
Afternoon audience at Rockwood

New Madrid

Free Cookies!

Milo and the Fuzz

The crowd gathered for Black Taxi

Black Taxi

Hank and Cupcakes

Highlights from Rebel Spirit Music/Citizen Music CMJ Party at Rockwood Music Hall!
REMINDER! Rebel Spirit CMJ Party!
Just a reminder about our Rebel Spirit Music party to end a wonderful CMJ week this Saturday, October 24 from 1:00-6:00pm at Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen St.
Here’s how it’s gonna go…
See you there!
We know you LOVE music so we at Rebel Spirit Music believe it is safe to assume that you LOVE cookies too. So, our friends at Citizen Music hooked up a bribe to get you to take a bite out of ROCK & ROLL…
Our friends at Rockwood Music Hall have let us come back for the second year in a row to share some of the BEST indie artists the Lower East Side has to offer…
FREE CHEERS + $4 MARGARITAS + $4 ABITA BEERS + FREE COOKIES = 10.24.09
Join us on SATURDAY from 1pm to 6pm for some MILK by:
* BLACK TAXI
[http://www.myspace.com/blacktaximusic]
* NEW MADRID
[http://www.myspace.com/newmadridmusic]
* HAAKON’S FAULT
[http://www.myspace.com/haakonsfault]
* MILO & THE FUZZ
[http://www.myspace.com/miloandthefuzz]
* ACTION PAINTERS
[http://www.myspace.com/actionpainters]
“If Kids Ruled The World” Music & Lyrics by: Casey Shea, Wes Hutchinson, and the kids of Liberty Residence in Brooklyn, NY.

Deena's visual aid!

Playing around

Miriam leading acting warm-up

Getting the kids engaged

Casey diligently picks the perfect scene

Sing along

The lyrics to their song

Practicing before recording
The artists volunteering at Liberty Residence for Women-In-Need in Brooklyn, NY.
Give a Little Bit...
It’s so easy as artists to get caught up in the selfish aspect of the business. Constant self-promoting, unavoidable praise and criticism, and the permanent wheel of creativity that spins in your head leaves little time for other outlets in your life. Sometimes, it’s best to stop for a moment, and instead of working on your own project, dive into helping someone ELSE unlock THEIR creative spirit.
Such was the case yesterday, when some of NYC’s finest artists came together to host an event for the Liberty House, a Women-In-Need Residence (WIN) in Brooklyn. Organized by Rebel Spirit’s Deena Goodman, the day consisted of an acting workshop provided by Miriam Ganz, and a songwriting workshop taught by Wes Hutchinson and Casey Shea. Alyssa Montoya, a client services volunteer and event coordinator for WIN, created a lovely environment for both the children and volunteers to feel comfortable, welcome, and excited about the day.
Miriam got the day started with a few warm-ups for the kids to loosen up and grow comfortable with the instructors, using props, sounds and movement that erupted laughter out of the relatively shy group. After everyone was actively participating, the children split into groups and performed some interesting improv scenes, although none were more unusual than Wes and Casey’s acting debut (yes, they did a scene as well, and yes, they were more excited than most of the children).
Next it was time for some songwriting, which began with a short performance of “The World Is Waking Up,” which had all the kids clapping and cheering for an encore at the end. I found that moment to be a real testament to how powerful music can be, and the way it brings people of all ages, races, and genders together, singing and smiling. It’s truly the universal language.
The kids were asked to offer a few different song ideas, and while most revolved around food- chicken wings and pork fried rice, or animals, one girl offered the idea “what if kids ruled the world”… and we all knew that was the one. Lyrics were written, including two verses, a chorus, and a bridge, and Deena brought colored markers out for everyone to note the words on posterboard and sign it. The result was a hit called “If Kids Ruled The World.” After recording the final performance on Wes’ computer, we sat all the children down to hear it, and will be sending the files to the program director so each participant can have a copy. Smiles were wide and bright and hugs were abundant at the end of the session, as even the most timid child seemed to walk out of the room with a little more bounce to their step. It was incredibly heart-warming and inspiring to see how just a few hours made a huge difference to that group on such a cold, dreary day. One girl ran up to her room and presented Deena with a set of song lyrics she had previously written, words that were beautifully constructed and deep with meaning for her young age.
Take a moment to check out some pictures and videos from the day. For those of you working so hard on your careers, stressing out over the next big move to make, or simply struggling with a block in creativity, I highly suggest you seek out an organization like WIN to donate your time. There are so many things in life we can’t control, and in frustrating moments it’s easy to forget how blessed we all are- now is the time to remind yourself. Give a little bit… the rewards are priceless.
CMJ and Rebel Spirit Music Present...

Next week’s CMJ line-up: Black Taxi, New Madrid, Haakons Fault, Milo & the Fuzz, and Action Painters!
Party begins Saturday, October 24 at 1:00pm at Rockwood Music Hall! Be there! See flier for drink specials and details..

Stacy Rock

Martin Rivas

Jefferson Hamer

Rebel Spirit's Fara D'Aguiar
Some pics from our October Rebel Spirit Series, featuring your host for the evening Miss Fara D’Aguiar, and the musical stylings of Jefferson Hamer, Martin Rivas, and Stacy Rock. Chris Batten not pictured but equally awesome :)
October Rebel Spirit Series!
We are so pumped for the fantastic line-up of artists for this month’s Rebel Spirit Series at Rockwood Music Hall. Make sure to be there at 8pm SHARP so you don’t miss any of these talents acts that will be gracing our beloved Rockwood stage.
Here’s who’s up at bat:
AND a slight change to the bill- Stacy Rock will be joining us! Welcome Stacy!
Come kick off the fall and show your support for our wonderful NYC artists… See you there!
We heart Madi Diaz at 10 Out of Tenn
We had the pleasure of catching up with Madi Diaz at 10 Out of Tenn last night at the Canal Room. The show was a success, bringing ten amazingly talented singer-songwriters to the stage, working as a group, rotating the mic, playing back up for each other’s songs, and demonstrating the true spirit of friendship and comraderie amongst artists. It was truly exciting to watch! Madi stood out as a Rebel Spirit favorite, with her gentle, raw lyrics and power-packed voice drenching the souls of an audience thrilled to see her back in NYC, albeit briefly. To watch all of these artists interact was inspiring, and something we plan to see come out of our beloved NYC community in the next few months. Hmm… new ideas are brewing on the RSM homefront….
On another note, Rebel Spirit Artist Ian Axel has his final listening party tonight at Rockwood, 9:00pm, so be sure to check out some of his newest work, and then plan on staying for Dan Torres at 10:00pm, who’ll be beginning his October residency with a kick-ass band and special guests Pete and J. Free shows, fabulous music. What more could you ask for? Maybe some snacks at Rockwood? Oh wait…. they have THAT now too! Munchies available, courtesy of Pala, the delicious eatery next door. Now you have no excuses. Be there.
