In today’s society, the word Hanson is usually followed by laughter or some sarcastic remark usually including the phrases “they’re still alive?” or “oh yeah, I remember those girls.”

However, the three brothers have been up to a lot since their smash hit “Mmmbop” came out in 1997. All three are now happily married with children. They also left Island Def Jam to create their own label,3CG Records and released two more full length albums along with many live albums and EPs.

In 2007, Hanson released their latest album, The Walk.  While in the studio, they had the opportunity to travel to South Africa and experience the AIDS crisis first hand. This inspired Hanson to do something to make a difference. From there, the walk was born.

Over the past two years, Hanson has been touring almost nonstop. At each venue before the show hundreds of fans can be seen walking the streets with the band. This may sound unusual, but you haven’t heard what makes these walks so unique. They are done without any shoes.
 
Hanson began these walks in order to raise awareness about how many people live everyday without basic necessities, such as a pair of shoes. They ask each person walking to walk barefoot in order to experience on a small scale what others live like on a daily basis.
 
Hanson gives $1 for each person walking to one of five causes: education, medicine, shoes, clean water, and access to medical care for AIDS patients.

Their new EP, Stand Up Stand Up is available now on their website and the next full length album is due out in the spring.

This fall, Hanson is touring with Hellogoodbye, Steel Train, and Sherwood. For dates or to learn more about the walk campaign go to www.hanson.net.

Hanson will be in Chicago at the House of Blues on October 11 and 12.

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