * Kim Maloney *
* Nikki Joler (with Six Wayz to Sunday) * Em Fitzgerald (Uncle Spudd) * WhiskeyDan Williams *
* Joseph Joler (with Six Wayz to Sunday) * Emily French *