Thirteen Yards to Victory approaching the goal line

Most young bands would be satsified to sell a few CDs. Not so Thirteen Yards to Victory, the North Shore pop-rock combo whose inaugural EP comes out Tuesday. (The band, managed by Fred Balboni, is hosting a CD release party tomorrow night at the Hard Rock Cafe.) The collection, called "American Dreamers," is being distributed by TuneCore, and 100% of the profits from the digital download will benefit art and music education programs around the US. The idea, says bassist Dave Rossi, was inspired by the calls to service of President Obama and Ted Kennedy. "It's a hard economy," says Rossi, a graduate of Saugus High. "Music and the arts are usually the first to go when school budgets get cut." The band helped in the studio by producer Ken Lewis, an industry heavyweight whose clients have included Kanye West, Usher, and Mariah Carey. Relative to some of the big-name stars with whom he's worked, Lewis said 13YTV was a pleasure to deal with. "I don't think 'easy to work with' would be correct," said Lewis. "They just worked really hard and did everything I asked of them." Lewis, who likens the band to Blink-182 and Taking Back Sunday, said his work is done. "I'm just the guy that makes sure it sounds good," said Lewis. "It's up to them to get out there play and promote it."

Caption: Thirteen Yards to Victory members Thomas Iannello, Vinny Prezioso, Anthony DiPerri, Dave Rossi, and Ryan Passariello. (Photo credit: James Pickett)