It would probably sound rather ambitious for a rising American rock band to claim that it's out to save the world. But for three-year-old Hooch from Minnesota state, it's the little differences their small contributions make that gives them a special zing.

Although none of them had ever stepped foot on Nepali soil before this year, the members of this roots-rock reggae ensemble decided they would make their contribution to humanity by helping underprivileged children in Nepal, donating the money they made at their concerts to schools in Nepal. "What is so little for us in the States can go so far here and the idea was always to tie the music with a cause. It's not just about partying," said Marcus Glodell, 28, Hooch's bassist and vocalist.

Their contribution may seem small to some people but the little that the band has given was enough to see 25 primary school kids through two years of schooling in a village in Jhapa and to buy musical instruments for Sankhu Palubari Community School in Sankhu.

After making friends with Nepalis living in the US, Hooch became hooked on this country. They not only donate for schools and charities like Hoste Haisain but have also tied up with Training For Development and the Kathmandu Trading Company (KTC) to have their merchandise, such as T-shirts, cards and bags, produced in Nepal. Jesse Schultz, managing partner of KTC and the band's manager, is ecstatic. "Demand for Hooch merchandise manufactured in Nepal is growing. 2005 was amazing and 2006 is going to be even bigger."

The five-member band has released two albums. Their first, Kick the Dog, was a home production recorded in a record six days and released in March 2004. Their music is a mix of classic rock, reggae and psychedelic combined with a bit of funky jazz and a touch of new age alternative vibe. The rock influence is unmistakable. The second album, titled after the band itself, has already been released locally in the US. Hooch will play in Nepal next spring.

Alok Tumbahangphey