When I got sober, July 15th, 2008, I thought my life was over and that I would never have fun ever again. I had forgotten the child within, who had once dreamed of a seeing herself on stage with a microphone in her hand. I was 1100 miles from home and alone until I walked into an A.A. meeting in Englewood, Florida. I found cheerful people having fun; particularly a group of men who were starting a sober band. I had a lot of time on my hands and it was suggested that I fill that time with others in recovery, so I expressed interest in joining their band Second Chance. We played A.A. holiday parties, anniversaries, and many fellowship gatherings. My experience with those men is one where hope sprung...hope that I could have fun in sobriety and hope that I could be belong. I left the band when I went back to college. John and I met up at the 2010 Twelve Step Music Festival, entered the talent show as AmberJack, and won! One month after the festival I graduated from college and moved back to my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, where I am currently playing the most important gig of my life...Mom. Thank you A.A
John "Jack" Risler
I started playing guitar and singing at the age of 16, and played till I discovered alcohol and drugs at the ripe old age of 19. I lost interest in playing the guitar because of bad choices that were associated with alcohol and drugs. Although I did pick up the guitar from time to time though the years it was with little interest till I found recovery at age 51in 2004. With the encouragement of new friends in the AA program we started a band called Second Chance playing AA functions, birthday parties, Veterans homes and special events. I moved on towards a solo act playing open mics and small venues in around Englewood and Punta Gorda, FL. I started training as a luthier in 2008 and found that to be a real labor of love. Since then I have built my own guitar, restored my 1972 Guild, done set ups and repair jobs for the real pros. Amberly and I decided to enter the talent contest last year at the 12 Step Music Fest as Amberjack, were her voice carried us to the top slot, so we were invited back this year. I have discovered a passion for music again since my early days in recovery and have found the road to happy destiny. Playing, singing, and building guitars has given me my soul back, which would have not been possible with out the help of AA and the 12 Step program. Thank You Bill W. & DR. Bob.
