DES Sales Manager Joe Wodarek pens "Stand Together," unites Pittsburgh musicians after Tree of Life tragedy

PITTSBURGH — Joe Wodarek is our sales manager here at Dagostino Electronic Services, but there’s more than meets the eye. He’s also a songwriter and lead singer of the Pittsburgh-based country band The Stickers.

After the tragic shooting on at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill on Oct. 27, Wodarek felt compelled to write a song offering hope and healing to the community. 

DES Customer Relationship Manager Ryan Lucotch plays the drums in “Stand Together.” 

“Music heals so it was natural just to sit down and start writing. And the song pretty much wrote itself,” he said.

Wodarek enlisted the help of his friend and bandmate Mike Ofca and together they wrote “Stand Together” and organized it’s recording at Ofca’s studio, Innovation Studios, in Steubenville, Ohio.

The response was overwhelming. Pittsburgh artists of all ages from all genres were quick to participate including Scott Blasey of The Clarks, Chris Jamison, runner-up on NBC’s “The Voice,” Joe Grushecky, Hermie Granati, Clinton Clegg of The Commonheart, Jon Belan of Gene The Werewolf, Johnny Angel and Bubba of Johnny Angel and The Halos, Edward Gray of The Shondells, Devon Johnson of Ruff Creek, Jeff Jimerson and others. Nearly 40 in all participated including another DES employee! DES Customer Relationship Manager and The Stickers’ drummer Ryan Lucotch plays the drums.

The song is now available for digital download with all proceeds going to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Victims of Terror Fund.

Check out the song and the music video, courtesy of Randon Bopp Productions, below.

 

Wodarek and several of the musicians will perform “Stand Together” during the 38th Annual WPXI Holiday Parade on Sat., Nov. 24.

“Stand Together” t-shirts are also available for purchase with all proceeds going to the Victims of Terror Fund.