CLICK HERE to view our interactive Holiday Card and to Listen to Crazy James' new song "Happy Holidaze"!!

CLICK HERE to Preview and Download
100% of all proceeds go towards the Road Recovery Foundation

The recording of “Happy Holidaze” was generously donated by The Major Who Media Group!
Recorded at MajorWho/Threshold Music Studios
Production: Jeremy Sklarsky, Sheldion Steiger & James Walsh
Mixed by: Steve Greenwell / Mastered by: Fred Kevorkian
www.majorwho.com and www.majorwho.blogspot.com

Saturday, November 22nd, Tony Bennett’s 'Closing Night' Finale Includes Road Recovery! @ Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City, N.J.

Photo Credit: Tracy Ketcher – www.tracyketcher.com

World renowned singer Tony Bennett demolished the generation gap for Road Recovery’s teens through his onstage performance and backstage ‘meet & greet’/master class at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City on Saturday November 22, 2008.

Road Recovery teens queue-up for the show & meeting with Tony Bennett
Photo Credit: Tracy Ketcher – www.tracyketcher.com

Tony Bennett and band LIVE at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City
Photo Credit: Tracy Ketcher – www.tracyketcher.com

Through his vast repertoire of legendary songs, the perfect union of lyric, melody and unmistakable style that has defined him, Mr. Bennett shared his early life, lucky breaks, years of struggle, and triumphs. Shattering the distance between past and present, Tony Bennett is a timeless phenomenon, a living testimony of hope, determination and perseverance.

Road Recovery teens and staff backstage with Tony Bennett
Photo Credit: Tracy Ketcher – www.tracyketcher.com

"I’m so happy to meet these kids and to know that they are back on the right track. They are among the most promising young people I’ve met in a long time and Road Recovery is what's behind it all!"
– Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett continues to write his chapter in the Great American Songbook and in the hearts of young and old everywhere who have the opportunity to experience the music and presence of this humble American icon! Bennett is making limited live show engagements to support his new release 'Tony Bennett: A Swingin’ Christmas' (RPM/Columbia Records).

Road Recovery teens in afterglow with Tony Bennett
Photo Credit: Tracy Ketcher – www.tracyketcher.com

Special Thanks to Michele Anthony (7-H), Dan Chiacchietta, Danny Bennett, Tony Peeps, Joe Rhoades, Vance Anderson, Photographer - Tracy Ketcher (tracyketcher.com) and especially with deep gratitude, Mr. Bennett for coming together for Road Recovery teens everywhere!

Grand Ballroom – Manhattan Center, NYC, Saturday, October 25th - The Agency Group President & Road Recovery Executive Board member - Steve Martin and his clients: Artist, Billy Bragg and Legendary Manger, Peter Jenner hosted Road Recovery’s Master Class Series during Bragg’s Mr. Love & Justice Fall 2008 North American Tour stop in NYC. Billy Bragg, the voice of the voiceless and armed with electric and acoustic guitars, captivated, motivated and empowered his NYC standing-room audience to keep up the fight during this most critical hour in our world’s history. Bragg delivered a set of music spanning his catalog of more than twenty years including this year’s Anti-Records release Mr. Love & Justice.

(R-L) Billy Bragg speaks as Road Recovery’s Dr. Scott Bienenfeld,
Jack Bookbinder, and teens listen attentively

After the show, Road Recovery’s teens and staff were immediately ushered into Bragg’s dressing room for a private Master Class audience and exchange. Bragg’s manager Peter Jenner of Sincere Management, whose professional life experiences included managing Pink Floyd and The Clash, provided additional words of wisdom and encouragement to the young group.

(L-R) Jack Bookbinder (Road Recovery), Ian B., Billy Bragg,
Sean A., David W., Dr. Scott Bienenfeld (Road Recovery), and
Steve Martin (Road Recovery, The Agency Group)

"Music is an amazing form of self-expression…use this expression to help you deal with problems in your life. Road Recovery helps you use music as a tool to get away from a position of where you are." – Billy Bragg, artist

Peter Jenner (center) with the Road Recovery ‘crew’

"Road Recovery Walks it as they Talk it." - Peter Jenner, Sincere Management (UK), legendary artist manager - Pink Floyd, The Clash, Billy Bragg

Jimmy’s Trash & Vaudeville, a NYC East Village Treasure, Delivers Emotional Slaughterhouse during Road Recovery’s Master Class Series.

Friday, October 25th, 6:00pm: Trash and Vaudeville, a punk rock clothing/style mecca, is actually two stores, one on top of the other, occupying the same location at 4 St. Mark's Place in Manhattan since the early 1970's. Jimmy and the St. Marks store is famous for supplying and outfitting stars like The Ramones and Debbie Harry of Blondie with clothing during the golden age of punk rock in the 1970s and 80s, as they still do today. They also dress wrestlers and movie stars. Jimmy spiritually raised the room by conjuring Iggy Pop, St. Marks Place and his lifetime of a purely unadulterated rock & roll hard-living lifestyle that has transformed him into an enduring treasure of NYC’s punk rock scene in the absence of CBGB matinees, Joey Ramone, and Green Door.

(L-R) Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder with Jimmy, Trash & Vaudeville

"Road Recovery Rocks! It’s the real deal, life changing, the truth like seeing Iggy Pop!"– Jimmy/Trash and Vaudville

Monitor Engineer, Philip Vaandrager & Blues Rocker – Kenny Wayne Shepherd Reaches Out to Road Recovery During Their Jimi Hendrix 2008 Tribute Tour Stop @ NY’s Hammerstein Ballroom, Tuesday, October 21st.

Literally rolling into town for a one night stand, Monitor Engineer, Philip Vaandrager delivered a two hour Road Recovery Master Class, sharing his life experiences and wisdom with blues rocker, Kenny Wayne Shepherd for the non-profit’s young participants. The group sat off stage on flight cases at the Hammerstein Ballroom just before the three-hour tribute concert kicked off, as legendary guitarists Eric Johnson and Chris Layton, bassist Billy Cox and (sister) Janie Hendrix, President & CEO of Experience Hendrix, all met the youth group as they strolled by to prepare for the sold-out event.

(Left) Road Recovery staff/blues singer Tommy Dudley and
Road Recovery teens hang with Philip Vaandreager (Center)
off stage after sound check @ Hemmerstein Ballroom, NYC.

"The end of my years of using was a place of darkness and shadow, all the light had faded out and the sun seemed to no longer shine. So it is one of the great joys of my work that I find myself touring the world, meeting up with other addicts and alcoholics in recovery at every stop, and experiencing the rays of light that manifest around these special people. New York City has got itself an extra sun in the rays emanating from the folks at Road Recovery. Thanks for coming out to visit with me and letting me sit in the warmth of your sun for a little while."
- Philip Vaandrager, Monitor Engineer, Buddy Guy Band, Jimi Hendrix 2008 Tribute Tour

Legendary blues ‘Rocker’ Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Center)
with Road Recovery teens and Jack Bookbinder (far right)

"Wow, all these kids are all sober? That’s great! It’s good to have Road Recovery’s programs… a great thing for young people to focus on music to make it possible to play without the excess!"– Kenny Wayne Shepherd, blues-rock guitarist, singer, songwriter

Road Recovery teens marvel at their Eastwood Wandre DCX
black electric guitar donated by Squeeze’s Chris Difford.

Squeeze Founding Member – Chris Difford Leaves Behind a Gift for Road Recovery’s Teens. While routing back to England after completing his band’s Five Live North America Tour, Squeeze’s founding member Chris Difford notified Road Recovery’s headquarters that he left a gift behind at his New York hotel for Road Recovery’s teens…an Eastwood Wandre DCX black electric guitar! Difford donated one of his touring axes in appreciation and support of members of Road Recovery’s house band, Crazy James, who opened up for Squeeze during their gig at Showcase Live! in Foxboro, MA.

Jewish Board for Family & Children Services (JBFCS) Westchester Campus Open House celebrates Road Recovery’s Program.

Sunday, October 26th: JBFCS celebrated their four-month Road Recovery Performance Workshops program at their Hawthorne, NY residential treatment facility campus that involved more that 75 teens. Road Recovery presented a snapshot of the program through a fast-paced presentation and private live performance involving choreographed dancers, percussionists, singers and rappers to an audience of JBFCS executive board members, donors, residents and senior staff. After the performance, the audience erupted into an unending standing ovation.

Road Recovery Staff (L-R) Owen Comaskey, Tommy Dudley,
Charles McTavish, Ladell McLin, Hanan, Jay Rodriguez surround
Kathy Forte (front center), Director, Residential Treatment Facilities

"Road Recovery’s staff have given hope and possibilities to our young people. These music industry professionals have inspired our children to express their feelings, given them a desire to change, and that music and relationships have the power to heal." - Kathy Forte, Director, Residential Treatment Facilities

Jewish Community Center (JCC) on the Hudson Presentation involves Road Recovery @ Voices & Choices – Perspectives and Challenges of Underage Drinking, Double Tree Hotel, Tarrytown, NY Sunday, October 19

In an effort to spark ongoing dialogue between community leaders, parents, mental health clinicians and teens, Frank Hassid, Executive Director – JCC on the Hudson organized a two-part forum.

Crazy James delivering their set		Jonathan Katz (center), Director – JBFCS & JACS, with Crazy James band members after their ‘Meeting & Music’ outreach

Downstairs: Road Recovery’s ‘Meeting & Music’ was hosted by teens involved in Road Recovery’s programs who shared their personal life experiences in an interactive discussion forum combined with an unplugged acoustic performance set of original music and obscure covers. The intimate crowd of Westchester area high school students was quite receptive and supportive to the youth group after experiencing ‘Meeting & Music’…teens talking to teens…

Upstairs: a panel discussion for adults that included: Storm Field (weatherman), Andrew J. Spano (Westchester County Executive), Janet DiFiore (Westchester District Attorney), Frank Mitchell (Commissioner, Dept. Community Mental Health), Andrea Fallick (Student Assistant Services) and Jonathan Katz [Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons & Significant Others (JACS) & Jewish Board for Family & Children Services (JBFCS)].

Event Organizer - Frank Hassid (center), Executive Director
JCC on the Hudson, looking sharp amongst Crazy James

"The participation of Road Recovery in our underage drinking symposium was priceless. Our teens connected to the "Crazy James" crew musically and emotionally. I believe it was an experience they will carry with them as they contemplate the choices they will make in the future." - Frank Hassid, Executive Director, JCC on the Hudson

The JCC on the Hudson is dedicated to providing a welcoming setting to the entire community.

Road Recovery Outreach to 600+ Agawam, Massachusetts High School Students!

Wednesday, October 15th, 9:00am: Giving back to others is what drives the members of Road Recovery’s house band - Crazy James (whose members range in age from 15-25 and who are all sober) to show up anywhere, anytime, and rock the school house! With the support of facility and students at Agawam High School in Agawam, Massachusetts, plus sponsorship support from Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals and Agawam Public Schools, Road Recovery presented a ‘Music & Meeting’ outreach concert to over six-hundred members of the freshmen and senior classes. Additionally, Road Recovery & Crazy James invited Agawam High School seniors and hip hop lyricists, Andy Moffitt and Anthony Masetti to share the stage and open up the show.

Crazy James performs onstage with their ‘bunny’,
Flaming Lips style, @ Agawam HS

After the forty-minute concert event, the masses of more than six-hundred freshmen and seniors moved into classrooms for small group breakout sessions with each member of Crazy James. Facilitated by Agawam student peer leaders and faculty counselors, the breakout sessions allowed each band member the opportunity to share their stories more in-depth and then field questions. In detail, Crazy James band members shared how they ‘lived to use drugs & used them to live’, expressing they are ‘living examples’ that no matter how bad life gets…there is a way out! And a better crazy life to live without getting high!

Ralph Figy (Center), School Adjustment Counselor, Agawam HS,
with Road Recovery’s Crazy James teens and staff

"The Road Recovery ‘outreach’ experience was more than we ever, ever, expected! The Crazy James band was exciting and very professional. The break out groups were well attended. The high school students were engaged with the band members in meaningful dialogue. All in all it was a fantastic day all around. I would not hesitate to recommend this to any one looking for an innovative way to discuss the issue of substance abuse."– Ralph Figy, School Adjustment Counselor, Agawam High School

Backstage, Irving Plaza, NYC, 10:30pm – Sunday, October 5, 2008: Biohazard 20 Year Celebration Tour returned to NYC where it all began. Spawned in Brooklyn, BIOHAZARD, whose intense fusion of the aggression of hardcore, punk and thrash metal with the socio-critical commentary and authenticity of hip-hop earned the band extensive international acclaim selling millions of records worldwide.

Photo Credit: CRISTEL BROUWER

Founding member, Evan Seinfeld (bassist, vocals) an early active supporter of Road Recovery since 2000, took advantage of being in town and hosted a one hour pre-show Master Class huddle with Road Recovery’s young people in his dressing room before the band’s festive pounding of their hometown crew!

‘Bunkering down’ in Evan Seinfeld’s dressing room
with Road Recovery’s young participants

Spanning more that twenty years of music industry life experiences…Road Recovery’s youth were deeply touched by Evan Seinfeld’s invitation to hang-out and discuss openly his trials and tribulations growing up, playing music, and being forced to come to terms with his own personal demons or die. His decision to change his behavior resulted in opening the door to a twenty year journey of self-discovery. Ever searching for a balanced life, Seinfeld shared his mantra ‘dumb it down’, keep it simple and realize that all the ‘stuff’ we strive to achieve outside ourselves will never give us inner peace. The irony is by coming to terms with the trunk of our tree – the core of who we are is really hard, but muscling through the pain yields an indescribable life filled with experiences and relationships beyond our wildest dreams!

Turning the tables, Evan asked each of his guests to share about their life and pointed out the power they possessed as a ‘crew’, their greatest asset, all committed to pulling for each other, helping each other get through anything.

Meghan B. shares her experiences as Evan Seinfeld listen attentively

"As a sober musician, and seasoned veteran of the road, I feel enormous gratitude that Road Recovery exists as support and resource for people like me striving to live on a spiritual path in an environment so often fueled by drugs and alcohol! Road Recovery is guiding today’s musical youth towards a path of positive living through sobriety and fellowship!"
- Evan Seinfeld, Musician, Actor, Biohazard

Another amazing experience with Biohazard’s Evan Seinfeld (center)

Ever busy and unstoppable…Evan Seinfeld has expanded his talents into acting appearing on HBO (five seasons on the critically acclaimed prison drama "Oz") and VH1 ("SuperGroup"), as well as a column in Stuff Magazine. Additionally, he voiced characters in the video games "Manhunt," "The Warriors" and the forthcoming "Grand Theft Auto IV".

Crazy James’ wakes up 5,000+ gathering at A&E Recovery Rally

9:00am - Saturday, September 27, 2008: Cadman Plaza Park, Brooklyn, NY was the scene for A&E Television Network’s Recovery Project rally led by A&E execs, local politicians, non-profit leaders, and people in recovery from all 50 states. Amassing more than five thousand people to form a living bridge of recovery across the Brooklyn Bridge, A&E partnered with the National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (NCADD) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services to take on New York City and celebrate people in recovery while paying tribute to those who support them. Road Recovery’s house band Crazy James rocked the crowd and neighborhood…firing up the bright-eyed mass of thousands before they marched across the historic Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall Park where the celebration continued.

Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (left) and Gene Bowen (right)
off stage with Robert Lindsey, President and CEO of NCADD

“The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., (NCADD) and our National Network of Affiliates was thrilled that Road Recovery and Crazy James could join us to be part of the historic NYC Recovery Rally celebration.
Without question, the 5,000 attendees, people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, their families and those who support them, loved the music of Crazy James. A&E, in partnership with NCADD wanted to create an event that would help to change the public perception, understanding and support for alcoholism, addiction and recovery. Without question we did that! And, since the music and musicians in Crazy James music is rooted in recovery, it was perfect! Thanks for being an important part of the success of the day!”
- Robert J. Lindsey, M.Ed., CEAP - President and CEO, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)

Crazy James backstage with Robert Lindsey, President and CEO of NCADD

"One of the highlights of our Recovery Rally was the terrific performance by Road Recovery's house band Crazy James. Their spirit, enthusiasm and great musical energy got the entire crowd moving and smiling as their performance reinforced the celebratory feeling of the day."
- John Hartinger, VP Integrated Marketing, A&E Network

Ryan S. and Ryan A. exchange licks on stage

Crazy James, 18 members strong rock the early a.m. in Brooklyn, NY

Celebrating its 10th anniversary season, the non-profit organization Road Recovery, together with their youthful house band Crazy James, reside at the crossroads of education, entertainment, and mentorship, with music at the heart of everything it does.

Crazy James captures Road Recovery’s spirit and is the core of one of its most vital programs for young people. Members of Crazy James range in age from 15 to 25, and have been sober from one month to over seven years. Crazy James has opened for major bands such as Squeeze, and performed on stage with guitar heroes such as Slash (Guns ‘n Roses, Velvet Revolver), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), Wayne Kramer (MC5), and Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, The Nightwatchman) plus vocalist Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction). Crazy James also performs its own shows…they write all their own music, and compose lyrics that draw from their own life experiences, all under the guidance of music industry professionals whose lives have been directly affected by substance abuse and other adversities.

Sunday, September 7, 2008: "ROAD RECOVERY saved my kid…and now I’m trying to help save yours," was Ed Aussem’s mantra for the past year as he passionately organized Road Recovery’s ‘Rock and Ride’. Aussem, along with his fellow cycling buddies and Road Recovery supporters, formed Team Road Recovery as part of the New York City Century Bike Tour, riding up to 100 miles each, throughout New York City and its four boroughs.

The Road Recovery ‘Rock and Ride’ Team of 31 cyclists delivered on their commitment to ride all day, raising money and awareness for the New York based non-profit Road Recovery.

Road Recovery Executive Board members Ed Aussem
(ride organizer), and Shine, Tiffanie DeBartolo (Bright Antenna)
en route facing 90+ MORE miles to go!

"Thanks to all the riders who rallied for the Road Recovery cause! The sea of Road Recovery jerseys at the starting line at 6:18AM on Sunday really struck me... A dream come true. It symbolized the support for a great organization from a group of friends and associates that was overwhelming. Times Square, The Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island, The Triborough Bridge, Central Park-all in one sunny, beautiful day! I can't wait until next year. Keep those donations coming as we will keep the website open for another 2 weeks to ensure everyone who wants to contribute can."
– Ed Aussem, parent, ‘Rock & Ride’ organizer

Rider, John Nugent, crosses the finish line to deliver
donations to Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder

“Road Recovery was conceived while riding a bicycle 12 years ago and to think years later an army of bike riders and sponsors such as Salon Botanique Eco-Chic and Marty's Reliable Cycle would come together to tackle New York City's streets for young people to have a chance at life, free from the grips of addiction, reaffirms the power of WE! Together, anything is possible and Ed Aussem ’s Rock and Ride proved that!"
– Gene Bowen, Road Recovery Founder

Riders - Ryan and Pat Aussem (far right) chill out at the
Road Recovery Finish Festival table with Road Recovery Teens

Members of Road Recovery’s Crazy James working the Finish Festival booth

ROAD RECOVERY is dedicated to helping young people battle addiction and other adversities by harnessing the influence of entertainment industry professionals who have confronted similar crises and now wish to share their experience and knowledge.

With support from the mental health field, ROAD RECOVERY provides hands-on mentorship training, educational/performance workshops, peer-support networking, and “all access” to real-life opportunities by collaborating with young people to create and present live-concert events.

‘Rock and Riders’- Meghan Breen, David Beyer, and daughter Amanda Beyer

“The ride was amazing. There isn't a lot I wouldn't do to support Road Recovery, it's my heart. Next time 102 miles, and bare feet!”
– Meghan Breen

“This was a great bonding experience for Amanda and me. We pushed each other to do it and we did it!! Best part is that Amanda kept the bike and is now using it as her primary source of transportation. No more subways and buses just great exercise.”
– David Beyer

‘Rock and Ride’ organizer Ed Aussem (left) with Road Recovery’s
Gene Bowen and Dr. Scott at the finish line.

"We rocked the ride and the ride rocked us, but we rolled on and on to save the kids!...will definitely be back next year."
- Scott Bienenfeld, M.D.

Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise!

“I love riding in the NYC Century. Riding this year for Road Recovery made it a more meaningful experience. Lots of people asked about Road Recovery because of the special edition jersey.”
- Marty Epstein, Marty's Reliable Cycle

Indie record label, Bright Antenna, execs Scott Schumaker
and Shine, Tiffanie DeBartolo after the ride…

"The success of this event was just more proof that Road Recovery inspires us all to reach above and beyond what we think we are capable of, in so many aspects of our lives."
–Shine, Tiffanie DeBartolo

Jimmy Gnecco (left) and OURS bandmate RACE (right)
with Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen

“Ride for Road Recovery? I needed some recovery from the road ride. The only group of people that I would get such a sore ass for.”
– Jimmy Gnecco, Ours

A quick stop at Nathan’s for a hot dog before breakfast

“What an incredible and fulfilling experience! Knowing I was riding for such a worthwhile cause helped me push through the physically tough times and I was able to complete 75 miles with a smile on my face!”
– Lisa Armstrong, Rider

Riders Therese McEntee and Dan O’ Byrne somewhere in Queens

“Great weather, spirited company, what a way to see our fabulous city from a whole range of new angles and raise a few bucks for Road Recovery while we’re at it”
- Dan O' Byrne

Thanks to all the ‘Rock and Ride’ sponsors and supporters
who made this fundraising event possible!

Road Recovery’s house band, Crazy James, opens SQUEEZE Foxborough, MA Gig!

Squeeze founding member and long time supporter of Road Recovery, Chris Difford, invited Road Recovery’s house band Crazy James to open up for his band’s standing room only New England gig @ Showcase Live! in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Tuesday, August 26th. Difford graciously introduced Crazy James onstage and urged everyone to take notice of this amazing 15 plus member group! Crazy James delivered a short and very sweet 20 minute set bringing the house down with their cover of Nick Lowe’s tune - What’s So Funny ‘bout Peace, Love, and Understanding made famous by Elvis Costello.

"I’m really inspired and happy to have Crazy James open for us…I only wish it could be for the whole tour floating around together in a sober bus!"
– Chris Difford

Crazy James onstage with Chris Difford (center) founding member of Squeeze

Crazy James performs to a packed house of Squeeze fans

Audio Engineer, John Schirmer, hosts Road Recovery Master Class Series and Jam with blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter – Keb’ Mo’ during his Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City stop.

2:00pm, Friday, August 22 – Road Recovery young-ins turned up at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom at the invitation of Keb’ Mo’s front of house engineer/production manager , John Schirmer, to learn about his career and life experiences as an audio engineer (live & in the studio) as he prepared for the night’s sold-out show. During his boss Keb’ Mo’s sound check, Road Recovery program participant and blues harmonica player Ian B. was invited onstage by John Schirmer and Keb’ Mo’ to jam with his band!!

"Road Recovery lifts every soul!"
– Keb’ Mo’

"There are moments in life and in music production where if you blink you miss something magical. Working with Road Recovery was like having my eyes taped open; I didn't miss a moment, just the kids....when the day was over."
- John Schirmer, FOH engineer, Production Manager

FOH engineer, Production Manager, John Schirmer (second from left)
at Mix position with Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (far left)
and Road Recovery program participants

Road Recovery program participant and blues harmonica
player Ian B. jams with Keb’ Mo’ and band

Keb’ Mo’ and Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen reminisce about
their days on the road with Fiddler, Papa John Creach

Year #3 - Road Recovery Travels to Haines, Alaska To Partner With Local ‘Voices Project’ Program.

Saturday, August 16-Sunday, August 24th. For the third consecutive year, Road Recovery staff (involving teen & young adult leaders from Road Recovery’s Keeping It Real program in NYC) traveled far and wide to collaborate with Haines, Alaska teenagers, local artists, and mental health clinicians associated with the Voices Project*. Road Recovery’s crew shared their personal ‘sober’ life experiences and artistry via daily recovery meetings and creative rehearsals jam packed into five days. The culmination of their joint efforts yielded life changing experiences for everyone involved, concluding in a performance onstage for the community of 1,800 Haines residences.

*The Voices Project’s mission is to increase education and awareness about the effects of substance abuse on people’s lives.

"Road Recovery is such an inspiring organization. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, but I’m really glad and appreciative that I was able to be a part of it. The Road Recovery team has such energy, insight, and inspiration... it really showed. Their energy was magnetic, as everyone in the community wanted to get to know them and learn from what they are able to offer."
- Malene Gajewski, Voices Project Coordinator, Haines, Alaska

Road Recovery’s Charles McTavish collaborates
with Voices Project participant

Road Recovery staff and Voices Project teen participants

Voices Project teens horn section gets ready

The Agency Group – provides Road Recovery Access to King Crimson final New York City performance.

Winding up a four night sold-out run at New York’s Nokia Theatre on Broadway (August 14-17th), Road Recovery young adults were front and center for King Crimson’s final performance experience of Robert Fripp, Tony Levin, Adrian Belew, Pat Mastelotto, and Gavin Harrison.

"Seeing the talented group of musicians in King Crimson play live was a really humbling experience. Like any musician would, I totally appreciate the playing that goes on when these guys get together to perform. I thank Road Recovery and The Agency Group for giving me the opportunity to watch the show at the Nokia in Times Square."
- Michael Von Linkens

Michael Von Linkens (center) and company outside the Nokia Theater (NYC)

Matt Pinfield - Music Personality, TV Host (MTV, VH1) Record Producer, and DJ to name a few of his talents…showed up at Road Recovery headquarters on Friday, August 1st and took control – hosting a one hour + Master Class with Road Recovery teens!

"I think Road Recovery is an amazing organization! Road Recovery’s programs give direction to young people by helping them follow their passion for music or whatever…find something you love, focus on it and let it unfold is what Road Recovery is all about!"
– Matt Pinfield, Radio & TV DJ/Personality, Music Producer

Matt Pinfield (center) hangs with Road Recovery’s (L-R) Jack Bookbinder,
Gene Bowen, and Owen Comaskey

Matt Pinfield (center) huddles with Road Recovery teen participants and staff

Crazy James Provides Outreach to St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester Patients, Performing Six Unplugged Sets.

Monday - July 14th – In the span of three hours, teen/young adult members from Road Recovery’s Keeping It Real program in NYC performed acoustically and shared their life experiences with adolescents to senior citizens patients in six psychiatric care units at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Harrison, NY.

"I’m sending out a giant 'Thank You' to the young people from Road Recovery for last night! Their profound performance and message is still resonating throughout the halls of St. Vincent's Westchester Hospital. It was an absolute pleasure for everyone to see such talented, sincere, gracious, and grateful young people. I feel truly blessed to have witnessed such hope in the future through these young people! Please be sure to send them my personal regards and best wishes for their continued success."
- Barbara Halla, Nurse Manager - St. Vincent's Hospital-Westchester

Barbara Halla (center), Nurse Manager - St. Vincent's Hospital-Westchester,
with teen/young adult members from Road Recovery’s Keeping It Real
program in NYC

St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester

Bassist & Master Instrument Craftsman/Technician - Rick Mullen Shares His Tricks with Road Recovery Youth!

In July ’08 - Rick Mullen was introduced to Road Recovery and instantly welcomed Eric G. (Road Recovery 21 year old program participant) into his guitar workshop to learn the art of instrument repair, maintenance and restoration. Rick is generously donating his time and skills to servicing Road Recovery’s worn and torn guitars and basses while passing on his knowledge to the next generation through Eric G. For more information on Rick Mullen, visit: www.rickmullen.net

"With Road Recovery in our corner, there's hope in helping our young people avoid making the same mistakes we did. I’m honored to be able to be a Road Recovery mentor, relating my life experiences to help others. Young people are our future and they need our support more than ever."
- Rick Mullen, Bassist & Instrument Craftsman/Technician

Rick Mullen, Bassist & Instrument Craftsman/Technician

Eric G. (left) in the shop with Bassist & Instrument
Craftsman/Technician, Rick Mullen

New York, NY – August 1, 2008 -- Rock and Ride for Road Recovery on Sunday, September 7, 2008 supporting a 100 mile bike ride, when parents, supporters, and staff join together to raise funds and awareness for the remarkable organization devoted to empowering young people who have battled addiction and other adversities to find their way toward a sober and healthy future.

"ROAD RECOVERY saved my kid…and now I’m trying to help save yours," said Ed Aussem, father, rider, and organizer. Team Road Recovery is part of the New York City Century Bike Tour and twenty plus team members plan to ride up to 100 miles each, throughout New York City and its boroughs to raise money for the New York based non-profit Road Recovery, which enlists today’s leading music industry professionals who have dealt with their own personal adversities as role models and mentors to work with the young people of Road Recovery.

HOW YOU can help…Make a tax-deductible Donation, Sponsor a Rider, Join the Team ONLINE by clicking anywhere on the image below:

During their recent New York area tour stops, Ringo Starr & His Allstarr Band (Friday, June 27th- PNC Bank Arts Center) and Pearl Jam (Wednesday, June 25th - Madison Square Garden) invited Road Recovery teens to experience their shows up front and very much alive!

"Wow, Pearl Jam and Ringo Starr all in the same week! I’m grateful and lucky for these amazing opportunities because of Road Recovery’s friends who really care about us!"
– Eric G. (Road Recovery program participant)

Thanks To: Ringo Starr & David Hart, Steve Martin (The Agency Group, Road Recovery Executive Board), Susan Silver (Manager), Smitty & Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) for making it possible for Road Recovery’s teens to witness these incredible shows.

Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard

MAY 2008: Road Recovery receives Ivy League recognition and legendary rock band support while providing outreach to area high schools.

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE: Fourth Annual Dartmouth Symposium on Substance Use
A national conference for addiction professionals, educators, healthcare providers, justice workers, Dartmouth students and alumni and other community members interested in addressing the challenges of substance use in society.

Road Recovery: Harnessing the Power of Music to Support Youth Recovery.
Presented By: Scott Bienenfeld, M.D. Dartmouth College – ‘92, NYU School of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, with an ‘unplugged’ performance by youth members of Crazy James, Road Recovery’s
house band.

Road Recovery’s ‘unplugged’ Crazy James bandmates with Alan I. Green, M.D. Chairman Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School (right center) & Scott Bienenfeld, M.D. (far right) after Dr. Bienenfeld’s presentation on Road Recovery.

"As an alumni of Dartmouth College and an addiction psychiatrist, I have the pleasure of presenting Road Recovery, an innovative and effective community-based recovery program for adolescents and young adults trying to stay sober. Road Recovery is a cutting edge program that harnesses the power of the music industry and the arts in order to offer teens an alternative to drug and alcohol abuse. This grassroots organization has been in existence for ten years and has blossomed into a national endeavor reaching thousands of teenagers and young adults."
– Scott Bienenfeld, M.D.

“Road Recovery is an impressive program toward maintaining recovery!”
– Alan I. Green, M.D. Chairman Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School

Road Recovery’s ‘unplugged’ Crazy James band performs to standing ovations at the Fourth Annual Dartmouth College Symposium on Substance Use

DURAN DURAN: ‘Live’ at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park – NYC.

Long time Road Recovery supporters John Taylor - Duran Duran founding member & bassist and his manager – Wendy Laister (Magus Entertainment) continued their support by inviting Road Recovery young adult participants along with students from Orange County, New York’s Warwick Valley High School (who attended Road Recovery’s community outreach earlier that day) to see Duran Duran perform at Central Park and to hang backstage with ALL ACCESS privileges after the gig.

Warwick Valley High School students, & author – Lynn Marie Smith (Rolling Away)(center, purple shirt) join Road Recovery program participants backstage with Duran Duran’s John Taylor (rear right).

Duran Duran’s John Taylor chats with Road Recovery teens
backstage after the bands charged Central Park gig.

Long time supporter and friend, Duran Duran manager – Wendy Laister (Magus Entertainment) gets big hugs from Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen for her unending support over the years!

Warwick Valley High School, Orange County, NY: Road Recovery ‘Music & Discussion’ Outreach.
Capacity: 200+ (sophomores)
Sponsored by: Warwick Valley Central School District, Warwick, NY

"The Road Recovery outreach event hosted by our school district literally sent shockwaves through the entire educational community. By openly sharing their powerful message through their music, the young members of Crazy James moved everyone in attendance. The young were forced to confront the fact that they are key players in the shaping of their futures, and adults were reminded of how fortunate they are to have the opportunity to work with adolescents each day. The thing that has stayed in my mind since the event is how Road Recovery was able to quietly "unfreeze" the existing equilibrium of our school's culture, and "refreeze" it so that everyone who was there left somehow changed. An hour hadn't passed and the Road Recovery crew and Crazy James were deeply missed.. After two hours, we were thinking about how we could get them to return.”
- Richard Linkens, Director of English, Social Studies, and Academic Intervention Services Warwick Valley Central School District

Crazy James onstage @ Warwick Valley High School, Orange County, NY

Crazy James band hang with Warwick Valley High ‘crew’ and staff (Rich Linkens, center kneeling) who made Road Recovery’s outreach event a reality!

Delaware Valley High School, Milford, PA: Road Recovery ‘Music & Discussion’ Outreach
Capacity: 600 (freshman)
Sponsored by: Delaware Valley School District, Students Against Substance Abuse, Teens Against Tobacco Use, Area Drug Awareness & Prevention Team, Delaware Valley Education Association, Carbon/Monroe/Pike Drug & Alcohol Council, Pike County Teen Alcohol & Drug Resource Center

“Road Recovery’s Crazy James band concert and interactive discussion groups provided an effective, inviting and non-threatening message about the reality of addiction and the benefits of healthy living from teens and young adults involved in Road Recovery’s program. Our high school students actually paid attention to the message and music, AND, most importantly – actively participated in Road Recovery’s discussion groups.”
– Joseph W. Casmus, 11th & 12th Grade Principal, Delaware Valley High School District

Crazy James onstage delivering a 40 minute set that caused
Delaware Valley High School students to storm the stage!

Crazy James band’s power packed performance caused 600
Delaware Valley High students to leave their seats!

Crazy James after show autograph signing with
600 Delaware Valley High School students.

Thursday, April 17th – Nokia Theatre, Broadway, NYC: Slash (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave), Wayne Kramer (MC5), Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains), comedian - Denis Leary, Joseph Arthur, Sen Dog (Cypress Hill), Jakob Dylan (The Wallflowers), Ours/Jimmy Gnecco, Miggs, Crazy James together with kids from Road Recovery’s programs rocked together!

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 health 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:

DeBartolo Family Foundation, Justice Tour, Crazy James
with Road Recovery staff.
PHOTO CREDIT: Scott Schumaker

Crazy James and Justice Tour performers
PHOTO CREDIT: Scott Schumaker

Wayne Kramer leading Crazy James
PHOTO CREDIT: Scott Schumaker

Crazy James in rehearsal
PHOTO CREDIT: Tracy Ketcher

Tom Morello, Perry Farrell
PHOTO CREDIT: Tracy Ketcher

Crazy James in rehearsal
PHOTO CREDIT: Tracy Ketcher

SOUND CHECK:

Crazy James vocals backed by Wayne Kramer
PHOTO CREDIT: Ann Price

Denis Leary, Slash
PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Kanterman

Tom Morello, Perry Farrell
PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Kanterman

Road Recovery kids with workshop music staff member Ladell McLin
PHOTO CREDIT: Tracy Ketcher

Tiffanie DeBartolo, Jimmy Gnecco, Joseph Arthur, Jen Turner
PHOTO CREDIT: Tracy Ketcher

Crazy James jams with Jerry Cantrell
PHOTO CREDIT: Tracy Ketcher

Managers Susan Silver (Alice in Chains) and
Margaret Saadi Kramer (Wayne Kramer)
PHOTO CREDIT: Tracy Ketcher

ROAD RECOVERY'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT CONCERT:

View some Amazing Photos taken
of some of the night's featured Artists...

Female vocals of Crazy James
PHOTO CREDIT: Scott Schumaker

Overhead shot of crowd at Nokia Theater, Times Square

Members of the Justice Tour supergroup: Tom Morello,
Slash, Perry Farrell & Breckin Meyer

Road Recovery Benefit presented by Tom Morello's Justice Tour '08
and the DeBartolo Family Foundation.
Pictured: Tom Morello & Tiffanie DeBartolo
PHOTO CREDIT: Scott Schumaker

Road Recovery kids perform at the Nokia Theater, Times Square
PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Kanterman

Slash performs onstage with a ‘blown away’ Crazy James
PHOTO CREDIT: Levi Pervin

Tom Morello, Wayne Kramer & Slash perform
onstage to support Crazy James
PHOTO CREDIT: Levi Pervin

Pink Floyd’s "Wish You Were Here" performed by
Jerry Cantrell, Slash & Carl Restivo
PHOTO CREDIT: Levi Pervin

Road Recovery kids (ages 6 to 13) perform on stage at the Nokia
PHOTO CREDIT: Scott Schumaker

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
Road Recovery’s Clinical Staff and Creative Staff
Steve Martin & The Agency Group
Padilla, Speer & Beardsley Public Relations
Dworkin & CO
Margaret Kramer
Susan Silver
Blair Dickerson
Nick Lawson
Bartow Church/Anna Urban
The Nokia Theatre staff
Road Recovery parents & volunteers
JBFCS (Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services)
Boost Mobile
Condom Cents
Jeff Buckley Music
Caron Treatment Centers (NY Recovery Center)

HEADS UP: More photos along with video forthcoming…stay tuned!
FOR NOW: Click here to view video footage from Road Recovery’s 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert

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.
Named for the acclaimed photographer who documented early twentieth century exploitation of child labor, the Lewis Hine Awards for Service to Children and Youth are bestowed annually to ten relatively unknown men and women for their efforts on behalf of the health, education, and welfare of children and youth, particularly those at risk. The Lewis Hine Awards are given to unheralded professionals and volunteers who devote extraordinary time and energy to helping children and youth. The recipients, who come from many walks of life and from across the United States, are selected by a panel of distinguished judges from nominations submitted by elected officials and community leaders.

"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

Gene Bowen (left) & Dr. Scott Bienenfeld, who nominated Bowen
for the Lewis Hine Award, enjoy the moment during the post award
reception at the Time Warner Center in New York City.

About the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC):
The National Child Labor Committee is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the well-being of children and youth in the fields of work and education. Founded in 1904 and incorporated by an Act of Congress in 1907, the mission of NCLC is to promote the rights, dignity, well-being, and education of children and youth as they relate to work and the workplace. In its eleventh decade, the NCLC continues the work of its founding visionaries as a leading force in ensuring child labor law compliance, transforming the workplace into a learning environment, improving employment and training opportunities for older youth, and securing youth occupational safety and health. Additional information about the organization and its programs can be found at: www.nationalchildlabor.org.

March 11-15th – Road Recovery receives widespread music industry support in Austin, Texas & Tulsa, Oklahoma

SXSW 2008 MUSIC & MEDIA CONFERENCE, Austin, TX: For the third consecutive year, Road Recovery continued to gain wide support from the music industry as the non-profit organization expanded its involvement at the SXSW Music Conference by orchestrating an outreach event by partnering with four Austin-based youth support organizations: DOA (Disease of Addiction), PDAP (Palmer Drug Abuse Program), The University of Texas Center for Students in Recovery and Shoal Creek Hospital. Road Recovery’s trip and youth outreach in Austin at the SXSW Music Conference was underwritten by FULLBRIGHT & Jaworski, L.L.P Attorneys at Law and Jeff Buckley Music.

Music Trade Show/SXSW Music Conference Big Bag Insert: Front & Center, Road Recovery’s Music Trade Show booth #109 was strategically situated next to the MusiCares Foundation booth by SXSW organizers for easy access to thousands of SXSW Trade Show visitors discovering Road Recovery for the first time, while allowing friends and supporters to easily find founders Jack Bookbinder & Gene Bowen. SXSW registrants from companies as diverse as iTunes and High Times Magazine, as well as music industry legends such as Steve Martin (President, The Agency Group) and producer Hal Willner visited the Road Recovery booth during the 4-day conference. Joining the effort, Mary Guibert (Jeff Buckley Music) sponsored Road Recovery’s booth and info packets inserted into 15,000 SXSW Music Conference Big Bag. Beyond this sponsorship effort, Mrs. Guibert rolled up her sleeves and ‘momed’ the booth throughout the three-day trade show and youth outreach event on March 15th. The Gibson Foundation donated an Epiphone Hummingbird acoustic guitar and an Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar, which were part of a $1.00 ticket raffle giveaway that involved over five-hundred (500) SXSW Music Conference registrants.

SXSW Trade Show booth neighbors (left) Mary Guibert (Jeff Buckley
Music/Road Recovery supporter/sponsor) & Shireen Janti (MusiCares)
find a moment to hang out during the busy 3 day exhibition.

High Times magazine Associate Publisher, Richard Cusick (left)
& Gene Bowen (Road Recovery) surprisingly discover they share
similar views about the disease of drug addiction.

(l-r) Hal Willner (legendary music producer),old friend Mary Guibert
(Jeff Buckley Music/Road Recovery supporter/sponsor) & Jack Bookbinder
(Road Recovery) meet up at Road Recovery’s SXSW Trade Show booth.

(l-r) Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder, Steve Martin (President,
The Agency Group/Road Recovery board member), & Gene Bowen
(Road Recovery) promote Road Recovery’s 10 Year Anniversary Concert
Benefit @ the SXSW Trade Show.

Gibson Foundation’s donated Epiphone Hummingbird
acoustic guitar $1.00 raffle ticket winner teen and his
proud papa holds on tight to his new guitar!

(l-r) Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder presents musician - ORBO
from Norway with his new electric guitar, an Epiphone Les Paul after
purchasing only one, $1.00 raffle ticket @ the Road Recovery SXSW booth.

Music Festival: Billy Bragg, Eldar, Blue Rodeo, Alpha Rev, Oh Susanna, & Ladyfingers perform MMF – US SXSW Music Showcase and Pre-Show Networking Party. Music Managers Forum-US is a non-profit trade group organization formed to protect the rights of recording artists, music producers, DJs and music managers through education, communication and public policy work. In alliance and support of Road Recovery, the MMF–US board promoted Road Recovery’s efforts to artists managers in attendance via an information booth for both a 3-hour pre-show networking party at Club 115 (Austin) and a 5-hour SXSW music showcase at the old Copper Tank venue in Austin.

(l-r) Jack Bookbinder (Road Recovery & MMF-US Board Member),
legendary artist manager - Pink Floyd, The Clash, Peter Jenner (Manager
- Billy Bragg, secretary-general of the International Music Managers'
Forum - IMMF), Artist – Billy Bragg, & Gene Bowen (Road Recovery)
stand united for the cause after Billy Bragg’s MMF – US SXSW Music
Pre-Show Networking Party performance.

(l-r) Jack Bookbinder (Road Recovery & MMF-US Board Member),
Alan Wolmark (Manager – Eldar, MMF-US Board Member), Grammy
Nominated Artist – Eldar, & Gene Bowen (Road Recovery) connect
after Eldar’s breathtaking MMF – US SXSW Music Showcase performance.

The Nightwatchman (Tom Morello) fires up the SXSW Austin crowd
in anticipation of his upcoming The Justice Tour 2008 performance
at Road Recovery’s 10 Year Anniversary Benefit Concert in NYC on
Thursday, April 17th @ the Nokia Theatre.

Oklahoma friends – Colour Music deliver a floor shaking performance
during their SXSW World’s Fair showcase performance!

Quintessential L.A. punk rockers “X” reunite @ SXSW!
“X” guitarist – Billy Zoom extends a hand to lifelong “X” fan
Jack Bookbinder (Road Recovery) swept away in the packed
crowd of astonished fans.

Community Outreach: Capitalizing on the power of the SXSW Music & Media Conference, Road Recovery organized a private one-hour Road Recovery Master Class Series* with Austin based musicians; bassist - Tommy Shannon (Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble), guitarist - Phil Brown, singer/songwriter/guitarist - Casey McPherson (Alpha Rev) and bassist - Leland Parks (Mike Milligan and The Alter Boyz) for approximately 20 high school teens and college students from the Austin community. Road Recovery partnered with four local organizations; DOA (Disease of Addiction) - Danni Morford, Gina Harlow, Donah Matza, Connor Finnigan, PDAP (Palmer Drug Abuse Program), and The University of Texas Center for Students in Recovery and Shoal Creek Hospital.

Feeling the connection – Road Recovery staff & supporters, high school
teens, college students, community support organizations, & Austin
based musicians come together after Road Recovery’s Master Class
Series outreach event during SXSW Music & Media Conference.

"The Road Recovery Master Class held in Austin during South by Southwest was inspiring and even magical. You could see how the lucky young people that attended the event were engaged and touched. The connection we witnessed between the Road Recovery group and the students, the sincerity, genuine caring, the way they listened was really amazing. Road Recovery's unique way of reaching youth through music and the powerful message of the musicians themselves can't be compared. Like our organization, they want to make and difference and they want to do it differently."
– DOA (Disease of Addiction) Board: Danni Morford, Gina Harlow, Donah Matza, Connor Finnigan

*Road Recovery's Master Class Series provides teens and young adults access, insight and understanding to life opportunities and life experiences. Road Recovery’s Master Class Series brings together professionals from the entertainment industry whose lives have been touched by addiction and other adversities and now wish to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Road Recovery’s Master Class Series is an interactive discussion and exchange between Road Recovery music industry supporters and young adults participating in Road Recovery’s Master Class.

Caines Ballroom , Tulsa, OK: Singer/Songwriter, Spoken Word Artist, Author, Actor, and Publisher – Henry Rollins continued his support for the New York based non-profit by inviting Road Recovery’s Tulsa, Oklahoma supporter, country music drummer and Vietnam Veteran – Jim Bell to attend his Caines Ballroom gig during his ‘Provoked’ World Tour. Rollins, whose relentless charge in speaking out for justice, including veterans rights and our nations wounded, requested Mr. Bell, who served as radio operator [R.T.O.] with the 9th Infantry Division throughout the Tet Offensive be present with fellow comrades, for his March 11th Tulsa, Oklahoma show.

Road Recovery 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert Presented by:

ROAD RECOVERY MISSION: www.roadrecovery.org
Through mentoring, educational and live performance based-programs,ROAD RECOVERY's goal is to help young people find their way towards a healthy future. Established in 1998, ROAD RECOVERY, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is comprised of entertainment industry professionals whose lives have been touched by addiction and other adversities and now wish to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

The DeBartolo Family Foundation Mission: www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com
The mission of the DeBartolo Family Foundation, a non-profit corporation founded by the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family, is to provide leadership and financial resources to extraordinary organizations and individuals to improve the community.

"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

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.

Henry Rollins (second from right) full on during his Master Class
exchange with Road Recovery’s teens & staff in his dressing room.

“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.

Henry Rollins (third from right), Road Recovery’s young adults
with the non-profit's co-founder Jack Bookbinder (far left).

"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

The Henry Rollins style of saying "NICE TO MEET YOU"
Gene Bowen (Road Recovery founder, right)

"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.

Eric G. (left) celebrates his 21st Birthday with Henry Rollins!

Henry Rollins (second from right) rattles off some suggested reading;
Tom Wolfe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Chalmers Johnson, and Albert Camus.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - Schuylerville, NY – population: 1,372: Road Recovery teen participants, entertainment industry supporters and Road Recovery staff caravanned 180 miles from NYC to a meeting room above Dwell, the home of KOBO pure soy candles where proprietor Louis Hotchkiss graciously hosted Road Recovery’s Master Class with PHISH frontman - Trey Anastasio.

Sharing a funny tale about himself, Trey Anastasio’s infectious laughter
captivates everyone’s attention during his Road Recovery Master Class.

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 Anastasio performs NEW music during his 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 (left) and Road Recovery teen guitarist, Ryan Aussem
'jam', effortlessly communicate through music.

"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

Feelin the love and each others heat…Road Recovery teens, supporters
and staff surround Trey Anastasio (center) on a cold January afternoon.

"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

(L-R) Road Recovery supporter - James Walsh, MajorWho Media /Threshold
Music Studios reconnects with Trey Anastasio through Road Recovery.
Founder, Gene Bowen shares in the experience...

Road Recovery wishes to thank Bob Kravitz and Dr. Scott Bienenfeld whose efforts made Trey Anastasio’s Road Recovery Master Class possible.

Recording Artist, Painter, Curator – Joseph Arthur is a man of his word! At the beginning of 2007 Arthur made a promise to Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen that by year’s end he would participate in one of the non-profits Master Class Series*.

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.

Joseph Arthur enjoying the exchange with Road Recovery teens
during his Master Class.

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?"

Joseph Arthur and band mate Jen Turner conclude his Road Recovery
Master Class with an informal acoustic performance of old and new material.

Feeling the vibe…Road Recovery teens & staff surround Joseph Arthur
& Jen Turner (off center) with much gratitude for freely sharing
their life experiences and music…

"It was great to share in the process of recovery…Road Recovery inspires me to stay on this path…" – Joseph Arthur

Reminiscing about a time gone bye..Road Recovery's staff Owen Comaskey
(far right) whose club Arlene Grocery was the catalyst for launching...
(L-R) Gene Bowen & Jack Bookbinder's Road Recovery concert events,
introducing Joseph Arthur to a NYC audience, & Jen Turner's record label
buzz band - Furslide to Virgin Records during the roaring 1990's East Village
music scene.

*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.

Midtown Manhattan - Atlantic Records President – Julie Greenwald hosted a one hour+ interactive Road Recovery Master Class at her label headquarters for more than a dozen Road Recovery teens. Greenwald’s fast-track music industry success story began in 1992 during a summer break from teaching elementary school in one of New Orleans’ poorest neighborhoods. Her plan was to teach in public schools before heading to Washington, DC to become a child advocate. That plan derailed after she landed the job as the assistant to music industry heavyweight Lyor Cohen at his company RUSH Management. Lyor managed many of the biggest names in the early days of rap music when the genre was considered a passing fad.

A fearless attitude combined with an unstoppable work ethic proved to be Julie Greenwald’s ticket up the music industry corporate ladder. Within a span of twelve years, Greenwald managed to learn and run several areas of a major record label and eventually became President of Atlantic Records. Within three years, she took on the daunting task of restructuring, merging and running several labels under the Atlantic umbrella. Wanting to develop trust and strong relationships with the label’s artists and staff, Greenwald led and continues to lead by her own example of giving more than 100%, being honest to everyone no matter what the outcome, and staying behind the scenes.

Road Recovery youth left the master class understanding Ms Greenwald’s work ethic, integrity, commitment and the sacrifices that need to be made in order to succeed. They also learned that to be vulnerable, to take risks and to make mistakes no matter what others think, is the best way to grow and reach your goals.

PDFA President & CEO – Stephen Pasierb (center w/tie) & Jeri Milhauser, Director, PDFA Special Events (polka dot top) hang backstage with Road Recovery’s Crazy James band & Soprano, Andrea Gruber before taking the Waldorf-Astoria Main Ballroom stage.

Jeri Milhauser, Director, PDFA Special Events (left) & PDFA President & CEO, Stephen Pasierb (center) backstage with Operatic Soprano, Andrea Gruber before her cameo appearance onstage with Crazy James at the Partnership’s benefit.

Road Recovery’s Crazy James band, numbering more than 15 members onstage with guest artist, Operatic Soprano 'Diva' Andrea Gruber (center right) closing out the Partnerships benefit gala at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

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!

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!

Austin Texas buzz band, Alpha Rev lead vocalist, Casey McPherson joined Road Recovery an hour after touchdown into the Big Apple for this year’s CMJ Music Marathon. Sandwiched between his band’s top billing at the Numinous Music showcase at Mo Pitkins and a solo acoustic performance at the same venue, Casey rolled up his sleeves and opened his heart for Road Recovery’s teens by participating in the non-profit’s *Master Class Series.

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!

Already making a mark in print, film, online and TV, Alpha Rev and Casey McPherson’s songs have been featured in a handful of MTV shows. They were the first unsigned band on Yahoo! Music, their song "Lower me Down" was featured in the independent film "Pineapple", and most recently their track "Colder Months" won the 2007 American Songwriter/SNOCAP competition and will be featured in a compilation CD issued out in the Nov/Dec issue of the magazine.

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!!!"
- Casey McPherson

"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."
- Karyn Scott, manager

Soprano – Andrea Gruber "On-Stage"
photo credit: Roberto Ricci

On break as she prepares for her Spring 2008 Metropolitan Opera performances of Verdi’s Macbeth, Soprano Andrea Gruber is rolling up her sleeves to donate her time and talent, and sharing her life experiences with Road Recovery teen participants!

"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."
- Andrea Gruber, Soprano

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.

Andrea Gruber (front, second in from right) & fellow opera singer -
Jill Grove (center) with Road Recovery teens after
Ms. Gruber’s Friday night Road Recovery Master Class.

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.

Road Recovery teen, Biz (left) bonds with Andrea Gruber at
Silver Hill Hospital Sunday outreach.

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."
– Mathew A. Horner, Manager – IMG Artists

All mixed up…Road Recovery staff, Silver Hill staff, Crazy James
band mates & singer, Andrea Gruber mush together for an
amazing day of giving & getting so much, 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!"
– Charles McTavish, Road Recovery/Crazy James band member

Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen & Andrea Gruber share war stories
about touring Classical Music style...

"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."
– Andrea Gruber, Soprano

Sung H. shows off his moves and music during his band, Steel Fetish’s final performance.

HAINES, ALASKA (population: 2,500) - For the second year running, Road Recovery joined up with Voices Project to deliver their extraordinary Performance Workshops Program, a week of inspiration, hope and music to a group of teens in the small rural Alaskan community. A collaboration between the Haines Borough Public Library and KHNS-FM, the local community radio station, the Voices Project’s mission is to increase education and awareness about the effects of substance abuse on people’s lives. Last year, Road Recovery’s Jay Rodriguez and Charles McTavish left the community wanting more, inspired by the prospect of hosting this amazing organization’s program again.

"Thank you all for sharing your lives."
"Thank you Road Recovery for coming to this town that nobody has heard of and working with a bunch of teenagers so we could play a kick ass show."
“Thank you so much, I had the funniest time with you guys (girl).”
"These guys are awesome; they helped us make 4 songs in three days. They were patient, helpful and very, very supportive."
"I had a great time and I’m glad they came here to Haines."
"I hope Road Recovery happens again next year, and they stay for more than 5 days next time."
- Haines, Alaska Teen Participants

“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.”
- Owen Comaskey, Road Recovery staff

“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.”
- Cheri Hample, MPH MSW, Program Coordinator
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium’s Behavioral Health Prevention

“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!”
- Tania Danielski, Voices Project Coordinator

Ozzy Osbourne (rear/sunglasses) in his dressing room with
Road Recovery teens & staff.

Ozzy Osbourne (center) stirs the kettle with Road Recovery
teens & staff backstage at his Ozzfest!

For nearly ten years Road Recovery has been helping young people find their way towards a healthy future through the efforts of entertainment industry professionals whose lives have been touched by addiction and other adversities who wish to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

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."
- Scott Bienenfeld, M.D.

Ozzfest Agent - Marsha Vlasic (MVO Ltd.), supporter & friend of Road Recovery catches up with Road Recovery founder - Gene Bowen backstage before Ozzy's descent on stage!

"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!"
– Ozzy Osbourne

Joe Walsh's Tour Manager (right)- Smokey & 'retired' tour manager - Gene Bowen cross paths during Joe Walsh 's hang with Road Recovery teens.

Joe Walsh (second from left) with Road Recovery teens & staff
after his post sound-check Master Class inside NY's Beacon Theatre.

Joe Walsh (far right) shares with Road Recovery teens & staff his
life experiences before his 'sold-out' NY gig.

Joe Walsh (right) autographs a rare copy of the 1971 record
California '99 to Road Recovery's Tulsa, OK supporter, drummer, Jim Bell.

“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!”
– Joe Walsh, Solo Artist, The Eagles

“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!”
– Smokey Wendell, Tour Manager, Joe Walsh

Velvet Revolver guitarist, Dave Kushner (center) hangs with
Road Recovery teens off stage as his band mates start the show
without him - "Oh Shite!"

Velvet Revolver's guitarists, Slash & Dave Kushner (rear center)
in their dressing room bunker with the Road Recovery family.

Steve Martin (center)- Road Recovery 'Super Supporter' & President,
The Agency Group Ltd. stands in front of his ‘booking’ - Squeeze's
'sold-out' venue with Road Recovery teens prior to yet another dressing
room hang with band member - Chris Difford.

Chris Difford (center) shares some quality 'quiet' time with Road Recovery
teens before facing his 'sold-out' audience of devoted Squeeze fans.

"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!"
– Steve Martin, President, The Agency Group Limited

Scott Booker (lower right)- World’s Fair, Manager of The Flaming Lips,
huddles with Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen (left) Flaming Lips frontman,
Wayne Coyne (center), Angie DeVore – World’s Fair, & Road Recovery’s
Jack Bookbinder (right) to discuss their life experiences and common goal of combating negativity in the world through positive action.

"Pot is fun and should be legal. For some that’s all it is…for those with addictive personalities they can face a treacherous road and I’ve seen it happen to some of my friends over the years. Crystal Meth, Heroin, Coke, all that stuff can overtake you. This idea of Road Recovery helps kids avoid the treacherous road of the drugs that can overtake you."
– Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips 'category'

“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.”
- Scott Booker, World’s Fair, Manager for The Flaming Lips

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!

August 2-11, 2007: For the third consecutive year, Road Recovery’s sober teens from the Crazy James band along with entertainment industry professionals, meet up with the Vans Warped Tour and join forces with the Take Action! crew for some blazin punk rock hot and sweaty fun. Dedicated to encouraging awareness of social issues and activism, the Take Action! tent is centrally located onsite in the midst of the music and extreme sports Warped Tour festival storm. Road Recovery’s onsite outreach booth provides the more than 20,000 daily Warped festival goers with interactive peer to peer dialogue about cool alternatives to getting F*#@ed up along with informative printed materials (stickers, guitar picks, handouts) and access to win Road Recovery’s unbelievable $1.00 raffle ticket drawing each day of a Gibson/Fender electric guitar and case!

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.

"It was a fantastic experience having the guys from Road Recovery not only share their experience, strength and hope with the young adults getting sober, but also share the common language of music. It meant allot to the kids that were there to hear Road Recovery share the language of hope in recovery telling their stories and playing their music... thank you soo much Gene, Jack and the Road Recovery touring team."
- A. Michael Blanche MSS LCSW - Comprehensive Counseling Specializing in Addictions, West Chester, PA

"Road Recovery provided our youth with an amazing and interesting outlook on sobriety, addictions and mental health issues. The interaction was phenomenal and the bands music was truly enjoyed. Thank you for this opportunity to allow our youth in program to connect with other teens battling many of life's hardships and displaying hope, dedication to healing, and stability in working through mental health/addictions. Thank You!"
- Audrey Connell, Aurora House, Lockport, NY

DFEST '07 [Diversafest] (July 27-28th), TULSA, OK – In reaction to the outpouring of support after last year’s Road Recovery Exhibition Booth by DFEST Founders – Angie DeVore, Tom Green and her team, SPIN Magazine, Gibson Guitars, The Music Store (Tulsa, OK), Jeff Buckley Music, Scott Booker (World’s Fair, manager for The Flaming Lips), and Jim Bell (legendary Tulsa drummer, Road Recovery’s ‘ground support’), Road Recovery returned to DFEST ’07 with their band Crazy James to stake claim in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

Road Recovery DFEST ’07 Schedule: Friday-Saturday (July 27-28th)

Road Recovery Exhibition 'outreach' Booth (Friday-Saturday): [sponsored by: SPIN Magazine, Gibson Guitars, The Music Store (Tulsa, OK), Jeff Buckley Music] provided information to DFEST attendees along with free SPIN Magazines, Jeff Buckley guitar picks, and $1.00 raffle tickets to win a NEW Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Custom guitar donated by Gibson Guitars and an Alvarez RD-10 Acoustic guitar donated by The Music Store (Tulsa, OK).

Drawing the winning $1.00 raffle tickets at the Road Recovery DFEST booth for donated guitars by Road Recovery Sponsors – Gibson Guitars & The Music Store (Tulsa, OK).

Crazy James lead vocalist – Meghan Breen expresses her appreciation to Road Recovery’s Tulsa man – Drummer, Jim Bell for all his help in bringing Road Recovery/Crazy James to Tulsa, OK.

Kenio Chavero (center) from Chihuahua, Mexico who purchased a single $1.00 raffle ticket wins an Alvarez RD-10 Acoustic guitar donated by The Music Store (Tulsa, OK) with Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen (left) and Jack Bookbinder (right) at the Road Recovery’s DFEST booth.

Jill Richardson (center) from Oklahoma City struts it after winning a Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Custom guitar donated by Gibson Guitars with Road Recovery ‘Dad’ Doug McTavish (left) and Jack Bookbinder @ the Road Recovery DFEST booth.

Mikey, Drummer, Shiny Toy Guns (front/kneeling) & his Production Manager – Rob Dubuss (bearded, second from right), members of the Road Recovery family 'crossroads' with Crazy James bandmates @ DFEST, Blue Dome Diner in Tulsa, OK.

Crazy James onstage during their DFEST – Blue Dome Diner gig located in the downtown Blue Dome District of Tulsa, OK

Flaming Lips front man Wayne Coyne 'in the kitchen' meeting with Road Recovery Founders (Saturday afternoon): In support of Road Recovery’s non-profit outreach for teens suffering from addiction issues and other adversities in the NYC area and now beyond, Scott Booker (manager for The Flaming Lips) orchestrated an impromptu meeting between Road Recovery Founders – Jack Bookbinder & Gene Bowen with the front man of The Flaming Lips and veritable ‘Willy Wonka of Alternative Rock’ - Wayne Coyne. ‘The kitchen meeting’ yielded an in-depth discussion about Bowen’s substance abuse adventure into near death as a result of his fears and inability to navigate from adolescence into adulthood. Bookbinder and Bowen provided Coyne insight into Road Recovery’s programs where teens gain much needed support, resources, and skills in order to find their way toward a happy future after suffering through the horrors of drug/alcohol addiction.

"Pot is fun and should be legal. For some that’s all it is…for those with addictive personalities, they can face a treacherous road and I’ve seen it happen to some of my friends over the years. Crystal Meth, Heroin, Coke, all that stuff can overtake you. This idea of Road Recovery helps kids avoid the treacherous road of the drugs that can overtake you."
-Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips ‘category’

Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (second in from the right), an old school Flaming Lips fan exposes Crazy James band members & Road Recovery’s Jim Bell to their first Lips show!

Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (left) and Gene Bowen (center) hide out "in the kitchen" with Wayne Coyne, The Flaming Lips [category], to chat about Road Recovery’s history, mission and programs.

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips SPINS it with Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen (left seated), DFEST Founder, Angie DeVore (center seated), Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (second from right seated), and Scott Booker (World’s Fair, manager for The Flaming Lips) (right seated) and other DFEST staff (standing) in support of SPIN Magazines sponsorship of Road Recovery’s participation @ DFEST!

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips 'category' signs his regards to Road Recovery’s Crazy James: "Hey Crazy James – Good Luck in the Mid-West, Wayne".

Road Recovery/Crazy James "Meeting & Music" outreach/give back @ Tulsa’s 12&12 Center (Saturday night): The members of Crazy James band whose ages range from 17-24 years, and with clean time spanning from one to five years, delivered their message of hope and possibility from active drug/alcohol addiction into an exciting life being clean and sober. Crazy James delivered their message through an interactive share with inpatient and outpatient folks and alumni of Tulsa’s 12&12 Center For Addiction Treatment and Recovery (formerly the Sheraton Hotel where Elvis Presley once stayed!). The night culminated when Crazy James band amped-up, plugged in, and ignited a fully charged electric set of original music, sending the already emotional gathering into a complete frenzy!!

"Spectacular, awesome, appreciated and incredible!!! I want to express my sincere appreciation to Road Recovery and your mission. This was such a successful evening for us. The clients and I just loved Crazy James!! Wow, their recovery stories touched and moved so many and the music was simply outstanding. My hats off to you folks! Thanks for coming to Oklahoma, thanks for coming to 12 & 12 and thanks for your mission. I look forward to keeping in touch, and hopefully working together again! Please extend my deepest appreciation and respect to everyone in the band, they will be remembered for a long, long time around here."– Bryan Day, Director of Business Relations, 12 and 12, Inc.

It’s surreal to know that ten years have passed since Jeff Buckley’s death and in the foreground, Road Recovery’s ten year celebration is quickly approaching. At the crossroads of these two anniversaries it seemed timely to express our sincere thanks to the fans who have given freely of themselves to assure that Road Recovery continues to have a positive impact on the lives of young people.

The support of my life choices and the respect I received from Jeff, Michael Tighe, Mick Grondahl, Matty Johnson, our road crew, Jeff’s management team, especially Jack Bookbinder, the many folks at Sony Music Entertainment worldwide, Mary Guibert (Jeff’s mom who wrote beautiful notes of support and prepared wonderful home-cooked meals) and countless others whose paths we crossed during the two year Grace campaign is something I will carry in my heart for rest of my days.

The experience of returning to the road as a ‘sober’ tour manager, matched by the amazing team of people surrounding Jeff Buckley, was the seedling for what became The Road Recovery Foundation in 1998.

While in Memphis during the recordings for My Sweetheart The Drunk, Jeff and I discussed my idea of creating a non-profit organization for entertainment industry professionals who had come to terms with life adversities (addiction, mental health issues, diabetes, etc.) and provide them with the opportunity to share their life and professional experiences with young people. Jeff decided that Road Recovery’s outreach would play an active role throughout his next world tour.

On behalf of everyone involved with Road Recovery, we are deeply grateful to the Jeff Buckley worldwide family for transforming loss and pain into ‘random acts of kindness’ for the sake of others!

Big Hugs…

Gene Bowen

For more information on Road Recovery, please visit: www.roadrecovery.org
For more information on how you can help Road Recovery, please visit: Help Us @
www.roadrecovery.com/help_us.html

Road Recovery’s Graham A.R.T.S.
(A Road To Success) teens let loose under the lights.

Graham-Windham (helping under-served children overcome obstacles on the path to self-sufficiency for more than 200 years - www.graham-windham.org) located on Hastings-on-Hudson and Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel, (a Roman Catholic parish dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their parish & community - www.ndcarmel.com) in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey celebrate the impact on all those involved in Road Recovery’s Performance Workshops 2007 programs.

The main thing that makes Road Recovery work is that it opens the kids’ eyes out there. They learn that they are not alone and that you can be sober and not feel like you live in a convent. You can love life, after trudging through addiction.
I’m nineteen years old…I know what works with young people and what doesn’t! Road Recovery’s Performance Workshops Programs work!

Kathy – parent of Road Recovery program participant
Before our daughter entered into recovery, our family life was in turmoil. We walked on egg shells, trying not to upset her. She was the center of our lives and orchestrated everything that went on.

Every other day, the police were at our door. She stopped taking care of herself. She was hard to awaken each day. She cursed at us on a regular basis, which she had never done before drugs. Life was out of control.

We made her attend Road Recovery’s program in New Jersey. Even though she was sober, she didn’t want to go at all. After the first night, and I cannot say this without crying, she said, “These people are so happy and not doing drugs. I want to be like them.” She has been coming ever since.

Addiction is a family disease. Road Recovery works because of the way it is set up. Road Recovery addresses the disease of addiction via the clinicians who are overseeing the kids care. There is much love and healing from the Road Recovery staff and among the young people participating in the program. The music and artistry itself is healing. The disease of addiction is self-centered fear. Road Recovery uses the arts to help young people face that fear screaming inside them, builds self-esteem, pulls them together as a community, and in the end without even knowing gets them out of themselves.

Jenna – Road Recovery program participant (17 years old)
I always thought no one would understand me or what I’m going through. At Road Recovery, I’m an addict who is bi-polar, with all these emotions. At Road Recovery, I immediately met four people just like me. I am not alone.

At first, my parents made me go to Road Recovery. I am really shy, so it was hard to go. When I arrived, I saw people my age having fun, and having fun without drugs. I had no musical background, but shared that I could write. The staff asked me to put words together on how I was feeling right then and how I felt in the early days of my recovery. I just put it down on paper, with another girl who was going through the same thing as me. The Road Recovery crew turned my words into melodies and soon an amazing song appeared! That’s how the “No Easy Way Out” song got written. Now, I feel like I accomplished something, and that's not something drug addicts get to feel.

Now that I am sober, having fun with people is a much better high than drugs. People don’t think it is, at least the active users don’t, but it is true. At Road Recovery, I feel close to everyone. They genuinely care and support me. I feel safe at Road Recovery.

When I first heard about Road Recovery, I figured I would check it out. After I quit drugs, I kept my distance from people, even people in recovery. I was afraid that people who were newly sober could relapse, which could make me relapse. Road Recovery has been pretty nice and chilling, meeting with people who have been through the same things as I went through. Addicts are people who need help but don’t ask. Road Recovery gives help without waiting to be asked. The Road Recovery staff share from their own experience, and I learn and relate a lot to them.

For the music, I am playing the conga drums which are fun to play. I was not inclined for drums, since you need to use both hands for different things. One instrument I would like to learn is the guitar. You look good when you play. And it gets you chicks.

Elisa Street – Road Recovery Staff (percussionist)
When young people first join Road Recovery, they are nervous, fearful, closed and suspicious. Because the Road Recovery staff has lived through similar adversities in their lives as the teen participants a mutual respect exists which causes the kids to open up.

Road Recovery works because the whole staff is ignited and passionate about the process of coming together to create something greater than ourselves through the kids. The outcome is amazing. The songs are astounding. I sit with the young people and simply ask them what is on their mind. They think they’re speaking gibberish, they give me one sentence at a time and before you know it, the sentences form poems and then lyrics which become songs.

This year, the kids wrote a song about wanting an easy way out, only to realize there is no easy way out. No matter who you are, whatever you’re plagued with, you want an easy way out. The song speaks to everyone.

I am so happy to have the opportunity to make a difference through music.

Amber – Road Recovery program participant (17 years old)
I am both bi-polar and an addict. Before recovery, I was not going to school. I tried to commit suicide. I was with an abusive boyfriend. Basically, I was out of control and no one knew how to handle me. I knew I needed help and was sent away…

In other programs, people are there because they have to be. The court made them go. In Road Recovery, people come because they want to. Road Recovery is fun. The staff people are fun. The music is fun. I feel free when I’m at Road Recovery. It doesn't matter what you sound like, the staff always says we are great. I had no music experience at all. The Road Recovery folks always find a part for you and encourage all of us to keep moving forward.

Road Recovery is a place where I want to come. We’re like a little family.

Before recovery, I got arrested and I violated probation twice with narcotics. I was sent to an in-patient place. I knew I needed it. I had wanted to stop for a year before that, and I just couldn’t stop.

The Road Recovery staff gives us a place to share what’s on our mind; no matter what it is...everyone gives feedback from their experiences. No one is judgmental. We all learn from one another.

After we huddle together to share what’s going on in our lives we practice and create a performance. I have never performed. I was really scared the first time I sang in front of people. Everyone was so supportive and helpful which relieved a lot of the stress.

The creative aspect of Road Recovery is so special and very important. It expresses everything we are feeling. The music excites things more, and addicts need to be excited. We all play together, so we work as one, we become one through the process of Road Recovery.

Joan Wasser (far right) & old friend Jack Bookbinder (Road Recovery) exchange ‘life’ experiences with Road Recovery sober teens after Joan As Police Woman’s soundcheck.

Road Recovery teens sandwich together next to Author & Road Recovery Executive Board member, Tiffanie DeBartolo (center) Joan Wasser (right), and Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (far right) backstage @ the Blender Theater at Gramercy in NYC.

On June 6th, 2007, the Road Recovery teens met up with singer/songwriter/ pianist/violinist/guitarist and all around cool girl, Joan Wasser, formerly of The Damnbuilders, Black Beetle, Those Bastard Souls, as well as other renowned musical projects.

Joan, who currently fronts Joan As Police Woman, was opening that night for her pal Rufus Wainwright at the sold-out Blender Theater at Gramercy in New York City, but took time out of her soundcheck to spend some quality time meeting with the youthful gang from Road Recovery, and sharing her experiences.

Joan was candid enough to offer her impressions on how life on the road is different and more rewarding as a sober individual, and she talked at length about how much she enjoys going to meetings in new places, particularly the United Kingdom, from whence she just returned. Joan, who lives in Brooklyn when she's not on tour, then asked the Road Recovery teens where they attended meetings, and the whole group compared notes on some of their favorite spots in the city. Joan even bonded with one of the teens over a shared love of Bikram Yoga.

"Road Recovery is part of the incredible path to ultimate freedom! Thank You!"
- Joan As Police Woman

Joan's new record, Real Life, will be released in the United States on June 12, 2007 on Cheap Lullaby Records. For more information on Joan As Police Woman, or to check out the tour dates, go to www.joanaspolicewoman.com, or www.myspace.com/joanaspolicewoman.

(L-R) Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder, teens - Amanda B. & Dave S. along with Gene Bowen (Road Recovery) huddle around Slash and Dave Kushner backstage at the Nokia Theatre.

Slash (left) joking offstage with Road Recovery teens during soundcheck.

"I found it inspiring to be in the company of two rock stars who were so humble and willing to sit among us and share their life experiences without reservations with the sole intention of making a positive difference in our lives."
– Dave S. (Road Recovery teen)

New York, May 22, 2007 – MusiCares Senior Director, supporter and friend Harold Owens connected Road Recovery teens with legendary Guns n' Roses axe-man Slash and his childhood friend and band mate Dave Kushner (Wasted Youth, Loaded) of the five-headed rock and roll beast known as Velvet Revolver.

Slash and Kushner jammed with ex-Gn'R & The Cult drummer Matt Sorum for soundcheck which was ONLY witnessed by the Road Recovery group. Slash and Kushner spent more than an hour backstage with the teens for an unforgettable first-hand musical experience and supported the kids and their sobriety. They autographed Velvet Revolver t-shirts and a Gibson black Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar for Road Recovery to sell for a future eBay charity auction. Slash then requested a copy of the kids’ Crazy James 2-song CD and offered tickets to the Road Recovery group for the final night of the band's 'preview tour' at the sold-out Nokia Theatre in Times Square, New York City.

"Once you find that you want this [Road Recovery], it’s something tangible that you can achieve & very much worth the effort…"
– Slash, guitarist, (Velvet Revolver)

"Road Recovery…It’s the one program that actually helped me as much as I helped them! Thank You!!"
- Dave Kushner, guitarist (Velvet Revolver)

Velvet Revolver is Scott Weiland (lead vocals), Slash (guitars), Kushner (guitars), Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums). The members each bring a wealth of rock history to the band: Weiland fronted Stone Temple Pilots and Slash, McKagan and Sorum were the heart of Guns N' Roses. The band releases their second CD entitled 'Libertad' on July 3, 2007 on RCA Records. "The feel, the energy of Libertad is about the eternal struggle for freedom - personal and social freedoms."

Gibson Guitars/The Gibson Foundation continues their generous commitment to the non-profit organization by donating a black Epiphone Les Paul & hard case which was signed backstage by Slash and Kushner. Proceeds from the autographed Gibson guitar will go to furthering Road Recovery's outreach programs to young people in the NYC community and beyond...

Thank you Harold Owens - Road Recovery sends you our very best wishes!

Gibson’s donated black Epiphone Les Paul guitar autographed by Velvet Revolver’s guitarists – Slash and Dave Kushner

(Left) MajorWho Media - Jeremy Sklarsky, Sheldon Steiger hang after recording 'For the Kids' with Drummer, Parker Kindred (center), James Walsh - Threshold Music Studios & Bassist, Lee Nadel (right)

Parker Kindred recording 'For the Kids' drum tracks @ Threshold Music Studios in NYC

Some of the Ittleson Center children getting ready to record their backing vocals

Wednesday, May 16th marked the culmination of Road Recovery’s fourth year partnering with the The Henry Ittleson Center and Jewish Board for Family & Children Services (JBFCS) by supporting Road Recovery’s successful Performance Workshops program to more than thirty-eight incredible kids. The Ittleson Center serves children (ages: 6-13 years) with emotional needs and serious psychiatric issues.

Success with this program is a result of the dedicated efforts by Road Recovery’s creative staff who each have overcome enormous personnel adversities in their own lives, and are now transforming the young lives of others. Each member of Road Recovery’s creative staff has found a way to combine their life experiences and professional artistry in a healthy and creative forum spanning several weeks. The end process culminates into a stage performance for all to witness the gifts that these talented children possess.

This year a spark occurred over thirty-eight kids at the Center were lead by Road Recovery’s creative staff (vocalist - Wendy Caplan, musician - Owen Comaskey, dancer - Jesse Phillips-Fein, musician/teen support leader - Charles McTavish, percussionist - Elisa Street & teen volunteer, Hillary Reinsberg) who began an exploration of what they were feeling about their world and other kids through writing, music, percussion and dance.

In less than a week…a roughly recorded scratch track with lyrics by twelve year old Brianna surfaced. The track was enhanced by backing vocals by more than a dozen Ittleson Center kids. The recording was overheard by the owners of MajorWho Media including Producer – Sheldon Steiger (credits include Joe Jackson, Joss Stone, Bon Jovi, Desmond Child, The Verve Pipe, Paul Simon, PM Dawn, Larry Mullin) and partner James Walsh who both immediately opened their studio (Threshold Music) doors for the kids to experience the recording process for a series of studio sessions.

Like an uncontrollable wildfire, Steiger and Walsh drew the support of drummer Parker Kindred (Adam Green, Antony and The Johnsons, Jeff Buckley), bassist Lee Nadel (Life House, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer) among other friends to help track the music of Road Recovery’s Owen Comaskey to tape. Finally, legendary mastering engineer Fred Kevorkian (Willie Nelson, Ryan Adams, The White Stripes, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Iggy Pop and many others) was invited to master the Steiger and Walsh produced track which the kids entitled For the Kids.

"The effect a little girl's song had on all of us, well...it was quite overwhelming to be truthful. What seemed like a simple, cool idea and a way of giving back snowballed and eventually drew a crowd of talented folks who wanted to get involved and make a difference in their lives. We just did our best to facilitate the process, keep it organized, and let it happen in an honest and organic way.

The Ittleson Center gang hanging out in the control room @ Threshold Music Studios in NYC after recording 'For the Kids'

Writer/Singer - Brianna @ Threshold Music Studios recording her lead and backing vocal tracks

In the end we all got more out of working with the kids than we ever gave! I believe that the experience of involving the kids directly in producing their art and staying involved in the entire recording process actually makes a positive difference in their lives!

The kids really had a ball and were like sponges, soaking up the knowledge and the experience as it happened. The whole thing was really great."
- James Walsh, Major Who Media, Threshold Music Studios

Click the CD cover For the Kids for a sample listen:

For the Kids
(This recording is an outgrowth of Road Recovery’s Performance Workshops program at the Henry Ittleson Center)

Lyrics: Brianna
Additional Lyrics: Owen Comaskey
Music: Owen Comaskey
Vocals: Brianna
Backing Vocals:
Ittleson Kids - Brianna, Naisha, Kyron, Kevin, Matty, Hasson, Michael, Emily, Keyvon
Backing Vocals: Ittleson Staff
Antonia Barba
Drums: Parker Kindred
Bass: Lee Nadel
Guitars & Keyboard: Jeremy Sklarsky

Produced by James Walsh, Sheldon Steiger and Jeremy Sklarsky for
Major Who Media.
Recorded and Mixed by Major Who @ Threshold Music Studios, NYC.
Mastered by: Fred Kevorkian @ Kevorkian Mastering, NYC.

www.majorwho.com
www.thresholdmusic.com

Road Recovery wishes to thank our amazing Creative Staff…Wendy, Owen, Jesse, Elisa, Charles, Major Who Media, Threshold Music Studios, the entire Ittleson Center staff who, without their support this CD would not be possible! Our Ittleson kids – we love you!!!, Dr. Elizabeth Osborne, Sonya Fluskey, Kathy Forte, Antonia Barba, Carter, and Hillary Reinsberg.

Special Thanks to the Ittleson Center Divisional Committee for their continuous generosity and support of enriching our children’s lives through Road Recovery. Ms. Lori Reinsberg, Ms. Laurie Sprayregan, Ms. Andrea Feirnstein, Ms. Lauren Bloom, Ms. Marla Helene, Ms. Vicki Aronstam, Ms. Toni Bernstein, Ms. Amy Liss, Ms. Ellen Lowey, Ms.Cheryl Rosen, Ms. Susan Bram, Ms. Elizabeth Sahlman, Ms. Janet Ginsberg, Ms. Debra Staley, Ms. Stacey Bennett, Ms. Kay Adler.

Artwork, design & layout: Lisa Dinkin

© 2007 Road Recovery Publishing Co.
Produced by: Major Who Media - www.majorwho.com
Road Recovery - www.roadrecovery.org

Crazy James band delivering their message at full volume in front of 400 Princeton High School freshmen

Princeton High School seniors: Singer/Songwriter, Sarah Wilson (center) & Vocalist, Zanna (right) perform Sarah’s pop-hit ‘Cry’ onstage with Crazy James!

DAWN - Wednesday, April 25, 2007: Road Recovery staff, Crazy James band members, and Boulevard Pro’s 24-foot truck packed with concert sound gear all traveled in formation through the pre-dawn hours to New Jersey’s colonial town of Princeton. Today’s mission had Crazy James jam live in front of four hundred freshman at Princeton High School to deliver a message of hope and possibility via their music and personal life stories.

Giving back to others is what drives the members of the sober youth band Crazy James to show up at any hour! Together, with the support of facility at Princeton High School (Joyce Jones & Gwen Kimsal), approximately forty senior class peer leaders collaborated with Road Recovery and Crazy James to present a concert featuring Crazy James whose teen and young adult members are all sober. Additionally, Road Recovery & Crazy James invited two performing artists (singer/songwriter Sarah Wilson and the band Atlas Ataxia) from the senior class at Princeton High School, to join the sober youth band onstage.

"Performing with Crazy James was an amazing experience. I had so much fun and will never forget it!"
- Sarah Wilson, Artist/Singer, Princeton High School senior

After the one hour concert event, the masses of more than four-hundred freshman students moved into classrooms for small group breakout sessions with each member of Crazy James. Facilitated by Princeton High senior peer leaders, the breakout sessions gave each band member the opportunity to field questions and share their stories more in depth. These incredible life stories included messages that explain from the members how they ‘lived to use drugs & used them to live’, and their ‘living examples’ that no matter how bad life gets…there is a way out!

The funding for Road Recovery’s concert/discussion event at Princeton High School (Freshmen Class Conference) was provided by Corner House (Gary DeBlasio & Jacqui Schreiber) and the Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance through the Mercer County Office on Addiction Services and the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

Sunday, April 15th – Youth supported by Road Recovery plus staff were personally invited by Charles Grodin to attend 'An Evening of Humor and More with Charles Grodin', a benefit performance for Primary Stages artistic programs. Two youths, one an aspiring actor, the other a hip-hop recording artist, both attended for free the staged event at the new 59E59 Theater in Midtown Manhattan.

Road Recovery youth supporter Mr. Grodin talked about his amusing adventures on Broadway, in Hollywood, on TV, and in the radio and literary worlds. Mr. Grodin further mentioned Road Recovery to the packed house, and then proceeded to recant some famous lines from the film Midnight Run (1988). At a post-show reception, Mr. Grodin spent several private moments with the youth supported by Road Recovery, offering advice, support and encouragement with their career goals. Thank you Charles Grodin and “We got the Duke”!

Monday, April 16th – The Metropolitan Opera Presented – TURANDOT, Puccini’s last opera, staring sopranos Andrea Gruber & Hei-Kyung Hong and tenor Richard Margison who all performed on a breathtaking stage production created by Franco Zeffirelli. In an effort to expose Road Recovery teens’ ‘eyes & ears’ beyond a rock show, Julie Borchard, a Road Recovery Executive Board Member and the Director, High Definition Distribution for The Metropolitan Opera, provided box seats to the SOLD OUT performance at New York’s Lincoln Center.

“Going to the opera??? I had no idea what to expect! I can’t get Puccini’s melodies out of my head, especially Nessun dorma from Act III, I had tears running down my face. The staging, costumes and sets are breathtaking…you can’t explain it…it’s unbelievable! Thank You Julie, We Love You!”
- Lucky, Road Recovery teen

Julie Borchard (Road Recovery supporter/Director, The Metropolitan Opera)(far left) pre-performance hang with Road Recovery teens outside The Met @ Lincoln Center

Puccini’s Turandot on-stage at The Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, NY

BJ O’Shea from Edmond, OK making her purchase of 200 raffle tickets!

BJ O’Shea cleans up, winning both
donated Gibson Guitars!

Tiffanie DeBartolo (Road Recovery Executive Board Member, novelist, and Bright Antenna Entertainment co-owner/executive) front & center workin’ Road Recovery’s booth with her label mates; L-R, Jack Bookbinder (Road Recovery), Scott Schumaker (Bright Antenna Entertainment), Gene Bowen (Road Recovery), Ben Heldfond & Sep V. (Bright Antenna Entertainment).

SXSW turned up the volume for Road Recovery at this year's SXSW Music Conference in Austin, Texas from March 14 to 17, 2007. In an unprecedented outpouring of support, the non-profit organization Road Recovery received widespread industry recognition thanks to the committed efforts by the SXSW organizers. SXSW selected Road Recovery to present a panel entitled "Doing Service, Giving Back" in addition to assigning Road Recovery a booth with a premier location in the trade show exhibition hall so the staff could outreach to the 12,000 attendees.

Leading up to the SXSW Music Conference, Road Recovery received support from PROMETA who underwrote Road Recovery’s attendance/ booth/ giveaway bag stuffer. In addition, the law firms of Akerman Senterfitt underwrote Road Recovery’s panel. The Gibson Foundation’s guitar donations (Epiphone Acoustic DR 200 SVS and a Gibson Les Paul Standard) were each auctioned off at the Road Recovery booth via a $1.00 raffle. 100% of all collected proceeds will go towards Road Recovery’s non-profit programming.

The presence of Road Recovery supporters was deeply felt; Mary Guibert (Jeff Buckley Music, Road Recovery Advisory Board Member), Alex Rene, Esq. (Akerman Senterfitt, Road Recovery Executive Board Member), Margaret Saadi-Kramer (Artist Manger, Muscle Tone Records), Tiffanie DeBartolo (Road Recovery Executive Board Member, novelist, and Bright Antenna Entertainment co-owner/executive) and her label mates from Bright Antenna joined fellow Road Recovery supporters by flying into Austin to support the cause!

Road Recovery’s proactive SXSW panel "Doing Service, Giving Back" brought together Wayne Kramer (Owner, MuscleTone Records, and founding member of the legendary music group MC5), Tom Morello (Artist: The Nightwatchman, Audioslave, Rage Against The Machine), Harold Owens (Senior Director, MusiCares/MAP Foundation), Dr. David Smith (Medical Director, Prometa), Walter Yetnikoff (Road Recovery Executive Board Member, Legendary Music Industry Executive) and Road Recovery Founder Gene Bowen who moderated the panel.

Road Recovery’s panel provided an informal forum for all-star panel participants to discuss the benefits of giving service by:

• helping others has filled a void in their lives
• establishing unbelievable personal relationships
• providing indescribable life experiences
• revealing the ability to think beyond oneself

Participants were motivated to do something for others and were given simple suggestions on how to get started. In response to the panel, Road Recovery has received a tremendous outpouring of emails from various music industry professionals who want to get involved in outreach through Road Recovery. For more information on "Doing Service, Giving Back", please visit: www.roadrecovery.com/help_us.html

"They say 'if you don't stand up for something, you’ll fall for anything' and I think that’s really true. Have the courage to stand up for one another and those less fortunate. I support Road Recovery’s efforts and everyone involved in the work of this amazing organization. I wish them all the best" – Tom Morello, The Nightwatchman, Audioslave, Rage Against The Machine

"Road Recovery is THE music industry organization that addresses the issues of substance abuse prevention and education for teenagers and young adults. MusiCares is proud to have a professional working relationship with this wonderful organization." – Harold Owens, Senior Director, MusiCares/Map Foundation

Chris Difford (front left) hanging out with Road Recovery teens and staff - Tommy Dudley (Blues Buddha)(left rear) & Jack Bookbinder (right rear) after sound-check.

In the midst of a solo US tour supporting his second solo album “South Eastside Story”, founding member of the 80’s pop rock group Squeeze, Chris Difford, discovered Road Recovery during a breakfast meeting with his booking agent, Steve Martin, President, The Agency Group.

Martin serves on the Road Recovery supporter board and his stated personal goal is to expose Road Recovery to a wider contact base in the entertainment industry. Upon learning about the non-profit organization from Martin, Difford and tour manager Stuart Caldor begin making arrangements for teens and young adults involved in Road Recovery to attend Chris Difford’s long awaited New York show, the first in over ten years.

Road Recovery teens were given ALL ACCESS to in-demand show at BB King’s including a late afternoon Sound Check (with insider commentary from Difford’s sound person) followed by a roundtable discussion with Difford about life, music, getting clean, staying sober, songwriting stories, bands he likes, living in Brighton, England, and an insight into the upcoming Squeeze reunion tour.

"Meeting the people from Road Recovery lifted my day, we swapped Grateful Dead stories and shared in how much being sober means to us all. Each day is a bonus, I'm so happy to be here it’s so far from where I have been in my life, and I'm inspired by meeting my new friends!"
– Chris Difford

Road Recovery teens and staff were given VIP seating for the 90-minute set which included Squeeze hits…"Tempted", "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)", "Black Coffee In Bed", "Cool For Cats" and "Annie Get Your Gun", just to name a few…

"I wasn’t even born during the height of Squeeze’s popularity, and yet I catch myself without even knowing, humming the melody of their song "Tempted"! To meet and sit with Chris (Difford), a perfect stranger who has a genuine interest in helping all of us stay sober, simply by taking the time to hang out and talk with us, is an awesome experience! A memory I will never forget."
– Danny R. (Road Recovery young adult)

Thanks to SXSW Music Conference's continued commitment and the generous sponsorship support of Hythiam, creator of Prometa treatment protocol (prometainfo.com), the law firms of Akerman Senterfitt (akerman.com), The Gibson Foundation (gibson.com), & Jeff Buckley Music (jeffbuckley.com), Road Recovery returns to Austin, TX this week to exhibit and host a star studded innovative music panel including Wayne Kramer, Tom Morello, Harold Owens, Dr. David Smith, Walter Yetnikoff.

SXSW – TRADE SHOW: Austin Convention Center, Upper Level,
Grand Ballroom
Thursday, March 15 (11:30am-6pm)
Friday, March 16 (Noon-6pm)
Saturday, March 17 (Noon-4pm)

Road Recovery will be front and center (Booth A7) on the exhibition floor in an effort to further the non-profit’s reach, introducing more music industry professionals and those in attendance to the organization’s youth driven outreach programs.

Gibson Guitars Giveaway! The Gibson Foundation has again donated two brand new guitars, an Epiphone Acoustic DR 200 S VS and a Gibson Les Paul Standard to be raffled away at the Road Recovery booth for this year’s conference. Simply buy your raffle tickets ($1 each) and on Saturday, March 17th at 2:45 PM CST, Road Recovery will pick the winning raffle tickets and declare the winners!

Road Recovery friends Wayne Kramer (MuscleTone Records, MC5), Walter Yetnikoff (Road Recovery, Legendary Music Industry Executive), Dr. David Smith (Medical Director – Prometa, Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic), Harold Owens (Director, MusiCares) & Mary Guibert (Jeff Buckley Music) will visit Road Recovery’s booth on Friday, March 16th from 1:30PM-2PM for press interviews and a chance to connect with conference attendees. Stop by the Road Recovery booth and say hi!

SXSW – MUSIC PANEL: Austin Convention Center, Upper Level

Saturday, March 17 (12Noon-1:15pm) – Room 19A

Road Recovery has been invited by SXSW to present a unique panel at this year’s SXSW Music Conference entitled "DOING SERVICE, GIVING BACK"

Artists and executives who have weathered personal and professional crises are compelled to share their experiences. Their hard-won experience has impacted their lives both personally and professionally and has influenced many aspiring musicians and professionals to give back. The panelists will provide simple ways music industry professionals can make a difference in the lives of others while managing life's demands...DO SERVICE, GIVE BACK!

Panel Moderator: Gene Bowen, Founder, Road Recovery

Guest Panelist:

Wayne Kramer, Owner, MuscleTone Records, MC5
"Being of service is consistent with the Athenian code that I strive to leave Athens a little nicer than I found it. In our case, Athens is right here and right now. It's the City Mission in Los Angeles, CA. It's in Baghdad's medical city and in the subways of Tokyo, Japan. And it's as much in Road Recovery at a rock and roll conference in downtown Austin, Texas."

Tom Morello, The Nightwatchman, Audioslave, Rage Against The Machine
"My twin passions have always been music and activism. I didn't choose to play the guitar, it chose me. I DID however choose to fight for social justice in my life and in my music. I believe that no one really wins unless we all win. And if we don't stand up for each other, who will stand up for us?"

Harold Owens, Director, MusiCares Foundation
"Service is so important to my life both in and outside my job; it’s what gives me inner peace…come join us!"

Dr. David Smith, Medical Director, Prometa
"I am very happy to unite with Road Recovery who are continuing the mission of recovery of all kinds through music and it’s industry."

Walter Yetnikoff, Road Recovery, Legendary Music Industry Executive
"We only get to keep what we have if we freely give it away."

Road Recovery is grateful to all our SXSW ’07 Sponsors:

Crazy James band feelin' the love from Fr. Jude (rear center) and members of his Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel core team.

Road Recovery's Jack Bookbinder & Notre Dame's Fr. Justin discover a family resemblance.

The Star Ledger in New Jersey recently reported fatal accidental drug overdoses in the Morris County, (Morristown area) New Jersey area hit a 10-year high in 2006, with 44 people dying from heroin, cocaine and other drugs. The number of deaths climbed almost 70 percent from the previous year's total of 26, with victims between 17 and 59 years old, according to law enforcement officials.

August 2006: Fr. Jude Salus, Pastor - Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel, a Roman Catholic parish in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey began searching for a solution to his community’s crisis after witnessing firsthand the devastation of drug overdoses and deaths among the youth in his community.

Fr. Jude was introduced to Road Recovery by his old friends, the Aussem family, whose 18 year old son Ryan credits his two plus years of continued sobriety to being involved with Road Recovery’s New York City program since his return from inpatient drug rehabilitation.

Fr. Jude, with the assistance of key members of the Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel parish, the Aussem Family and Road Recovery staff began steps in bringing Road Recovery’s Performance Workshops program to the Cedar Knolls community. For more than five months, members of the Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Road Recovery team, lead by 'mom', Pat Aussem, went door to door speaking with community officials, substance abuse/outpatient programs, parents, store owners, grandparents, and anyone who would listen….about Road Recovery and the parishes’ efforts in launching a pilot program on March 1, 2007.

By December 2006, Fr. Jude, with the generous financial support of his parish, committed the necessary funds to launch a Road Recovery twelve week pilot program for Morris County teens actively involved in staying sober and under the care of either a licensed outpatient program or private clinician. In addition the Road Recovery program will provide a parent drug/alcohol addiction education program for families whose teens participate in the program.

This past weekend, members of the band Crazy James from New York City’s Road Recovery program, who range from ages 16-23 and whose sobriety spans six months to five years, shared their experience, strength, music and a message of hope during each of the five masses held at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel church. The band’s appearance this past Sunday and their upcoming Road Recovery Coffee House performance in the church hall on Saturday, February 24th at 7:00pm will kick-off Road Recovery’s pilot program.

"At a time when most Catholic churches are being forced to close their doors, Fr. Jude’s church is standing room only and in need of an addition to accommodate his growing congregation! Fr. Jude, his core team (Pat & Ed Aussem, Joanne Brashier, Lois DeCaro, Mary Kochan, Jean Pankow, Dr. Phil Scaduto, Eileen Stock) and it’s more than 5,000 parishioners have rolled up their sleeves for the young people in their community. We are deeply affected by the overwhelming generosity, support, living faith and unshakable optimism the members of Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel church possess! They ‘Walk the Walk’!" – Gene Bowen, Founder, Road Recovery

For more information on Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel, please visit: www.ndcarmel.com

Crazy James delivering a message of hope to the Notre Dame Mt. Carmel congregation.

Notre Dame Mt. Carmel Church,
Cedar Knolls, NJ

Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen (far left) & Crazy James vocalist, Lucky O’Donnell (far right) join WCBS-TV Co-Anchors, Cindy Hsu (left) & Kirsten Cole (right) at the news desk in the early AM.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

WCBS-TV, CBS 2 Saturday Morning:
6:45am: Lucky O’Donnell, vocalist for Crazy James and Gene Bowen, Road Recovery Founder, appeared ‘live’ on WCBS-TV, CBS 2 Saturday Morningwith Kirsten Cole and Cindy Hsu to discuss the organization’s success in providing peer-to-peer support relationships. Such relationships provide teens vast opportunities to realize their dreams and aspirations.

Caron 50th Anniversary Alumni Celebration:
12:00pm: Crazy James guitarists Tim Barr and Ryan Aussem, accompanied by 2007 Grammy Nominated - Groove Collective woodwinds master, Jay Rodriguez, performed a musical set on the New York City’s Upper East Side at Caron Treatment Center’s 50th Anniversary Alumni Celebration before a packed house of alumni spanning years of sobriety time…

New York ’s Poet & Legend, Robert Astor performs backed by Crazy James ‘jazz orchestra’

Comedian, Mike D. dishing out a dose of sad reality…

Crazy James performs The Living Room

Jimmy Gnecco , OURS quietly levels The Living Room

Jimmy Gnecco , OURS surrounded by Crazy James & Road Recovery’s Jack Bookbinder (left rear)

"Meeting, Music & Laughs":
2:00pm: Road Recovery’s "Meeting, Music & Laughs" matinee at The Living Room on Ludlow Street in NYC kicked off with a one-hour Recovery Meeting hosted by Road Recovery and Crazy James. The purpose of the one hour non-threatening Recovery Meeting is to support those interested in staying sober or those interested in learning more about sobriety and Road Recovery.

3:15pm: After a brief intermission…New York City poet Robert Astor was accompanied by the Crazy James ‘Jazz Orchestra’, lead by the baton of Jay Rodriguez. The group traveled back in time to the early 1990’s when New York embraced the Café Sin-e experiences of Dorothy Scott, Katell Keineg, Daniel Harnett for a mere moment, now gone…Road Recovery additionally mourns the end-of-March 2007 closing of Sin-e on Attorney Street, yet acknowledges the incredible influence Sin-e owner Shane Doyle has had on the music community.

3:30pm: From the Bronx, comedian Mike D. gave it…shared it…stuck it to the seated audience as only he can…in the darkest, most offensive way possible, by transposing evil angst into gut wrenching laughter…forty minutes later ‘D.’ left the room standing and screaming for more…do your life a favor and see Mike D. live in NYC or at the HBO Comedy Special in Aspen, Colorado which takes place from February 2 to March 4, 2007.

“By providing a channel of self expression, Road Recovery helps fill the void…
Plus, if these kids don't play music they will probably rob you.”
- Mike D., Comedian

4:15pm: Crazy James performed in ever-expanding numbers by exceeding a dozen. The music group delivered a mix of old favorites and new tunes soon to debut on their upcoming 2007 EP being recorded at The Lodge recording studios in NYC with producers Drew Stein, The Prodigy’s Neil McClellan, David ‘DibbS’ Shackney, Colin Thibadeau and mastering engineer Emily Lazar.

5:00pm: In closing, Jimmy Gnecco of OURS acoustically strummed a dark backdrop of old and soon-to-be- released NEW material as he transcended the heavens vocally and invoked Roy Orbison by performing “Cryin”, leaving everyone spellbound in complete disbelief…

“Road Recovery is an organization that believes in you even when you've lost belief in yourself. Road Recovery is an amazing group of people and great friends to all.”
- Jimmy Gnecco, OURS

Groove Collective’s Jay Rodriguez (center left) & Chris "Ifatoye" Theberge (center right) flanked by their band mates

Road Recovery is proud to announce that the music group Groove Collective has been honored with a Grammy nomination and Road Recovery alumni Rob Dubuss is named the Production Manager for the world tour for Shiny Toy Guns!

Groove Collective's ‘PEOPLE, PEOPLE, MUSIC, MUSIC’ (Savoy Jazz Worldwide) has been nominated for BEST CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ALBUM (category 45). The 49th annual Grammy Award winners will be announced February 11, 2007.

For more than seven years, Groove Collective’s principal members – Jay Rodriquez (saxophones, flutes, bass clarinet) and Chris "Ifatoye" Theberge (congas, bata drums, percussion) with the support of their band mates, have quietly, yet critically been involved in Road Recovery’s outreach programs in the New York Metropolitan area, directly impacting the lives of thousands of at risk teens and young adults.

Groove Collective’s Jay Rodriguez and Chris "Ifatoye" Theberge are true heroes to many young people in our community and the Road Recovery Foundation! Their dedication and commitment to use their incredible artistic talents and life experiences in order to make a positive difference for youth of our community needs to be told!

The Grammy nomination, the first in Groove Collective’s 13-year history, came at a critical time for the group. In fact, Groove Collective and their label had basically decided to "put the album to bed" due to the lack of attention it initially received. On the day before the Grammy nomination announcement, a soul-searching meeting had been planned to reassess the direction the group was taking. Instead, that planned meeting turned into a celebration.

Groove Collective exploded out of New York City ’s jazz-funk-hiphop scene in the early 90s, along with bands like Tribe Called Quest. Groove Collective immediately earned high praise for their unique blend of sounds: Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, funk, dance, and 70’s soul. Initially signed by Road Recovery supporter Mo Austin, the former President of Warner Brothers Records, Groove Collective is truly a musical voice of New York , encompassing all the multiculturalism that the city represents.

Over the years Groove Collective has built up a loyal following, particularly overseas, and they have earned the respect and admiration of artists such as Roy Nathanson, Elvis Costello, Dave Matthews, Widespread Panic, Chucho Valdez, and many others.

For more information, please visit: http://www.savoyjazz.com/sites/savoy/features/groovecollective

Road Recovery’s Rob Dubuss lands a gig with Shiny Toy Guns (Universal Music Group) for a World Tour. A miracle of miracles…DJ, bass player, and now Production Manger for one the hottest touring indie bands out there, Rob Dubuss celebrates his twentieth birthday on the road, determined to never turn back at a life that nearly took him down.

After years of battling his own personal demons, Rob gave up the futile fight and got sober in June of 2004. He never looked back….Fresh out of treatment, Rob hooked up with Road Recovery and quickly became an unstoppable force in Road Recovery’s Performance Workshops program at Caron Treatment Centers NY Recovery Center.

Utilizing his talents as a DJ, and later expanding to playing bass guitar, Rob solidified the rhythm section for Crazy James, a band born out of Road Recovery’s Performance Workshops program at Caron. Seeing the band needed help in overseeing all the production details surrounding their ever growing string of live performance dates, Dubuss was a one man road crew. His efforts caught the recommendation of Road Recovery’s staff who began calling up production companies in the New York metropolitan area suggesting that they hire the talented Rob Dubuss for their next live show.

While in town recording their latest record – " We Are Pilots" at the beginning of 2006, the drummer for Shiny Toy Guns, Mikey Martin, stumbled upon Road Recovery and instantly found a connection and friendship with Dubuss.

When it came time to tour the world to support of the band’s music release….Mikey called upon Rob to join the crew and hit the road…Road Recovery is unbelievably proud of Rob Dubuss and the immeasurable feats he has achieved with his life, plus the impact he has had on the Road Recovery family!

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts rock
New York’s Irving Plaza

Joan Jett signs donated Gibson Epiphone
’57 Reissue Les Paul Junior

Road Recovery teens hang on tight to
Joan Jett’s autographed Gibson Epiphone ’57 Reissue Les Paul Junior

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, together with Gibson Foundation/Gibson Guitars, The Agency Group and Blackheart Records, rolled out the red carpet for Road Recovery teens during the band’s triumphant NYC gig at Irving Plaza to support their latest release Sinner (Blackheart Records).

It all started last summer when Joan Jett was on the road headlining the Vans Warped Tour ’06 and Road Recovery Founder Gene Bowen bumped into Jett backstage one night, which planted the seeds to
making a wonderful event happen.

Fast forward to November 2006 when Steve Martin, President, The Agency Group President (also the booking agent for Joan Jett and a member of Road Recovery’s Supporter Board) discovered a photo of Jett with Bowen from the summer tour printed in the November 2006 issue of SPIN magazine.

Steve Martin quickly went to work for more than a month pulling together all the pieces for Road Recovery teens to be on hand for and amazing night which included a…

• Joan Jett sound-check
• Hang with Joan and her band mates
• Meeting with Joan’s manager and legendary producer Kenny Laguna (Darlene Love, Andy Warhol,
  Bow Wow Wow, Joan Jett)
• Tickets to mosh up front for a two hour set of Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
• Complementary copies of Jett’s latest release – Sinner (Blackheart Records)
  

That’s not all folks…The Agency Group – President, Steve Martin will be participating in…

MMF Training, in association with MMF US, invited managers and/or their personnel to the first professional management development program in New York: "Artist Management in 2007 and Beyond". As technology evolves, traditional roles within the industry are changing. We are all interacting with brands, broadcasters, telcos and ISPs in ways that we never imagined. The need to understand both the opportunities for and threats to our business models has never been more important.

MMF Training is the business support division of the Music Managers Forum - the trade association for artist managers in the music industry, with chapters in 15 countries throughout the world. We have delivered practical business support sessions for over a decade in Europe. On Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th January 2007, MMF will present their first event in New York. The event is scheduled to run over two consecutive evenings from 6:30-9:30pm.

"As a member of Road Recovery's Supporter Board, one of my functions with the foundation is to further expose the music industry to this amazing organization. I am honored to participate in the MMF hosted event allowing me to share my professional experience as an agent for more than 25 years to an audience of young industry professionals. The MMF event will also provide a great opportunity to turn more music industry folks onto Road Recovery!" - Steve Martin, President, The Agency Group

GUEST PANELISTS INCLUDE:
Andy Kipnes - Advanced Alternative Media (AAM)
Marty Diamond - Little Big Man/Paradigm (Pollstar Small Booking Agency of the Year 1996-2000 & 2002-2005)
Steve Martin - President - The Agency Group (Clients include: Dave Gilmour, Billy Bragg, Bryan Ferry, Dream Theater)
Ken Anderson - Partner Loeb & Loeb LLP (Clients include: Dixie Chicks, Ben Folds, Beastie Boys)
Alan Wolmark - CEC Management
Michael Hausman - Artist Manager, Co-founder of SuperEgo Records and United Musicians (Roster includes: Aimee Mann, Suzanne Vega, Marc Cohn and Angie Mattson)
Andy Karp - Atlantic Records (Head of A & R)
Paul Katz - Founder/CEO of Commit Media (Former Senior Executive Jive/ Zomba, Former Head of Sony BMG's Visual Media Division)
Stuart Ditsky - CPA, PC (Clients include: Matchbox 20, STAIND, Antigone Rising, Pink Spider, Rob Thomas, Suzanne Vega, Aaron Lewis, Jem)
Loren Chodosh - Loren Chodosh P.C. (Clients include: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Secret Machines, TV on the Radio, Nada Surf, Buddy Guy)

VENUE:
BMI
320 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019-3790

FEES:
MMF Members: $50 (covers both nights)
AFTRA, AFM, AIMP, A2IM, MPA, NARIP, NMPA, RIAA members: $75 (covers both nights)
Non-members: $100 (covers both nights)

TO BOOK A PLACE:
If you would like to reserve a place please complete the booking form and email it to angela@mmf-training.com.

SEND PAYMENT TO:
Music Managers Forum-US
P.O. Box 444
Village Station
New York, NY 10014

PFC, Jeremy Bell prior to his deployment to Camp Liberty, Iraq
– September 2006

Jim Bell, Road Recovery supporter, Drummer, Vietnam Veteran & father, PFC, Jeremy Bell

Tulsa, Oklahoma – Road Recovery supporter Jim Bell (30+ year professional drummer, formally with Billy Parker’s KV00 – Big Country Express along with a host of country & western band credits.. too many to name) and decorated Vietnam Veteran (PFC - Private First Class, RTO – radio operator, 9 th Infantry division, 3 rd battalion, 39 th infantry January-December 1968) who served in four TET offenses, received word in September 2006 that his 27 year old son , PFC – Jeremy Bell and company were being deployed to Camp Liberty, Iraq.

Camp Liberty/ Camp al-Tahreer, located Northeast of Baghdad International Airport is one of the largest US overseas posts. Known to troops as BIAP, Camp Liberty is home to approximately 14,000 troops including PFC - Jeremy Bell and the men & women of the 32nd Transportation Company.*

In an effort to show support for our amazing troops serving in Iraq, The Road Recovery Foundation, with the help of Jim Bell, decided to send each of the thirty-one soldiers of the 32 nd Transportation Company their own ‘Rock & Roll holiday care package’ consisting of commercially released entertainment CD’s & DVD movies.

Within 24 hours of the word of this effort hitting the street, major record companies, independent labels, movie/film distributors and individual supporters showed up at the Road Recovery office with bag loads of entertainment CD’s and DVD’s consisting of a wide range of musical genres and movies, along with boxes of popcorn to wash it all down!

To the members of the 32nd Transportation Company

Happy & Safe Holidays – "You All F***** ROCK!"

From all of us at Road Recovery Especially…

Jim Bell , Drummer, Vietnam Veteran & Father of PFC – Jeremy Bell

We Support You!
Enjoy…

For anyone interested in supporting the soldiers of the 32nd Transportation Company

Please contact: Road Recovery
Phone: (212).489.2425
Email: roadrecovery@walrus.com

*32nd Transportation Company Mission Statement:

On order, the 32nd Transportation Company deploys and establishes a unit area of operations in order to conduct transportation support of Class V and IX, and general cargo to Divisional and non-Divisional units.

Rock legend, Joan Jett, (left) surrounded by Road Recovery supporters and members of Joan ’s band - The Blackhearts in NYC, show their support for the men & women of the 32 nd Transportation Company

Jeri Milhauser, Director of Special Events – the Partnership (center) "gets down" with Crazy James during the band’s pre-gala sound check.

Monday, November 27th - Road Recovery’s Crazy James performed the finale at 20th Anniversary Gala for The Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA). In attendance were over 700 CEO’s, media executives, government officials, MLB baseball owners, and the host Diane Sawyer in the famed Waldorf-Astoria Main Ballroom.

As the evening event was winding down with the serving of dessert to the packed house, Mistress of Ceremonies, Diane Sawyer, Co-Anchor, ABC News, eloquently explained Road Recovery’s mission and the organization’s long-standing ‘on the street’ working relationship with PDFA since 1998. Ms. Sawyer then introduced two members of Crazy James who captivated the audience with laughter and tears. The speakers shared their unbelievable journey back to life from substance abuse and self-destruction via the support of Caron Treatment Centers and Road Recovery…one speech even included the subtle influence that PDFA ads (i.e. the egg & frying pan - this is your brain on drugs) had on the speaker.

With the audience completely awestruck by the strength, determination and hope exhibited by these two young people after delivering their powerful speeches, it was time, in true rock & roll fashion, for Crazy James to take control of the stage at The Waldorf-Astoria Ballroom to perform a powerful two song set.

Fully charged and ready, the band brought the audience to their feet as they finished their opening song "Sweet Epiphany" and kept on rolling with their newly recorded song “Untrue”. After bows and 'thanks' to PDFA and with the energized audience applauding, the band attempted to leave the stage but were blocked by PDFA President – Stephen Pasierb who, with the audiences urging, asked for 'one more'!

"The performance by Crazy James at our 20th Anniversary gala was the perfect ending to an incredible evening. As Diane Sawyer said, the members of the band represent in many ways 'the reason' why the Partnership exists. In addition to being talented musicians, the members of Crazy James and everyone associated with Road Recovery provide a great deal of hope to other young people who are struggling with issues related to drugs. Thank you Gene, Jack and the entire Road Recovery family." – Stephen Pasierb, President, The Partnership for a Drug-Free America

Road Recovery and Caron Treatment Centers manufactured a commemorative Crazy James 2-song CD in celebration of the Partnership’s 20th Anniversary Gala, which was inserted in the more than 700 gift bags.

"It's been a beautiful amazing adventure to work with the Partnership these past years. Together we have brought our message of awareness, hope and possibility to some of the oddest venues and audiences imaginable. Always steadfast to their goal of utilizing any means possible in order to communicate with families, young and old about drug-alcohol prevention, abuse, and resource alternatives available, Road Recovery is proud and honored to be a partner in their efforts!"– Gene Bowen, Founder, Road Recovery

Crazy James on-stage during their performance which received a standing ovation.

Mistress of Ceremonies Diane Sawyer hangs out before the gala with Crazy James band members as Road Recovery Founder Gene Bowen (Center) smiles on!

Diane Sawyer (center) smushes together with Crazy James band mates and Road Recovery staff Jack Bookbinder (third from top right) and Chris Theberge (second from top left) backstage.

Tony Berlin (left) PBS-Media Relations Manager & Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen, inside BBC Radio studios.

The PBS team- (from left) Mike Greece, Managing Director, Deanna Decker, Account Executive & Tony Berlin, Media Relations Manager relax for a moment!

In 1996, the concept and mission for a non-profit organization called Road Recovery moved from ‘theory’ to ‘reality’ for co-founders Jack Bookbinder and Gene Bowen. The commitment and tremendous level of responsibility was established in the organization’s mission; to “help young people find their way towards a healthy future”. The mission quickly became a daunting challenge for the Road Recovery mentoring staff as they began working with the first wave of teens and young adults who participated in Road Recovery’s early programs.

Upon the early establishment of Road Recovery, it was decided that the non-profit would not seek any organized publicity campaign surrounding the organization’s work for the first ten years in order to allow the program to ‘walk the walk’. Sony Music Entertainment and DreamWorks Records put up the initial seed money for Road Recovery, and were informed that their donations were to remain silent until the organization had proven itself.

Literally ten years from the month of Road Recovery’s inception, Mike Greece, Managing Director for Padilla Speer Beardsley (PSB), an employee-owned, multi-specialty public relations consulting firm headquartered in Minneapolis with an office in New York, heard about Road Recovery and came knocking. After several months of showing up to learn more about the inner workings of Road Recovery, it became apparent that Greece and his PSB staff "got it".

The service and story was ready to be told to a wider audience with the goal of gaining exposure and support to broaden Road Recovery’s positive impact both in the Tri-State New York area and beyond. For nearly a year starting in January 2006, Mike Greece and the PSB team including Tony Berlin, Media Relations Manager and Deanna Decker, Account Executive, have generously given their time pro-bono. PSB has provided the marketing muscle and commitment to create a grass roots groundswell about Road Recovery in the same manner that the organization has established for their first ten years.

The PSB slow-growth media campaign has not only yielded amazing media coverage but has established respected ongoing relationships with local and national journalists who have become involved personally with Road Recovery. Coverage telling the RR story appeared in the N.Y. Daily News and on WNBC-TV in New York City recently as well as North Jersey’s leading daily newspaper The Record (Bergen County) which printed a cover story in their Living Section on November 5, 2006. On November 14, 2006, Road Recovery crossed the Atlantic Ocean for a feature on Colin Murray’s BBC Radio 1 documentary to discuss positive alternatives in the music industry that exist today, contrary to the old cliché of drugs, sex and rock & roll…archived at: www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/documentaries

"We are deeply indebted to Mike, Deanna, Tony and everyone at PSB for everything they have done this past year. Their consistent, daily action in presenting Road Recovery to a wider audience has directly helped several young people and their families find assistance and positive alternatives to alcohol/substance abuse or death. All it takes is to affect one life for positive change, and PSB has far exceeded that goal."– Gene Bowen and Jack Bookbinder, Road Recovery

Padilla Speer Beardsley’s New York office serves as a front-line public relations arm in the nation's media center providing marketing communications, strategic communications counsel, messaging and traditional as well as online media coverage for its clients. Serving a variety of companies in a number of sectors including manufacturing, market research, technology, finance, and healthcare, PSB New York has the experienced, high octane, savvy staff to deliver leveragable results for clients that make a business impact. For more information on PSB, please visit: www.psbny.com

Road Recovery teens gain access to Studio 6A, home of Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Road Recovery's Jack Bookbinder divulges new technical insight about the Doppler 4000 weather radar system while visiting WNBC Channel 4 weather news studio

Perri Peltz, co-anchor of WNBC-Channel 4 News "Live at Five" (Mon-Fri, 5-6 p.m. EST) and contributor of a wide-range of reports for WNBC news programs, hosted a Road Recovery Master Class Series* event for teen participants involved in Road Recovery’s "Keeping It Real", a program in partnership with Caron Treatment Centers.

After moving the army of teens swiftly through NBC security, passing comedian/actor Steve Martin in the process, the teen clan was ushered into the central control room to witness the 6:00pm WNBC-TV Channel 4 News. The teens witnessed producers and the technical crews working in a precise rhythm to cut, paste, and mix all the visual and sound elements necessary in delivering the news program seamlessly through their brand new digital HD (High Definition) studio.

Working backward, Peltz guided the teens on a tour through the maze of offices and small editing suites where the writing, crafting, and editing of the news in preparation for delivery to the viewing audience. From the hectic control room of live news, to the central desk where reporters and staff monitor incoming phone calls, emails, sky-cameras and emergency service scanners for breaking news all over the New York City tri-state area.

Everyone was invited to enjoy a dinner in the famous NBC Commissary followed by a relaxed roundtable discussion with Perri Peltz. Peltz described the twists and turns that awaited her after graduating from Brown University. While planning to attend Medical School, her plans were permanently interrupted by a fluke opportunity that led to her to pursue television journalism, a career spanning more than twenty years after earning a masters degree in Public Health from Columbia University.

Never venturing from her passion for the medical field and her inner drive to help those in need, Perri Peltz has built a career in television on the foundation of using the media as the prescription toward positive change both individually and as a community.

Her commitment for the good work of 'underdog' community organizations matches well with her hard earned position at WNBC where she has earned the freedom to explore and unearth stories that need to be told. Peltz described some highlights from her career in investigative journalism including:

• Posing as a crack addict living among those in the thralls of the drug epidemic.
• Exposing corrupt city building contractors and the deplorable living conditions of tenants.
• Featuring the story of David Macanulty, the public school teacher from the South Bronx who taught his students chess and together won the national championships.

The message delivered from Peltz was clear; find yourself through what you like to do, and without knowing, you will find ways to help others in the process and as an outcome. Nothing could be any clearer than the tremendous effort and help from Peltz who has rolled up her sleeves to get involved with Road Recovery through her efforts in championing the organization’s work. Finally, after inundating Perri with no less than several hundred questions, everyone was given access to Studio 6A, the home of Late Night with Conan O’Brien and full access to the WNBC Channel-4 News Studio.

*Road Recovery’s Master Class Series introduces career "success stories": individuals from a variety of fields who have achieved success and happiness in their careers present to the teen participants in Road Recovery’s programs.

Road Recovery Executive Board Member, Walter Yetnikoff, Manager, Margaret Kramer, Wayne Kramer, Road Recovery’s Gene Bowen & Jack Bookbinder get close!

Wayne Kramer jams with Road Recovery teen ‘indi’ rock band Crazy James

The prototype band for Punk Rock music - MC5 – had its founder/musician, speaker and activist Wayne Kramer, accompanied by his manager Margaret Kramer, fly from Los Angeles (home of their indie label MuscleTone) to NYC to hang out, share humble life lessons and 'Kick Out The Jam' with teens involved in Road Recovery. Road Recovery Executive Board Member & legendary record company executive Walter Yetnikoff showed up to meet one of his punk-rock idols "Last night I spent three hours with a group of a dozen kids in Road Recovery. We talked and we jammed and it was a great experience for me.

Road Recovery is comprised of people with a hope of teaching kids that they can draw a map through this world that doesn’t include a stop at the liquor store or the dope house. I saw myself in that room and I realized that to be 16 or 19 or 22... and clean... and totally uninhibited was living proof of principles in action. What appears to be contrary to the laws of nature are HAPPENING in Road Recovery. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it.

It’s a true hands-on program for young people and it needs to be duplicated around the world. Do whatever you can to support them."
– Wayne Kramer

Long time supporter and friend – Alice In Chains manager Susan Silver, together with band members Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, Sean Kinney and tour manger Chuck Randall, welcomed Road Recovery teens into an ALL ACCESS experience during the first of two Alice In Chains sold out shows at the mosh- packed Nokia Theatre in Times Square, New York City.

Gibson Guitars/The Gibson Foundation, long time supporters of Road Recovery, continued their generous commitment to the non-profit organization by donating a White Epiphone Les Paul-Special & hard case which was signed backstage by the band members of Alice In Chains for a future eBay charity auction anticipated for the upcoming holiday season. Proceeds from the autographed Gibson guitar will go to furthering Road Recovery’s outreach programs to young people in the NYC community and beyond…

Monday, October 16th, Phoenix House – IMPACT Program

Road Recovery together with Crazy James and the Caron New York recovery clinical staff presented a one hour interactive education-performance event for Phoenix House IMPACT Program parents and teens on West 74th Street in Manhattan. Crazy James band members shared their personal life experiences through discussion and music to a packed house of outpatient teens and parents.

"What a wonderful event for us here at Phoenix House to experience such a talented and insightful group of young-adults who are not only embracing their love of music and the arts through Road Recovery, but also embracing their love of themselves thru sobriety." - Tessa A. Vining, Director, Phoenix House, IMPACT Program

Monday, October 23rd, Caron Classic – 1st Annual Golf Tournament - Fundraiser

Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey hosted Caron’s fundraiser toward inpatient treatment scholarships. The brisk Fall day did not affect the shotgun start of the 18 -hole groups of foursomes.
An early evening reception and dinner followed with guest speakers Christopher Kennedy Lawford (son of Pat Kennedy & Peter Lawford) and a member of Crazy James who spoke about how Caron Treatment Center’s scholarship funding truly saved her life by providing access to extensive inpatient treatment for her drug/alcohol addiction.

The results of Caron’s scholarship support was heard loud and clear as Crazy James band members, all of whom are Caron alumni, closed the fundraising event under the twinkling stars with their heartfelt set of original music.

Thursday, October 26th – Tenafly High School , Tenafly , NJ

After twenty-four years, Road Recovery Founder Gene Bowen returned to his alma-mater at Tenafly High School to provide a message of hope for more than five-hundred students and staff. The event was presented via Gene ’s organization Road Recovery and the youth rock group Crazy James which consists of teens involved in Road Recovery’s program with Caron Treatment Centers in NYC.

With the support and sponsorship of Tenafly High School administration, faculty, student assistance staff and senior class mentors, Road Recovery, Caron clinicians and Crazy James took over periods 3 and 4 in the early AM hours. Members of Crazy James shared their message of hope from their personal life experiences as teens, supplemented by a jolting live performance to their fellow teen peers in the audience.

Following the packed assembly of Tenafly High School’s freshmen and senior classes, students went into breakout sessions which were held throughout the school in smaller class settings to allow Crazy James members the opportunity to share in a more intimate and interactive environment. The members shared their journey from social using to inpatient drug/alcohol treatment. Most importantly, each band member cited the endless list of achievements and goals they have reached through living a sober life.

Unlike the way Gene Bowen left Tenafly High back in 1982 as a confused, lost and substance abusing teenager, his self-started organization Road Recovery along with Crazy James and Caron provided Tenafly High School students the concrete evidence that no mater what the circumstances are, there is hope and a means to a find a better way…

SPIN magazine publisher Malcolm Campbell speaks out in the November 2006 issue about Road Recovery:

"Since SPIN changed ownership in the Spring of 2006, everyone involved has focused on making it a cutting-edge media company. The irony is that in our effort to embrace a brave new world, we came to realize that we are creating a company reflecting the best attributes of old-school rock’n’roll. Terms like community, credibility, and making a difference continue to creep into our daily strategic discussions. To me, this hearkens back to the origins of rock’n’roll and the aspiration to be a catalyst for positive social change.

As a part of this desire to make SPIN more than just a magazine and website, we have embarked on an exciting charity initiative – the Subscription Donation Program. For every new subscription we receive at Spin.com, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to one of five charities which include Road Recovery.

SPIN is proud to work with these exceptional charity partners, and we hope that you will join us in supporting them."

Malcolm Campbell, Publisher

WNBC-TV Channel 4 News Reporter Perri Peltz breaks the story on Road Recovery to New Yorkers

Adjust your antennas…On the heels of WNBC-TV Channel 4 News ‘Not My Kid’ Special Report on teens and alcohol which featured Road Recovery’s "Keeping It Real" program at Caron New York Recovery Center, reporter Perri Peltz is coming back for more coverage on the program and more...
During her research, Ms. Peltz was shocked to learn that Road Recovery had eluded television media attention for so many years. In response, Ms. Peltz is spearheading the first television feature on the non-profit’s mission, history, programs, and positive impact on young people in the New York metropolitan area for over eight years.

In an effort to expose Road Recovery’s reach to more young people (and parents watching WNBC-TV news) and further generate needed avenues of support to keep the non-profit organization moving forward, WNBC-TV Channel 4 News will run Perri Peltz’s feature story about Road Recovery’s program at Caron New York on Monday, October 9th at 5:00pm.

Pat Pollok, Executive Director, Caron New York Recovery Center & Foreigner’s Mick Jones present Road Recovery Superstar awards for excellence in fundraising

Road Recovery Superstar award recipients Doug & JoAnn McTavish with Foreigner's Mick Jones

Ryan on guitar

On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, Caron New York packed the house for its first Caron C.58 rooftop event. The inspiring evening featured a live performance by Crazy James and testimonials from parents and teens of the ‘Keeping It Real’ program, a partnership between Caron Treatment Centers and Road Recovery. In addition, Foreigner’s Mick Jones presented Road Recovery Superstar awards for excellence in fundraising to two Road Recovery parents: Doug and JoAnn McTavish. The next Caron C.58 will be held in Spring 2007.

"I'm delighted that several of our board members and supporters were able to be here tonight. They had a chance to see firsthand the impact Road Recovery’s program has on the kids who participate in it, their families and those who hear their music and message. In addition to hearing Crazy James perform their heartfelt, original songs about recovery, you could appreciate how professional they have become in the short time they have been working together, and with the music professionals who mentor them. The whole evening made for a very inspiring experience, and Caron is extremely proud to be associated with this outstanding program."
- Pat Pollok, Executive Director of the Caron New York Recovery Center

Tim on conga

For a new form of "Sunday service", Road Recovery with Crazy James presented three unplugged performances coupled with personal testimonials from the band members at the campus of Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut on Sunday, September 17th.

The sunny day event kicked off with a noon cookout, after which all of the guests, patients and staff gathered in the Martin Center of the Silver Hill Campus to hear the members of Crazy James speak about their journey back to life. The brief shares were followed by an unplugged performance by Crazy James to nearly seventy guests in attendance.

"The talented band members provide a valuable and deeply appreciated message to people in recovery and to those who try to guide them along the way. Many thanks for the memorable performances. We hope Crazy James will be a regular contributor to our patient's recovery." – Elizabeth Moore, Chief Operating Officer – Silver Hill Hospital

The adolescent in-patients speak out:
"I enjoyed how every single person was loving life and being sober. It was easy to relate to their stories and songs. That made me feel happy and made me feel like I wasn't alone and I could get better and be sober and still be able to have fun." – Anonymous Adolescent

"When I heard the first song I started bawling, in a good way, and every song that I heard I could relate to. And now I am motivated to stay clean and sober."
– Anonymous Adolescent

"The members of Crazy James are an inspiration to us all; they are introspective and insightful people as well as incredibly talented musical artists. Their compassionate words and beautiful lyrics touched us all here at Silver Hill and I look forward to listening to their music in the future. It made me want to stay clean seeing how happy they were and how much fun they were having."
– Anonymous Adolescent

As the sun set behind the wooded forest, Crazy James finished the day by performing to a small group of in-patients at the Acute Care unit on campus.

"I’ve spent time being locked up in a lock down unit. I know the feeling of losing control of my life. I only wish our music brought some relief and hope from those folks’ pain." – Charles McTavish, Crazy James

WNBC-TV Cameraman shoots a Crazy James rehearsal featuring
Charles McTavish on fiddle and new member Tim Barr on guitar

Crazy James member Lucky O'Donnell interviewed by WNBC-TV news
producer Victoria Garcia-Levy for a TV news segment dealing with teens and alcohol

Turn on & tune in your TV sets this Thursday, September 21, 2006 @ 6:00pm for WNBC-TV Channel 4 News – reporter Perri Peltz’s week-long special report on teen involvement in gangs, drugs and alcohol use. Thursday’s segment focuses on teen alcoholism and Road Recovery’s partnership program with Caron New York.

WNBC-TV Channel 4 News were given special access to Road Recovery’s bi-weekly program at Caron (East 58th building) to witness a ‘mock’ recovery meeting where teen participants support each other through the ups and downs of life as a sober young adult and the creative workshops/rehearsals of their band Crazy James.

Teen participants shared their personal accounts of alcohol use, abuse and now life beyond chemical dependency with the segment’s producer Victoria Garcia-Levy and WNBC Channel 4 reporter Perri Peltz. Ilya Mandel, Coordinator of NY Support Services for Caron, provided clinical insight about Road Recovery’s program at Caron New York and information for viewers to be mindful when observing and approaching teens at risk of alcohol abuse.

SPIN ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF UPICK CHARITY PROGRAM - Magazine to Donate $2 from Every Online Subscription to Five Charity Partners Including Road Recovery

September 20, 2006 (New York, NY)—Spin magazine announced today and in a full page advertisement in their October 2006 issue the launch of UPICK, an online subscription donation program. Each year, Spin selects five charity partners to receive a quarterly contribution from revenue generated from subscriptions made via Spin.com. Each online subscriber will have the opportunity to allocate $2 of their subscription cost to the charity partner of their choice.

The 2006/2007 charities were chosen based on their affiliation with the music industry and relevance to Spin’s audience. This year’s charities are: Road Recovery, Silverlake Conservatory of Music, Surfrider Foundation, VH1 Save the Music Foundation, and YouthAIDS.

"I have always believed that by giving you get so much more in return,” says Spin President Tom Hartle. “This program will provide our readers with the opportunity to make a positive contribution to causes that they really care about."

About SPIN:
From next big things to innovative icons, Spin, launched in 1985, covers music for life. With a guaranteed circulation of 450,000, Spin, a monthly, currently reaches an audience of nearly 2 million. Spin magazine is published by Spin Media LLC.

The members of Crazy James gather o' round Master Class guest Katell Keineg

Eric G. of Crazy James gushing with songstress Katell Keineg

While in the midst of a East/West Coast United States tour including a recent performance at New York’s Bowery Ballroom and a New York Times Magazine (July 2, 2006) feature profile, songstress Katell Keineg*, graciously participated in Road Recovery’s Master Class Series with Crazy James, whose members number more than a dozen ranging in age from 16-24 years old.

Katell freely shared with the young group of artists her personal journey that led her into a life of music sparked by a mono-record player and a stack of Beatles records. Though she never formally studied music or voice, Katell credits “Busking” - ‘street performing’ in Dublin as her teacher in determining her ability to attract an audience and maintain their attention against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis!

Sharing her intimate approach to songwriting, citing her relationship between the lyrics, melody and the evolution of her songs, Katell revealed one of her secrets – how eavesdropping on conversations, especially on the subway, is a means to finding lyrical gems! Katell admits that she is not a prolific songwriter, churning out a small amount of songs each year, but stressed the realization within herself the need to express life as she experiences it through songs makes her feel whole, even with the instability that comes with a life of music.

Together Katell and Crazy James shared their music together and discussed the process that led to the final outcome… Katell left everyone in awe, mouths wide open as she performed “There You Go”, “One Hell Of A Life”, “Hitler Was A Mamas Boy”, “Franklin” and others…Fired up by her artistry and presence, Crazy James ripped into versions of “Disease”, “I’ll Drink To That”, “Erica’s Song”, and “I Can’t Tell Time” which evoked the radical in Katell who replied with yells, hoots and body shaking grooving.

"I support anything that liberates people from oppression, that’s what Road Recovery continues to provide all of us - young and old."– Katell Keineg, Artist

Be on the lookout for possible Katell Keineg + Crazy James billing at a lower eastside New York venue in the near future!

*Since the early 1990’s, Katell Keineg has been musically active in both Ireland and the United States as a solo artists and with such musical friends as Iggy Pop and Natilie Merchant. Katell has been steadily emerging into one of the most inspiring and deeply moving performers around. Born in Brittany and brought up in Wales, Katell now lives in Dublin and is a frequent visitor to New York where she has recorded several albums to date including her landmark second album "Jet". For more information on Katell Keineg, please visit: www.myspace.com/katellkeineg

Road Recovery's Jay Rodriguez & Charles McTavish take in some beauty near a local salmon river

Road Recovery took a ground breaking expansion trip to rural Alaska where Road Recovery’s staff made a powerful impact on the entire town of Haines (population 2,500). Road Recovery’s Performance Workshops program (August 20-27th) was a collaboration with the Voices Project, a local Alaskan-based program designed to increase education and awareness of the impacts of substance abuse on people’s lives in the small rural town. A Google search by Voices Project Coordinator Tania Danielski turned her onto Road Recovery. After nearly a year of planning, Road Recovery staff mentor and Woodwinds artist & composer - Jay Rodriquez (Groove Collective, artistic collaborator with Prince, Elvis Costello, James Brownand many others) along with Road Recovery youth mentor and artist Charles McTavish flew to Haines, Alaska on a tiny, 4-seat plane.

The weeklong Road Recovery Performance Workshops program worked with local teens and adhered to a busy daily schedule. The daily schedule included 6-hour rehearsals and daily ‘Recovery Meetings’ where Road Recovery’s staff openly discussed issues of addiction and life’s adversities in an interactive, safe environment with the teen participants.

Together with Road Recovery’s staff, teen participants created original music and heard powerful stories of addiction, recovery and realistic solutions toward maintaining a healthy productive life. In no time, the word spread throughout the community…famed musician G.E. Smith (Saturday Night Live Band, and artistic collaborator with nearly every notable artist on the planet, from David Bowie to The Who!) who was in town performing with the Flying Other Brothers. G.E. Smith found out about Road Recovery’s weeklong program in Alaska and he jumped into the mix.

Dale W. rediscovered his talent for the tuba during the Road Recovery workshop

Charles & Jay talk about Road Recovery and promote the teen's performances on KHNS, the local Haines, Alaska radio station. Tania Danielski, Voices Project Coordinator who brought Road Recovery to Alaska joins in the discussion.

Jay assists Corey K. with his bass line. During the workshop, Corey wrote a powerful poem about adversity and new hope that was set to music and used in the final performances

Jay and Charles at a rehearsal session in the Haines High School, with local mentor Vaughn Avery joining in on bass

G.E. Smith, in town with the Flying Other Brothers, gets in the mix with Road Recovery

Above and beyond the call, Road Recovery’s Jay Rodriguez and Charles McTavish connected with others in the small town of Haines, reading and playing music to a kindergarten class, jamming at the library, and promoting Road Recovery’s collaboration with the Voices Project on the local radio station by sharing Road Recovery’s message via their own life stories. Jay and Charles ’ warm, generous natures, and vast musical skills, plus their willingness to expose themselves to the Haines, Alaska community quickly earned them the town’s respect and admiration.

The weeklong program culminated in a Friday evening concert (August 25) and dance celebration for the teen participants and their peers, plus a Saturday night (August 26) support slot with the Flying Other Brothers which played to a sold-out house. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Voices Project Coordinator Tania Danielski, Road Recovery’s Jay Rodriguez and Charles McTavish , plus all the participants and bystanders who supported this unique collaboration, they proved that there are endless possibilities when people join forces for the good of our youth regardless of any distance! Road Recovery has a new home and it’s called Haines, Alaska!

"Road Recovery impacted our kids & community in a most extraordinary and unique manner, imparting deeper awareness of substance abuse.  The program gave meaningful life tools for sobriety and drug-free lifestyle to addicts and non addicts of all ages, with a focus on creative expression as a means of communicating thoughts and feelings, in the context of community." - Cherri Rakers, Parent Haines , Alaska

“Charles and Jay were so professional! The kids really bought-into their message and to them personally.  They helped show these kids the importance, to musical creativity, of a clear mind and a clean body." - Burl Sheldon, Upper Lynn Canal Program Manager - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Alaska.

“Jay and Charles concocted a compelling energy virus that proved infectious with the kids. I love witnessing the moment when values systems "click." It happened many times." - Dan Henry Program Director, KHNS-FM

Small Town Life, the newly formed band of Road Recovery program artists, pose before their debut at the Chilkat Center for the Arts.

Road Recovery and members of Crazy James kicked up the heat during the hottest days of summer for a week long, sweat-drenched tour of the East Coast United States from July 29th to August 6th, 2006.

August 2, 2006 – 8:30 AM
Fitchburg, Massachusetts – The Road Recovery crew got busy for the second year in a row at the Vans Warped Tour. Teen band members of Crazy James worked onsite with the concert production team, and helped out at the Road Recovery booth in the Vans Warped Tour Take Action! Tent located in the middle of 20,000 hot and sweaty punk’in concert-goers.

During the screaming festival, the Road Recovery booth outreached to the crowd by offering Road Recovery information along with a $1.00 raffle ticket drawing for a brand new Gibson Les Paul Epiphone & hard case, a leather KangaROOS messenger bag, and a pair of ROOS sneakers!!

"Road Recovery, that’s really cool"
– Joan Jett, Punk Rock Legend, Headliner, Vans Warped Tour

Roger Manganelli (bass/vocals) Less Than Jake bonds with Crazy James bassist Rob Dubuss (right) off stage in the dust with a cold can of Warped Water

The teens shared about their past life on drugs and the reasons that drive them to live a sober life. The audience was then primed for a fully charged electric set by Crazy James at the Malvern Center, located in the suburbs outside Philadelphia. The Road Recovery presentation/performance event was hosted by Caron Treatment Centers and The Malvern Center.

Road Recovery wishes to thank everyone who showed up and those whose support made the “Heat Wave Tour” possible...especially…The Gibson Foundation – Gibson Guitars, Vans Warped Tour/Take Action!, SPIN Magazine, Jeff Buckley Music, KangROOS, The Bromley Group, Enterprise Rent-A-Van, Padilla Speer Beardsley (PSB), Jennifer Roy, and Caron Treatment Centers.

Freshly stacked on newsstands everywhere… check-out SPIN magazine’s SPIN FLASH – Wish You Were Here section (page 56) in the August 2006 issue featuring Mr. Sunshine - Thom Yorke on the cover. The magazine highlights Road Recovery’s recent New York fundraiser which was hosted by renowned author and Executive Board Member Tiffanie DeBartolo. The fundraiser included such highlights as 'An Evening of Humor' with Charles Grodin, an acoustic unplugged performance by Crazy James, and dessert buffet.

Be on the lookout for SPIN onsite alongside Road Recovery during the upcoming Van’s Warped Tour – Fitchburg Airport, Massachusetts August 2nd punked out sweaty show….

ALSO…keep an ear out for some exciting news in the Fall 2006 regarding SPIN magazine and Road Recovery!!

Tulsa's Mayor Kathy Taylor welcomes Road Recovery's Gene Bowen to town with thanks from local musician Jim Bell for connecting Road Recovery with the city of Tulsa!

Scott Booker of World's Fair (manager for The Flaming Lips) [center] catches up on the latest Road Recovery activities with Gene Bowen, Jack Bookbinder & local Road Recovery supporter & Tulsa drummer, Jim Bell.

Tulsa's The Music Store owners - Larry & Adam York [right] celebrate Road Recovery's arrival in Tulsa and the store's support with Jack Bookbinder & Jim Bell

Road Recovery’s participation at Diversafest, LLC [DFEST] music conference & festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma (July 6-9th) was an unbelievable four day experience for the non-profit organization as it outreached for the first time into the deep Midwest United States.

Thanks to the invitation and support of the DFEST organization, Road Recovery received several music-related items from various corporations in order to hold a successful raffle-giveaway from the Road Recovery booth at the DFEST Conference. Giveaway items were received from Tulsa’s The Music Store (who donated an Alvarez RD-10 acoustic guitar in a hard shell case, along with a bunch t-shirts, CD holders, hats), Gibson Guitars (who donated a Epiphone Les Paul-100 Ebony electric guitar with a hard shell case), and SPIN Magazine (who donated boxes of magazines). Hundreds of DFEST music industry registrants participated in the $1.00 raffle giveaway which resulted in giving Road Recovery a notable presence amongst the Tulsa community and conference attendees.

Tulsa’s homegrown music legend and Road Recovery supporter Jim Bell (drummer, formally with Billy Parker’s KV00 – Big Country Express with a host of country & western band credits under his boots) hosted Road Recovery’s activities during the festival including sponsorship coordination, introductions to Tulsa music makers, politicians (Tulsa’s mayor) and local dining experiences at the famous - Eddy’s, Tally’s Café and Braum’s ice cream & dairy store.

The groundwork has been laid for Road Recovery’s return to DFEST 2007 and the Tulsa, Oklahoma community including an invitation by DFEST organizers to bring Crazy James to a DFEST stage!

Thanks DFEST, The Music Store, Gibson Guitars and SPIN Magazine for all the support!

Good Night Tulsa, Oklahoma…wherever you are! See Ya’ll Next Year…

Road Recovery's crew hang with Tulsa's Down For Five before they pounded the DFEST stage at The Venue.

Picking the winning $1.00 raffle tickets.

Crazy James returns from a 48-hour whirlwind tour of Pennsylvania that included an evening performance at the Millennium Music Conference’s Levitt Pavilion Amphitheater in Harrisburg, followed by a load-out and run to Caron Treatment Center in Wernersville to deliver a special performance for in-patient teens.

The private performance at the Caron Treatment Center provided a forum for ten Crazy James band members to recount their ‘in-crisis’ life-altering experiences to more than fifty teens who are currently patients for drug/alcohol addiction treatment. The Crazy James members shared their experiences from their time of being dragged into detoxification treatment, to facing their own demons head-on, and now living life sober on the outside. The Crazy James band members provided inspiration, firsthand accounts of their encounters after being discharged from treatment, and the countless opportunities and connections each have received in choosing life without the use of drugs & alcohol.

Crazy James performing at the Millennium Music Conference's Levitt Pavilion Amphitheater

Diversafest, LLC [DFEST] 2006 is the most comprehensive music conference and festival in the Midwest, held in Tulsa, Oklahoma on July 7 & 8, 2006. DFEST 2006 is a two day music conference that includes over 100 artist showcases in addition to informative panels. The panels are designed to educate working musicians in any stage of their career, and include a comprehensive list of topics, along with special instructional music clinics, workshops, plus one-on-one mentoring with A&R and music industry professionals.

• VISIT THE ROAD RECOVERY BOOTH at DFEST 2006!
Road Recovery will have an exhibition booth during DFEST in the Tulsa Downtown Doubletree Hotel exhibition area located in the Oak Council level. The booth, staffed by Gene Bowen & Jack Bookbinder, will distribute free Road Recovery swag donated by Jeff Buckley Music, SPIN Magazine and the following donated items by Road Recovery supporters Gibson Guitars, The Music Store, Inc.(Tulsa, OK), will be raffled away from the Road Recovery booth. Simply buy your raffle tickets ($1 each) from the Road Recovery booth and on Saturday, July 8th, Road Recovery will pick the winning raffle ticket and declare the guitar winners!

• GIBSON GUITAR GIVEAWAY!
Road Recovery @DFEST sponsor the Gibson Foundation has generously donated a Gibson Epiphone Les Paul-100, Ebony, with Hardshell Case. www.gibson.com

Gibson Epiphone Les Paul-100, Ebony
(with Hardcase)

Alvarez Acoustic RD-10 guitar
(with Case)

Crazy James performed at Children's Day at South Street Seaport's main stage to over 5,000 parents and children on Saturday, June 10th. The 13th annual Children's Day is New York City's biggest free family festival. With the help of sponsors Target, Thirteen/WNET, the Downtown Alliance, American Express and other, New York kids continue to have a day that truly celebrates themselves with a star-studded, non-stop, fun-filled day starring Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert & Ernie, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Piggley Winks from Jazers!, Dora The Explorer, Snoopy, Thomas the Tank Engine and many more.

Crazy James was asked to create a frenzy by warming up the stage for SonyBMG recording artist Teddy Geiger's (featured on 'Love Monkey' on CBS-TV & VH-1) performance. Crazy James performed hits for the kids including "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Old McDonald" plus the new-classic original "Sweet Epiphany". The lead singers were in costume as Spiderman, the Little Mermaid and some characters from the Old West...leaping into the crowd, slapping high-fives, and singing with the audience, which made thousands of little tots scream with excitement throughout the set.

Crazy James with Children's Day
organizer Steve Dima

Thanks to long time Children's Day organizer and Road Recovery supporter Steve Dima (Dima Productions - www.dimaproductions.com) for a fun-filled experience and providing a main stage platform for Road Recovery to reach thousands of New Yorkers of all ages!

www.childrensdaynyc.com
www.crazyjames.net

CRAZY JAMES performs in costume at Children's Day

Crazy James band performs unplugged

Author and Road Recovery Executive Board member Tiffanie DeBartolo graciously hosted Road Recovery’s first fundraiser event at her New York City loft on Thursday, June 1st. With plenty of tasty desserts, strong coffee and Tiffanie’s two dogs soliciting handouts and licks, Road Recovery supporters comfortably packed the house, raising over $13,000.00 toward the non-profit’s "Keeping It Real" program.

The two hour fundraiser event was filled with emotion as select teen participants and parents delivered first hand descriptions of the horrors that active drug/alcohol addiction played on their families with the blessings they have all experienced after the teens got clean and sober. As one parent described "my son realized how addiction robbed him of being a teen, and then came Road Recovery which allowed him to regain his adolescence."

A crowd gathers around the desserts and strong coffee

The night culminated with the legendary actor, talk-news show host and writer Charles Grodin who fielded questions from Dave Konig, a 3-time Emmy Award winning co-host of “Subway Q & A” (Metro Channel). Mr. Grodin described how in the wake of such enormous career successes spanning more than thirty years and a happy family life, he still experiences day-to-day struggles (as everyone does), ever dealing with adversities, from world issues to personal life issues.

Road Recovery’s founders Jack Bookbinder and Gene Bowen expressed thanks to everyone who has continued to show up and support Road Recovery over the past ten years!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*ROAD RECOVERY - "Keeping It Real" Program:
Since 2003, ROAD RECOVERY’s "Keeping It Real" program at Caron’s NYC Recovery Center has provided a forum for young people, aged 15 – 22, returning from inpatient treatment to receive the support needed to maintain a sober, productive life. The "Keeping It Real" program communicates a strong message to young adults about the benefits, freedom and fun of a substance-free life. Participants have gone through an intensive in-patient rehabilitation program at Caron (or a similar treatment center) and are engaged in an on-going mental health/therapeutic aftercare relationship. New participants are admitted on-going.

ROAD RECOVERY provides participants "all access" to the entertainment industry, with the opportunity to take ownership in something constructive, exploring creativity, both individually and collectively. Participants share the experience that "recovery is awesome" and this is cemented by being enabled to achieve self-expression and achievement in the arts. ROAD RECOVERY’s entertainment professionals work in tandem with Caron’s trained clinical staff who are mental health/substance abuse specialists, assisting with the development of social and coping skills. The result: participants are enabled to build their futures -- going to college, gaining confidence and new skills, establishing careers, maintaining a productive life of sobriety. New friendships and bonds are formed, around a common purpose.

New York, NY - Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA) recently approached Road Recovery’s staff and teens involved in Road Recovery programs to assist PDFA’s staff for critical feedback sessions involving new and innovative web development. PDFA's web development is intended to offer valuable prevention, intervention and treatment information for families and teens seeking help.

Specifically, Road Recovery's Jack Bookbinder along with two youth members enrolled in the 'Keeping It Real' Program, a partnership between Caron Treatment Centers and Road Recovery, participated in the afternoon session.

Mr. Stephen J. Pasierb, President & CEO of PDFA, issued personal letters to Mr. Bookbinder and the youth members expressing that they "deeply appreciate [our] assisting the Partnership in our mission to reduce illicit drug use; to serve the needs of parents, kids and families; and, to advance the cause of healthy, drug-free living.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MusiCares sponsored a panel on ‘Addiction Issues in the Creative and Artistic Population’ for the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) June 1st Conference at Fordham University Lincoln Center campus and invited Road Recovery to participate.

Panel Moderator and Speaker Dee Dee Acquisto, MS Director, Health and Human Services for the MusiCares Foundation which is an entity within the National Association of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) invited Road Recovery Founder, Gene Bowen to join other music industry professionals in an open discussion concerning issues when dealing with addiction within the music/artistic industry populations.

"It was great to have Road Recovery’s participation on the MusiCares-sponsored panel. With the other panelists, Road Recovery Founder - Gene Bowen was able to articulate the challenges and rewards of getting and staying clean and sober while working in the music and artistic disciplines. It was a wonderful experience to partner with Road Recovery once again to get the good word out..."
- Dee Dee Acquisto, MS Director, Health and Human Services for the MusiCares Foundation.

Road Recovery and The Living Room presented the first of a series of ongoing matinee events entitled "Meeting, Music & Red Bull" on Saturday, May 13. The event was hosted at the popular East Village music club The Living Room and there was a full house on hand for the meeting and subsequent music performances.

A one hour recovery/sobriety meeting kicked off the event which included two invited speakers who shared their life experiences, then and now, and then gave the audience members an opportunity to respond and express themselves.

There is still more Red Bull to be consumed...so be on the lookout for another Road Recovery Meeting, Music & Red Bull party soon...

www.roadrecovery.org
www.crazyjames.com
www.myspace.com/home1
www.sagepoet.com

Chris Lawford on Larry King Live

Friday, May 5, 2006, CNN ‘LARRY KING LIVE’ – Talk show host Larry King presented a panel of guests including actor, writer, activist Christopher Kennedy Lawford; recovering actress Mariette Hartley; Tom Farley, brother of comic actor Chris Farley who died at age 33 of a drug overdose; famed attorney Robert Shapiro and his wife Linell whose son Brent died of a drug overdose at age 24; and Joseph Califano, from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse & former secretary of Health, Education and Welfare.

During the nationally televised panel discussion concerning substance abuse in this country among adults and adolescents, Mr. Lawford talked about his work in the field of substance abuse:

"I do work with the Caron Foundation which is a treatment center and they have an adolescent program… they have [a partnership] program [with] Road Recovery [Keeping It Real Program], which is a bunch of recovering musicians who get kids and teach them music and keep them attached."

Mr. Lawford, along with Mr. Califano, then jointly commented,

"There are two million children in this country that are addicted to alcohol or drugs and ten percent of those will seek treatment. The key to all of this is the kids that get into trouble that they stay connected to some form of treatment, after care treatment, whatever it is. This can take a long time."

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2006, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS - 'Big Town, Big Heart' - Feature on Road Recovery by writer Heather Robinson. To view the article, please click thumbnail to view the full page story in a new browser:

No sooner than she accepted the invitation to join on as an Executive Board member of The Road Recovery Foundation, Author - Tiffanie DeBartolo (How To Kill A Rock Star, God Shaped Hole) offered to host Road Recovery’s first fundraising event entitled "An Evening of Humor with Charles Grodin" at her SoHo, New York City loft. The fundraising event will take place on Thursday, June 1, 2006, from 7-9:00pm. The fundraiser is limited to one-hundred tickets due to available space. Tickets will be available via direct invitation, e-vite to the Road Recovery email list, and by request to roadrecovery@walrus.com. The ticket donation purchase price will be $250.00 per-person. Desserts & coffee will be served.

Road Recovery’s first fundraising event featuring Emmy Award winning actor and writer Charles Grodin will help raise needed funds for Road Recovery’s “Keeping It Real”* program to continue beyond 2006. Along with Mr. Grodin’s special performance, the event will feature a special acoustic performance by Crazy James, a band comprised of more than a dozen young people involved in Road Recovery’s “Keeping It Real” program at Caron New York Recovery Center in Manhattan.

"I consider it an extraordinary privilege to be able to reach out to the young people in the Road Recovery [Keeping It Real] program."
- Charles Grodin

"After discovering Road Recovery four years ago and seeing the life-changing work they were doing, I immediately became involved. Recently, I had the honor of becoming an executive board member, and am proud to be hosting Road Recovery’s first fundraiser with Mr. Charles Grodin at my home on June 1st. I am hopeful that this event is going to be the first of many extraordinary events intended to raise awareness of this amazing organization, as well as to help Road Recovery continue to grow." – Tiffanie DeBartolo

Road Recovery Mission Statement:
Through mentoring, educational and live performance based-programs, ROAD RECOVERY's goal is to help young people find their way towards a healthy future.

ROAD RECOVERY is comprised of entertainment industry professionals whose lives have been touched by addiction and other adversities and now wish to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

*ROAD RECOVERY - “Keeping It Real” Program:
Since 2003, ROAD RECOVERY’s “Keeping It Real” program at Caron’s NYC Recovery Center has provided a forum for young people, aged 15 – 22, returning from inpatient treatment to receive the support needed to maintain a sober, productive life. The “Keeping It Real” program communicates a strong message to young adults about the benefits, freedom and fun of a substance-free life. Participants have gone through an intensive in-patient rehabilitation program at Caron (or a similar treatment center) and are engaged in an on-going mental health/therapeutic aftercare relationship. New participants are admitted on-going.

ROAD RECOVERY provides participants “all access” to the entertainment industry, with the opportunity to take ownership in something constructive, exploring creativity, both individually and collectively. Participants share the experience that "recovery is awesome" and this is cemented by being enabled to achieve self-expression and achievement in the arts. ROAD RECOVERY’s entertainment professionals work in tandem with Caron’s trained clinical staff who are mental health/substance abuse specialists, assisting with the development of social and coping skills. The result: participants are enabled to build their futures -- going to college, gaining confidence and new skills, establishing careers, maintaining a productive life of sobriety. New friendships and bonds are formed, around a common purpose.

Legendary Pink Floyd artist/guitarist David Gilmour's agent Steve Martin (The Agency Group) voiced support for Road Recovery and provided access to teens enrolled in Road Recovery programs to see Mr. Gilmour's recent sold-out New York shows at Radio City Music Hall.

"As the agent for David Gilmour's "ON AN ISLAND WORLD TOUR", I support Road Recovery and their use of music and the arts as a means of helping young people deal with adversities and/or substance abuse problems in their lives. Road Recovery's efforts help young people find their way and The Agency Group is happy to provide teens involved in Road Recovery's programs the rare opportunity to experience David Gilmour up close."
- Steve Martin, President, The Agency Group

Ryan A., a 17 year old college bound guitarist/songwriter of Crazy James band; "My mind was blown away...I'm inspired by every guitar riff David Gilmour plays. I still cannot believe I was invited to witness Gilmour & Wright's artistry firsthand after being unable to get tickets for his sold-out concert. Memories of this night Echoes throughout my life!"

Eric G., an 18 year old college freshman, guitar/drums/singer for Crazy James comments that "just knowing that David Gilmour's agent supports Road Recovery and what we are doing with our lives, gives me so much strength to never give up and loose faith."

Charles M., a multi-instrumentalist 17 year violinist/singer/drummer and songwriter for Crazy James quotes: "I knew Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall and what I once thought was stoner music, but seeing/hearing the virtuoso guitarist Gilmour live, the emotion in a single held, bent note, and this donation of unattainable concert tickets to Road Recovery really amazes me and shows that what we are doing with our lives is recognized."

Jewish Board for Family and Children's Services continued its support of Road Recovery's Performance Workshops Program at the The Henry Ittleson Center in Riverdale, NY for the third straight year and completing a fourteen week program for the performance finale on April 11.

This year Road Recovery's staff expanded to include two amazing young artists from Road Recovery's ongoing program at Caron's New York Recovery Center: musician Charles McTavish and DJ/bass player Rob D.

Together with Road Recovery music industry professionals, Jay Rodriguez (composer, woodwinds), Jesse Phillips-Fein (dance), Elisa Street (percussion), and Owen Comaskey (songwriter), Ittleson Center staff participants, plus high school volunte