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MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008 :: Road Recovery’s 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert Makes History! The DeBartolo Family Foundation & Tom Morello’s Justice Tour ’08 present the non-profit’s 10 year celebration. |
In 1998, Road Recovery founders Gene Bowen (tour manager) & Jack Bookbinder (artist manager) set out to build a foundation whose goal would be to impact the lives of young people through the efforts of entertainment industry professionals, supported by mental health clinicians, to help at-risk youth navigate their way towards a promising future. Bowen and Bookbinder envisioned the day when youth, some considered outcasts in society, would share a Broadway stage with some of rock music’s superstars. With the help of countless dedicated music industry professionals and the mental heath field, Bowen and Bookbinder’s dream became a reality and history was made on April 17, 2008 at the Nokia Theater - Times Square during Road Recovery’s 10 year celebration. REHEARSAL:
SOUND CHECK:
ROAD RECOVERY'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT CONCERT: View some Amazing Photos
taken
In addition to the DeBartolo Family, their supporters, and Tom Morello’s Justice Tour '08, Road Recovery’s 10 Year Anniversary Benefit Concert was made possible through the generous efforts of: Road Recovery’s Executive Board HEADS UP: More photos along with video forthcoming…stay
tuned!
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MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008: Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen Receives National Child Labor Committee Lewis Hine Award. |
NEW YORK - The National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) 23rd Annual
Lewis Hine Awards were presented at the Time Warner Center in
New York City on Monday, March 31st to Ten Unsung Heroes for
Outstanding Service to Children and Youth. "These awards offer us an opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of people doing extraordinary things on behalf of young people. We applaud and elevate their work and dedication in the hope that they are an example for the rest of us to be agents of change in our society." said John W. Lee II, the 2008 Awards Chairman
About the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC): |
Road Recovery’s 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert – April 17, 2008 |
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Road Recovery 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert Presented by: ROAD RECOVERY MISSION: www.roadrecovery.org The DeBartolo Family Foundation Mission: www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com "The Justice Tour 2008" "is a musical battering ram for human rights. We have come together to use our guitars, drums, and microphones to fight for the poor, the abused, and the dispossessed...and have a great rocking time while we're doing it." – Tom Morello
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MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2008:: Teeing Off With Henry Rollins! Singer/Songwriter, Spoken Word Artist, Author, Actor, and Publisher Hosts Road Recovery’s ‘Master Class’ |
Thursday, February 28, 2008 – Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY – WARSAW concert hall: Henry Rollins ‘Provoked’ World Tour: Sitting in his dressing room alone with his laptop and a converted toolbox for a suitcase, Henry Rollins, wasting no time, welcomed Road Recovery staff, teens and young adults to sit with him and talk about his life and theirs. Growing up in the 1980’s in Washington, DC, Henry explained that aside from meeting his basic needs of food, shelter and a good high school education, his parents left it up to him to figure out the rest. A job at a local ice cream store filling cones and working the cash register made him realize what it was like being stuck earning minimum wage; doing the same task over and over for barely a few coins, DEAD END! His passion was live music. He was inspired by bands on tour, for they were in motion, moving forward, doing what they loved. In 1983 Henry Rollins hit the road as Black Flag’s vocalist and he has not stopped since…musician, spoken word artist, author and actor, he continues at the age of 47, moving forward all over the planet.
“Don’t get caught up in trying to figure out what you’re gonna be when you grow up, that’s impossible to answer at any young age. Just do something, anything that’s positive, don’t sit on your couch or blow things up, just do something and be open, even if you don’t know what you want to do, boredom leads to destruction AND [be mindful that] the distractions [in life] will kill you. If you go down that path, it’s a dead end.” My mantra is: Resolve & Discipline & Tenacity. For resolve, I say each day “I’m not stopping; I keep trying, at something.” “You can do it, when you come out of the womb, you’re equipped with all the right stuff. All you have to do is change your mind. You can do it in small steps. A setback is useful as a lesson. A triumph is useful as a lesson.” “Success is doing what you want to do, on your own terms…and that takes Resolve, Discipline & Tenacity on an hourly basis.” “Get around the idea that you’re ‘no good’. Get around the ‘snares & barbs’ [of American society]. Get INTO yourself, look at your own shit and you will achieve. Every time you get arrested, go to jail, get caught up in the drug scene, be institutionalized, the man wins. The man is the system that will control you and profit monetarily from incarcerating you. I get up each day and stick it to the man by taking care of myself and then going after things that need to be done. I channel my ‘civic’ anger by sticking it to the man each and every day”. Henry Rollins is ‘stickin’ it to the man by donating his time and money to worthy charities and groups, by traveling to various countries to experience other cultures and by communicating through spoken word tours and music projects to be influenced by what he sees, experiences and learns from other people along his travels.
"It was very nice meeting with all of you from Road Recovery. The biggest disservice you can do is to ignore or deny your potential, it’s quite limitless, take control as it can be the difference between pass & fail."– Henry Rollins
"I never imagined making it alive to my 21. Today, I celebrated my 21st birthday today by not getting drunk, but with support from my family, Road Recovery and Henry Rollins. To sit with Henry and exchange ideas and feelings is nothing I could have ever dreamed. I will never forget this day as long as I live." – Eric G.
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MONDAY,
FEBRUARY 4, 2008 :: Road Recovery Goes Phish’n with Trey
Anastasio! |
Like the fluency of his signature jams, Trey Anastasio led Road Recovery Master Class participants through a 3 hour journey seamlessly weaving an interactive discussion of personnel accounts of his childhood, the inner creative evolution of Phish, life on the road, of music’s power to unite people, fames fleeting lining, and humbly shared his shortcomings as a man, father, and celebrity. Trey concluded his discussion by unveiling a NEW untitled song that incorporated many of the sentiments expressed during his round circle Master Class.
Trey dismantled any awkwardness between himself and the Road Recovery crew of strangers by instantly seeking information about the teens’ experiences, citing connections and similarities to his own life. Trey’s openness and interest in hearing from the group of teens led to a lively discussion about life and the commonalities that forever unite us all in our human condition. After everything was said and done, Trey connected with everyone by picking up his guitar and jamming with Road Recovery teen guitarist - Ryan Aussem. Everyone witnessed how two perfect strangers communicated clearly and effortlessly through the language of music. The room erupted into freestyle dancing, singing and handclapping accompaniments by Road Recovery teens, staff and supporters.
"Trey Anastasio is an amazing person to sit down and talk to in so many ways. I feel like I’ve known him all my life! He is an inspiration to me in both music and recovery. Trey’s musicianship is an extension of who he is as a person and the combination of speaking and playing with him is what touched me the most. His playing was phenomenal and he was so supportive of my playing. I will never forget that jam and his words of wisdom."– Ryan Aussem, guitarist/singer, age: 19, sober: 3 years
"Road Recovery is a beacon of light in a dark and confusing world. Addiction is so tricky and insidious and community is the cure. Road Recovery is all about community, a great organization with amazing programs. I'm so happy to be sober and grateful to be in the company of people getting the point early!" - Trey Anastasio, singer, songwriter, Phish
Road Recovery wishes to thank Bob Kravitz and Dr. Scott Bienenfeld whose efforts made Trey Anastasio’s Road Recovery Master Class possible. |
THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2008: Joseph Arthur Delivers on His Promise! |
2007 marked one of the busiest years for the New York based artist - Joseph Arthur formed a new band The Lonely Astronauts, recorded & released a new record - Lets Just Be (Lonely Astronaut Records), opened an art gallery in Brooklyn (MOMAR - Museum of Modern Arthur) and toured around the globe. In early November as the clock ticked down on 2007, Bowen received a call from Arthur indicating he was off to Europe for another tour and not to worry he would make it to Road Recovery before Christmas…On the evening of Friday, December 21st, Arthur, accompanied by band mate and lead guitarist/vocalist – Jen Turner (Furslide, Natalie Merchant), turned up at Road Recovery’s door shortly after touching down on NYC soil.
A magical night…huddled in a circle around a clan of Road Recovery teens, Joseph Arthur began his Master Class by stating that every significant chapter in his career happened because of relationships with people who had come to terms with personnel adversity in their lives. These relationships and experiences provided inspirational support for Joseph to forge on. In 1997, Peter Gabriel (legendary Genesis front man & World Music label head) immediately signed Arthur to his label after being introduced to his lyrics by a friend. Arthur’s round circle Master Class provided him with a forum to share the source of his musical, artistic and personnel inspiration. He is constantly moved by his daily interactions, experiences and society’s presence in his life; never focusing on ‘creating’, rather having faith in the process and allowing ideas to surface naturally from within. Through this process he has come to know himself better. When asked by one of the teens, what his goals are for the future and achievements yet obtained, Joseph Arthur laughed and without hesitation responded that he just wants to have a positive impact on the lives of others through his art, do good in the process and hopefully gain a better understanding of himself. Arthur and Jen Turner ended the Master Class with an informal acoustic duet performance of Joseph Arthur’s music…including; In The Sun, singing his lyrics…"if I find my way how much will I find?"
"It was great to share in the process of recovery…Road Recovery inspires me to stay on this path…" – Joseph Arthur
*Road Recovery’s Master Class Series is an informal, interactive discussion where guest participants openly share their life experiences and in this case, music with a group of sober young adults who participate in Road Recovery’s New York program. |
TUESDAY DECEMBER 11, 2007:: Atlantic Records President Captivates Road Recovery Teens + Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre Slays Them! |
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 Deep inside Atlantic Records NYC headquarters, Road Recovery teens and staff huddle around label President, Julie Greenwald (center) for an hour + Master Class discussion and open share about her life experiences both professionally and personally. |
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 Atlantic Records President, Julie Greenwald (squashed, center) by the love of the Road Recovery crew. |
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Founding band member John Taylor (bass) reached out in support of Road Recovery by inviting a herd of their teens to experience Duran Duran as his special guest on one of Broadway’s treasured stages, The Barrymore Theatre.
To Help Road Recovery, please visit: http://www.roadrecovery.com/help_us.html |
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2007 :: THE NEW YORK SUN Shines Down on Road Recovery! |
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For the second year in a row, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America invited Road Recovery’s sober youth band Crazy James to perform at their annual gala benefit on Monday November 26th on the stage of the main ballroom at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. To top last year’s performance, Crazy James invited Road Recovery supporter, world renowned operatic Soprano - Andrea Gruber to sing during their set. |
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In the aftermath of the successful event, The New York Sun printed on page two a large feature with photo spread about Road Recovery, Crazy James and the gala on November 28, 2007. Please read the story below: |
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2007 :: Road Recovery Midwest Supporter Kicks Off Holiday Season For NYCTeens! |
Tulsa, Oklahoma – Drummer, Vietnam Veteran & Road Recovery Midwest point musician, JIM BELL jump starts this year’s holiday season by donating to Road Recovery’s New York teens one of his own…a 2004 Pearl maple S.M.X Session Series 5 piece drum kit, fully loaded with a 16”x24” kick drum, Gibraltar hardware and road cases worth over $3,000.00! |
 Jim Bell & his Road Recovery Holiday Gift - 2004 Pearl maple S.M.X. Session Series 5 piece drum kit. |
For the past two years, Jim Bell’s tireless efforts have paid off for Road Recovery to expand westward, allowing the NYC based non-profit organization to connect with sponsors, and outreach opportunities in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bell’s drive to establish a Road Recovery Tulsa, Oklahoma presence came to fruition this past July when the organization’s teen band, Crazy James was invited to perform at the DFEST – Oklahoma’s Music Conference and Festival. Crazy James performed alongside the Flaming Lips, Amos Lee, the Format and Leon Russell. While in Tulsa, the teens also gave back via their "Meeting & Music" outreach to inpatients at 12&12, Inc.- Center for Addiction Treatment & Recovery housed in the old Sheraton Hotel whose guests included Elvis Presley! "I believe in what Road Recovery is doing and will support them as much as I can in any way! To all of the members of Crazy James that came down to Tulsa this past summer, I’m impressed by all of you crazy people, you’re wiser beyond your young years, and us adults need to support you any way we can! That’s why I’m donating one of my kits to Road Recovery."– Jim Bell For Jim Bell, by the age of six his mother Hazel was told by a local drum teacher that her son was born with a God given gift and she’d better get him a drum kit fast! At ten years of age the young Bell stumbled over legendary drummer, Buddy Rich while chasing down bandleader – Harry James’ autograph for his mother. By 16, Jim was working for a furniture mover and had saved up $150.00 to buy a set of Stewart Drums. His pursuit of playing drums was interrupted when in 1966 the U.S. Army drafted him to serve in the Vietnam War as a radio operator [R.T.O.] with the 9th Infantry Division throughout the Tet Offensive. "My drug problems, specifically my addiction to amphetamines, started about two year's after I came home from the war. My life shifted to 'speed' first, and then music. Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early 1970’s was a music hot spot. Everyone came to Tulsa to jam and make music…I saw Jimi Hendrix play one of his last U.S shows…I played drums for Billy Parker’s KV00 – Big Country Express along with a host of country and western stars (Billy Walker, Johnny Russell, Merle Travis) for the next thirty years! |
 Jimi Hendrix concert poster from his June 7, 1970 Tulsa, OK show which Jim Bell attended. |
Looking back there was nothing available for people, be it musicians, or young people like Road Recovery! I believe in the power of music! Helping kids get off drugs or out of trouble is one thing…giving them the tools needed for them to keep their sobriety and sanity is where Road Recovery is different from all the rest. They give them something to focus on, the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from the entertainment industry to create amazing artistry is what saves these kids lives! |
 Road Recovery teens kick-it on Jim Bell’s generous Holiday drum kit gift! |
| I don’t think there’s enough being done to help our kid's today. If you don't believe me just take a good look at our schools. If it were up to me, I would make Road Recovery the 7th hour class in every high school across this nation. I hope all the young people at Road Recovery enjoy the drum set; I know ya’ll will make good use them!" - Your friend, Jim Bell, clean & sober 20 years. |
To Help Road Recovery, please visit: http://www.roadrecovery.com/help_us.html |
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2007 :: Austin, Texas – Alpha Rev ‘s Frontman, Casey McPherson, Visits Road Recovery During CMJ Music Marathon. |
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McPherson who was classically trained as a child on piano for 12 years, learned to play guitar left handed after figuring out it only worked when he played it upside down. His first band Endochine, performed with Staind, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pete Yorn all over the U.S. During this time, McPherson lost his only brother and father to suicide. Although the band was succeeding on many levels, Endochine broke up as touring took its toll and McPherson began to realize that his music, and his life, needed to take a turn in a more positive direction. Finding meaning through these tragic experiences resulted in Alpha Rev's groundbreaking sound that connects with people at their core. With Alpha Rev, McPherson's songwriting dares others to search out hope in the bleakest of circumstances, including his own. The result is soulful American rock, and a sound that inspires others in meaningful ways. McPherson's own background helps him produce music with a searing yet inspiring depth. Road Recovery’s *Master Class Series is an informal, interactive discussion where guest participants openly share their life experiences and in this case, music with a group of sober young adults who participate in Road Recovery’s New York program. McPherson’s sharing and his emerging from such tragic experiences provided these young adults with hope to carry on! |
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 Road Recovery staff, Jay Rodriguez (left), Jack Bookbinder (3rd from left) & Chris Theberge (far right)bookend teen participants as everyone surrounds Casey McPherson (center w/ hat) and his manger, Karryn Scott (front & center) after Casey’s moving Master Class. |
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They are currently in and out of the studio working on material for their next album, which is scheduled to be released early 2008. "Road Recovery is putting action behind the power that music
brings. Their groundbreaking implementation of successful recovery
methods with the community and emotional healing that music creates
will change many lives. It has changed mine. I am honored to be
apart of it!!!" |
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 Casey McPherson (left w/hat) in the thralls of it with Road Recovery teen band, Crazy James |
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"Participating
in Road Recovery’s Master Class Series was one of the most
meaningful parts of a busy week for both Casey and I. It is great
to see musicians reaching out to kids with a real message in a
deep and meaningful way. The honesty and heart that everyone at
Road Recovery gives their young people is inspiring, and made me
realize why I wanted to get involved with music in the first place.
I will never forget the experience, and I hope I can help them
expand their efforts in the Austin area. Thanks Road Recovery for
letting us be a part of it all." |
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 Casey McPherson (left) feelin’ the musical love with Road Recovery teen participant/Crazy James band member - Ryan Smith after cookin’ up an hour long jam after Casey’s Master Class. |
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For Alpha Rev visit: http://www.myspace.com/alpharev http://www.alpharev.com |
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2007 :: Operatic Soprano – Andrea Gruber Gives Back To Road Recovery & Ends Up At Silver Hill Hospital! |
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"Road Recovery is an amazing power of example; I am truly
blown away by the simplicity of their message and the honesty
with which they bring it. Road Recovery’s magic lies in
its people; there is an overwhelming sense of family that emanates
from each one of the members and welcomes everyone that comes
into the mix." Born and raised in New York City, Andrea Gruber is an operatic soprano treasure whose touring career has found her center stage at most of the renowned opera houses throughout the world, including the Royal Opera at Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro Regio di Parma, Carnegie Hall, and Arena di Verona - which bestowed upon her its coveted "Premio" Award for the season's outstanding artist. What started out as an informal Friday night Road Recovery Master Class Series event, where Ms. Gruber shared her life journey and experiences both on and off the stage, grew into a weekend visit to Silver Hill Hospital to support Road Recovery’s teen participants in their "Meeting & Music" outreach program for inpatients (adults & teens) at the New Canaan, Connecticut facility.
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The herd of Road Recovery teens, accompanied by Road Recovery staff, parents, siblings, and Ms. Gruber, spent their Sunday afternoon giving back to inpatients at Silver Hill Hospital by sharing the stories of their painful but meaningful journeys from active addiction to a life of recovery. The teens’ message of hope and possibility was carried on through three performances of original music by their band Crazy James. Together, the teens support one another through life’s twists and turns. |
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 Pamela Alvich, Silver Hill Hospital - Community & Business Development Liaison & Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder "relax" before Road Recovery/Crazy James teens deliver '3' "Meeting & Music" presentations @ the New Canaan, Connecticut facility.
In a 2005 Ms. Gruber went public about her addictions to painkillers and prescription drugs, revealing that her problems with drugs began at age 11 and lasted until she got clean in 1996. By the time she embraced a lifestyle of recovery, her drug abuse had so impacted every facet of her life that her art and career were inevitable targets of her addiction – after a disastrous performance at the Met of Aïda, in which she recalls that at one point she could not hit a note, the Met bought out the remainder of her contract and dismissed her from the company. She sang in a few engagements at the Seattle Opera and at the Vienna State Opera in the early 1990s, but was later asked not to return to either Vienna or the Salzburg Festival. By 1999, Ms. Gruber was 3 years sober and back on stage all over the world. The Met re-engaged her for performances of Nabucco and Turandot, which in the Spring of 2007 led to an invite for Road Recovery teens and staff to attend one of Ms. Gruber’s Metropolitan Opera performances of Puccini’s last opera. Ms. Gruber’s set-lists include such operatic leading roles in Turandot, which she has sung on three continents, La fanciulla del West, Aïda, Macbeth, La gioconda, Nabucco (Abagaille) and Simon Boccanegra (Amelia). In the German repertoire, she has sung Elsa in Lohengrin, both Venus and Elisabetta in Tannhauser, and the Third Norn in Götterdämmerung (which was recorded by the Metropolitan Opera). She has performed Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Missa Solemnis, Verdi's Requiem, Britten's War Requiem, Strauss's Four Last Songs, and Schoenberg's Gurre-Lieder. "I have known Andrea for over fifteen
years, and she has always been a person of strong passions. Her
great love is her work as a leading diva in the world's opera
houses (as well as her dog Max), but her true passion is helping
younger people and those who need her help. She was an amazing
support to her block's firehouse after their many losses on September
11, and she has been active in both New York and other US cities
in helping young people. I am so pleased that she has been working
with Road Recovery to bring all of these talents together."
"She’s the most punk rock chic I’ve
ever met! Rising from the ashes of self-destruction to reaching
diva capo status in the operatic world is very chill!"
"There is nothing more powerful than
seeing the gift of recovery being freely shared between addicts
and alcoholics of all ages, but particularly by kids in their
late teens and early 20's when the pressures to get high are
everywhere. Road Recovery gives them a safe place to go talk,
listen, get and give support and create their artistry in a sober
environment. The music that is written and played by Crazy James
has a great message and they really know how to rock!!! My life
has been changed in the short period of time since they have
come into my life."
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 :: Road Recovery Returns To Alaska! |
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The week ended with a concert and dance at the local Chilkat Center For The Arts where the kids performed to the cheers of the crowd. The event was supported by local youth substance abuse prevention organizations, as well as local businesses, who backed the effort by donating door prizes for the show. Yet again, Road Recovery left Haines, Alaska hungry for more and ready to turn the experience into an annual event for the community’s youth. |
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“It was unreal, beautiful literally and figuratively speaking. The immediate gratification of seeing these awesome kids high on music and recovery- it was just a once in a life time experience!” - Meghan Breen, Road Recovery staff "Thank you all for sharing your lives." “The kids in Haines Alaska totally rocked, they were eager
to learn and… with a little help and guidance we managed
to write and perform 5 original compositions in 5 days. As we
worked and gained their trust the kids opened up during the pre-rehearsal
meetings allowing the Road Recovery team and a clinical professional
working beside us a better insight about living a small isolated
community, where the option of drugs or alcohol are an easy escape.
Hopefully with our encounter they will continue to share their
feelings, pursue their musical leanings and avoid that path as
an option.” |
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 The culmination of Road Recovery’s (5) day Performance Workshops program in Haines, Alaska, local teens band, Steel Fetish blasts the roof off The Chilkat Center for the Arts. (L-R) Sung H., Aihan G. , Jeremy L. & Jae M . |
 Gus R. (left), Road Recovery’s Charles McTavish, and Cory G. rock out on multiple drum sets at Steel Fetish’s debut performance at The Chilkat Center for the Arts. |
“The three musicians from Road Recovery who held the workshops here not only connected well with the teens and young adults during the workshops, but connected with other community members, like myself, as well. They were inspiring and different, and in rural Alaska, that is a true gift to a community. Having people come into our community, who have real experiences with substance abuse is so valuable to us all. Road Recovery’s team mentored so many young people, and brought out their talents, channeled their energies, and provided a forum to showcase skills that none of new existed! Helping young adults, who are in a transitional time of their lives, feel positive about themselves and their talents is essential in helping them access healthy choices in the future. I hope very much that Road Recovery returns to the upper Lynn Canal, and continues to help us flourish.” - Suzanne Vuillet-Smith, Care Coordinator REACH, Inc “I have had the privilege of collaborating with and supporting
the Voices Project- Road Recovery for two years. To be able to
weave substance abuse prevention and recovery stories into lyrics,
music and friendships is the ultimate way to help youth develop
protective factors for their future. The friendships which developed
in one short week will last a life time. The depth of talent
of the visiting musicians and participating youth has been phenomenal.
To be able to participate in and observe the intensity of putting
it all together for a concert brings immense joy, pride and hope.” “Watching Charles, Meghan, and Owen literally create an
instant connection and rapport with the teens in the workshop
was astounding to behold. I was impressed, again, by Road Recovery’s
ability to share their enormous talent, model courage and communication,
and inspire kids to do the same. This year, I was most impressed
with the meetings, and the level of sharing that came from the
youth, some of whom struggling with serious issues. They felt
safe beginning to talk and share – which is especially
difficult to do in a small town. The music rocked, the meetings
were powerful, and the kids left the experience expressing a
great sense of accomplishment and hope. All the youth who participated
continue to rave about the experience and plead for more. We’re
definitely looking forward to next year!” |
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 David B. performs his amazing song about leaving his small town for big city life with Road Recovery’s Owen Comaskey providing back-up vocals. |
 Jeremy L shines on stage. |
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2007 :: Wayne Coyne, Ozzy Osbourne, Squeeze, Joe Walsh, & Velvet Revolver – Show Up For Road Recovery! |
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Wayne Coyne (The Flaming Lips), Ozzy Osbourne, Joe Walsh (The Eagles), Chris Difford (Squeeze), and Velvet Revolver band members – Slash & Dave Kushner step up in support of Road Recovery, sharing hope and possibility with the non-profit’s teens and young adults! |
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Recently, an onslaught of artists whose careers span more than forty years of rock history, humbly participated in Road Recovery’s Master Class Series. The series is an informal, interactive discussion where guest artists openly share their life experiences with a group of sober young adults who participate in Road Recovery’s New York program. In a dressing room, a hotel kitchen, on the side of stage, on a tour bus, or after sound check, Road Recovery teens and staff were invited to huddle together around the likes of Wayne Coyne, Joe Walsh, Chris Difford, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, and Dave Kushner to share their day-to-day life experiences – the good, the bad & the ugly, music, family, friends, work, and the hope for each other to carry on! "Road Recovery is one of the few adolescent recovery
programs that is able to help teenagers successfully maintain
sobriety within their home communities. Success occurs through
a balance between: creative arts and music, the power of affiliation
with other sober teens, and the ability to interact with inspirational
and notable people who have been touched by either addiction
or other life challenges. In my practice, I regularly utilize
Road Recovery as a powerful clinical tool for treating adolescents
and their families who face substance use disorders or other
addictive problems." |
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"It took me 23 years to get there. It
was a long and limey road. I’m not doing anything again
if I’m not sober. Sobriety is worth it! Road Recovery is
worth it! If you want it, stick it out, you’ll get there.
If we follow these principals to the best of our ability then
we don’t have to go back!"
“It’s wonderful to see these young
people getting sober! I really regret that I didn’t get it
early, I wasted so much time. I wish Road Recovery well…their
young people could have continued …but they didn’t
miss nothing, I speak from experience. Together we all get to go
on with life! Road Recovery’s great!” “I think Road Recovery is great! As a parent
and Tour Manager for more than twenty years I have witnessed the
devastation addiction has had both backstage and out in the audience.
I support Road Recovery’s work with young people connecting
them with positive alternatives via folks in the entertainment
industry. Sign me up whenever you need help!”
"As happy as the Road Recovery team seemed
to be at the Beacon Theater, Squeeze’s Chris Difford and
I were glad they were there to share their experiences. They are
really inspirational!"
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“I greatly admire Road Recovery’s
tenacity in tackling such a tough problem. The world is lucky
to have people so willing to give of themselves to help others.” Road Recovery recognizes the behind the scenes support of: Michele Anthony, Sharon Osbourne, Steve Martin, Irving Azoff, Scott Booker, Dan Chiacchietta, Michael Guarracino, Chuck R., the DFEST family, Smokey Wendell, Karrie Morton, Harold Owens, Marsha Vlasic, photographers – Scott Schumaker, Matthew Isaac, & Ed Aussem, and everyone’s staff who made it possible for Road Recovery’s Master Class Series to happen!! THANK YOU ALL! |
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2007: Road Recovery Joins Vans Warped Tour Take Action! For Third Year. |
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 Road Recovery booth staff – David Wodka (left) greets Valencia band members George & Brendan with Baltimore, Maryland concert promoter – Stephanie Dickard (right) @ Road Recovery’s Take Action! booth. |
 Road Recovery/Crazy James bassist – James Nelson & Gallows vocalist Frank Carter send out their best wishes to everyone! "Road Recovery is fu*#@$ excellent" – Frank Carter, vocalist, Gallows |
 Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder fighting off Warped Tour crowds with a NEW Fender Jazz Master electric guitar raffled daily for a $1.00 ticket from the Road Recovery Warped Tour/Take Action! outreach booth. |
 (L-R) Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen , Jack Bookbinder , Ryan Aussem hangout with Janco truck drivers – Rick Laney & Shane after an all night haul to the next Warped Tour sight. Anyone seen Janco man – Christopher Darling? |
 Tweeter Center - Mansfield, MA: Sam Young gets a hoist from Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder after picking his own winning ticket to take home his first electric guitar, a Gretsch 'gold top'! |
 Darien Lakes Fields - Buffalo, NY: Mark Lorello (center) feeling the shock after plunking down $5.00 to win a Gretsch ‘gold top’ electric guitar as Road Recovery’s booth staff help him reconnect with reality! |
 Nassau Coliseum - Uniondale, NY: Road Recovery booth clan puts the grip on Pat Leahy (center) after buying a single $1.00 raffle ticket to win a Fender Squire Jazz Master guitar. |
 Tweeter Center - Camden, NJ: Ralph Ritter III (center) holds his Fender Squire Jazz Master guitar with Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (left), Ryan Aussem (rear) and Lucky O’Donnell (right) at Road Recovery’s Warped/Take Action! outreach booth. |
 Warped Tour’s "Scene Queens" Audrey Kitching (left) & Hanna Beth (right) share their love for Road Recovery with Crazy James vocalist – Lucky O’Donnell! Kisses… |
 Road Recovery’s Got dope DICK ? Get Recovery sticker gains true Warped tour positioning & visibility! |
That’s not all…After
more than ten hours in the hot festival sun, Road Recovery’s
touring entourage pack up and visit local youth facilities to deliver
their outreach program entitled "Meeting & Music".
The teens share their personal struggles with drug/alcohol addiction,
mental heath and behavioral issues, and the steps they struggled
through in order to lead a sober life with a plan! Their brutal
honesty with an audience of total strangers their own age inevitably
sparks positive reactions and discussions. Once everyone has had
a chance to speak, those interested join Crazy James band members
and Road Recovery staff in a circle to recite the serenity prayer
before plugging into a quick electric set of original music and
then the crew packs up and moves on to the next city. |
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 Therapist - A. Michael Blanche (left), Crazy James band mates and Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (far right) emerge from the Rehab After Work outpatient basement in Paoli , Pennsylvania after shaking the foundation with the band’s music and message! |
 Northshore Recovery High School, Director – Michelle Lipinski (second from left) and students hang with Crazy James band members & Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (standing center) after the band’s outreach at the Beverly, Massachusetts high school. |
"Road Recovery and Crazy James have left their mark on the adolescents in recovery on the North Shore (of Boston). They have the ability to reach many those children who have yet to make a connection with those in recovery in their world. Thank you for sharing your stories and keeping the word alive." - Michelle D. Lipinski, Director, Northshore Recovery High School, Beverly, MA |
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 Aurora House staff - Rebecca Ruchames (far left), Audrey Connell (rear left), Pat Davis (center) Khalid Siddiqui (center rear) wish Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (far right) & Crazy James band members safe passage after their “Meeting & Music”outreach outside the Lockport, NY facility. |
