Posted by guy.vaccaro@gmail.com on Sep 1, 2012
La Banda Rebelde drummer, Kiki Vassilakis, and I just came back from the very first ever Women’s Music Summit, held this year at The Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY… AND OH WHAT A BLAST WE HAD! 40 women musicians of various ages, locations, instruments and genres came together in the heart of the Catskill Forest Preserve to commune in music. The line up of presenters offered workshops full of wisdom, and included profound artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Melissa Auf der Maur, Marnie Stern and Malina Moye. Music industry panelists Tobi Parks (Sony Music Ent.), Kate Porkony (Indaba Music), Carise Yatter (Hired Gun Media), Jessica Sternick (Red Ent.), and Laura Taylor (Guitar Center), offered valuable insight into developing one’s music career. Event producer Laura B. Whitmore created an amazing space for attendees and presenters to connect and enjoy one another. Melissa Auf du Maur offered a workshop on bass techniques and on live performance as art. I thoroughly enjoyed Melissa’s stories about her experiences in Hole and Smashing Pumpkins, and the ways she has grown as an artist and person. I particularly connected with her as a mother of a new baby, AND our babies were able to meet each other too! She was very honest and open, which is reflected in her new music and artistic work. Meshell Ndegeocello also gave a bass techniques workshop in addition to a workshop on communicating with other musicians. Sharing wisdom from her own experience, she spoke of the importance in being disciplined in her art, giving respect and kindness to those she works with, and being true to herself. One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to have Meshell assist us with writing a new song by accompanying us on the bass, and having her perform that song with us later that evening. Marnie Stern offered a guitar tapping techniques workshop, as well as an experimental songwriting workshop. She talked about allowing yourself to move with your musical instincts. She also spoke about the importance in staying grounded in the love of yourself and your art and letting that lead the way. Malina Moye, who offered workshops in songwriting collaboration and live performance, spent a great deal of time with the attendees, getting to know us one on one. She came with beautiful spirit and grace, and spoke with us about the power in our determination...
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Posted by guy.vaccaro@gmail.com on Aug 20, 2012
Taina Asili and la Banda Rebelde guitarist Gaetano Vaccaro were on a short hiatus from performing while they birthed their newest child into the world!! After a beautiful honeymoon with their new baby girl, they are now back and ready to perform again! As we move into our upcoming shows we will be featuring some new songs, as well as a new back-up vocalist, Tonya Abernathy. Tonya used to perform with the Atlanta ska band The Robustos, and we are honored to have as a part of the la Banda Rebelde family. Our first performance together was a return to Hudson.Water.Music on August 8th in Hudson, NY. It was a beautiful outdoor performance right along the Hudson River. We had the pleasure of being accompanied by some local belly dancers for several of our songs! This Friday we will perform again in our hometown of Albany, NY with a special show at The Red Square. NJ based electro-funkadelic hip-rock band FiKus will warm up the...
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Posted by guy.vaccaro@gmail.com on Apr 16, 2012
Many of you have seen me perform throughout my pregnancy. It has been a beautiful experience to continue to perform my art in this way. Not without its challenges as well, of course. This is my second child, so I am already experienced in the warrior art of parenting and performing. Being a parent is certainly my primary source of inspiration for my art and activism. It has become clear to me over the years, that some see these as opposing each other. For me, they are vitally connected. Many people are surprised to learn that I have a child or that I will be having another one and still plan to perform and even tour. What makes this possible is an amazing community of people who support me, and other radical parent artists like me – who believe in our work, and believe in our right to and power in doing this work while simultaneously raising children who will contribute to a more Loving and Just world. I give thanks for your support in process. I will not be performing from now until the beginning of June. I will still be booking performances for 2012, including this summer and our 2012 Reclaim the Thunder Tour. Please contact info@tainaasili.com to bring us to your town. Photo © 2012 Katherine Wright, All Rights...
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Posted by guy.vaccaro@gmail.com on Feb 10, 2012
Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter TO DONATE GO TO WWW.RECLAIMTHETHUNDER.COM This fall 2012 we will embark on the Reclaim the Thunder Tour, a US and European tour. We have recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $15,000, in hopes of offering FREE performances to 15 select social justice organizations, community centers and schools, in order to assist with their consciousness and fundraising raising efforts. This 30 day Kickstarter campaign will go from Feb. 10th until March 11th. Funds collected will cover touring expenses, such as transportation, meals and accommodations, to bring our music to these often under-funded organizations and schools. With the way that Kickstarter works, this is an all-or-nothing campaign, meaning if we fall short of our goal we won’t receive any of the contributions raised. To show our appreciation for your support, we are offering some special incentives, including song downloads, CD’s, t-shirts, posters and more. We invite you to join us on this powerful journey with your Kickstarter...
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