Eric Look Band Plans 'Back The K-9' Concert In Greendale

GREENDALE, WI — The Eric Look Band will play its first full-scale concert since the beginning of the pandemic at its "Back The K-9" event.

The band teamed up with local business Auntie Jennie's Barkery, and is coming to Greendale for a concert, K-9 demonstrations and special tribute that altogether benefits police dogs.

After the show, K-9 Units from the St. Francis Police Department and the Milwaukee County House of Correction will put on a show of their dogs at work. A portion of the proceeds from merchandise sold at the event will go to supporting local police K-9 units.

Joe Banas, who plays guitar for the band, told Patch its a long awaited moment. He's waited 19 months for the concert .

"The pandemic was a nightmare," he said. "But Greendale has been so good to us."

The band was formed in the name of autism awareness, but has since branched out to supporting local police as well.

At the event, Auntie Jennie's Barkery will sell paw print cookies, stuffed animals and t-shirts with a portion of the sales going to area K-9 units, Owner Jennifer Schwingle told Patch . The band will also play an original tribute song to the late Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner, who was killed on duty in 2019.

Banas said the band's support of police was ratified during a time when local departments "lost a lot of officers." Officer Rittner's death hit Banas especially hard, he said.

Banas said he hopes the event can keep the memory of fallen police officers like Rittner alive.

Schwingle said she feels K-9 Units are run off of donations, and as a dog lover, it's only natural to want to help out.

"Police officers need to know we back them," Schwingle said.

The concert could become a new tradition — Both Auntie Jennie's Bakery and Banas told Patch they are trying to make it a yearly event.

Radio personality Marilynn Mee will introduce the band at the event, according to Banas.

The Details

When: Aug. 28. The band will play at 10:30 a.m. The tribute song to Matthew Rittner starts at 11 a.m., with the police K-9 demonstrations happening immediately after until noon.

Where: Auntie Jennie's Barkery located at 5606 Broad Street in Greendale.

What: A concert from the Eric Look Band that will benefit K-9 Units, a tribute song to Matthew Rittner, and a chance to meet four working police dogs: Bane, Kodi, Riggs and Huck. Expect pop and country music ranging from the 60s' up until the 80s', and according to Banas, some Jim Croce covers.

About The Eric Look Band

The Eric Look Band was formed years ago in the name of autism awareness. The band's namesake, Eric Look, was diagnosed with autism when he was three. Banas is his uncle.

Banas told Patch that his nephew faced challenges with his diagnosis through the years, but a passion for music brought out the best in him.

Look played the keyboard alongside the band with ease, even though he never took formal music lessons. Music helped Look overcome obstacles as the band played across the state, according to Banas.

Look has stepped back from the band in recent years to take some well-deserved resting time to himself, Banas said, but the community events from the Eric Look Band continues.

Banas and the band have played their way across a host of area venues. They performed the national anthem at Fiserv Forum in 2019, played at Brewers games and were recently invited to play at Lambeau Field.

At present, the band members are Amy DuPont, Joe Banas, Michelle Jacobi, Ramie Espinoza, Twila Jean and Brad Zweig.

The band held a small concert recently, but it was still in the midst of pandemic restrictions so they could only play one song, Banas said.

When MPD Officer Matthew Rittner was killed in 2019, the band created a tribute song. They also sang the national anthem at Fiserv Forum after Rittner's death, Banas said.

Officer Rittner's Tribute Song: