ALL ABOUT EVE: Women lift voices to lift each other
By Bruce Amaro
Special to The Haverhill Gazette
The first Eve Rising music and arts festival was conceived and created in Haverhill. A concert by women artists from the Merrimack Valley and beyond will benefit services for women and families in Greater Haverhill.
Bradford's Elle Gallo, frontwoman of a popular band that plays locally and throughout New England, has gathered a group of women musicians from several genres to perform on Sunday, July 18, at Winnekenni Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $10. Children 14 and younger will be admitted free.
"I believe strongly that when women unite for a common goal they are unstoppable. I also believe that the nurturing energy of women is precisely what the world needs today. This is why we chose to help empower women with our festival," Gallo said.
Organizers will donate the proceeds of the festival to Emmaus and the Lawrence YWCA. They would like to increase the number of agencies they can support and would welcome more sponsors and vendors.
"Our main priority is raising awareness and funds for the chosen charities, YWCA of Lawrence and Emmaus Inc. of Haverhill. The charities help women and families regain empowerment, and help with growth and development," said Tina Upton the festival's graphic designer and volunteer coordinator.
Performers are:
Karen Grenier, a New York native singer/songwriter who performs often in Provincetown.
Erinn Brown, described as a sultry singer/songwriter/musician, Brown performs solo or with a band, sometimes with fellow Eve Rising performer Alison Keslow.
Lisa Marie, a blues, R&B and rockabilly singer from Boston.
Jen Kearney, a Lowell musician who plays piano and guitar and writes and sings in a variety of styles, including funk, reggae, soul, Latin and rock 'n' roll.
Lydia Harrell, a jazz singer who relocated from Battle Creek, Mich., to Boston to pursue a music career.
Alison Keslow, a Boston-area bass player.
Julie Dougherty, a Boston-area folk performer since the 1960s, performs Irish, country folk, and pop folk, all in her original style.
Amy Petty,
Laura Vecchione, who arrived in Boston by way of New York, has a southern style that belies her northern roots. Lori Diamond, from the western part of Massachusetts, is a singer/songwriter, pianist.
Patti Derosa, another New York transplant who landed in Boston, performs music with a Caribbean beat.
The Elle Gallo band, after four years together, is making a name for itself around New England.
Haverhill comedian AmyTee will keep things moving between sets.
Vendors will include Circle of Wisdom, a metaphysical book store based in Andover. Owner Cathy Kneeland will sell books, music, crystals, jewelry, incense and gifts.
"The Eve Rising Festival is a great way for me to join with other creative women and make a difference in the lives of women and families in need," Kneeland said.
A few popular psychic and intuitive readers will offer 15-minute readings for $15 each.
With less than three weeks until the festival, Gallo said the organizers would welcome a local company to sponsor the event.
Portable toilets, a sound company and tents are still needed, Gallo said, and donations of goods or money are welcome.
"The big picture and main intent of this incredible event, is to not only support, but educate and empower women of all walks of life. From getting resources for basic life needs, to learning exciting ways to constantly grow and expand their spirits, the goal here is empowerment," said performer Lori Diamond.
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Eve Rising Festival: Inspiring a Little Help
Kim jennings, Mamapalooza
A performing songwriter/friend of mine asked me to sing harmonies for her performance at an upcoming festival. Lori Diamond is a musical force to be reckoned with, a mom of three, with a voice to die for. Not only has she inspired me to get back to my own piano-playing roots, but in a world where people can be so catty and cutthroat with each other, Lori is a generous spirit of collaboration. We are both moms always working for life balance – it’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in trying to navigate this “follow your bliss” life, and that there are others who are in the same boat and willing to help. She keeps an impressive performance schedule at www.loridiamond.net.
Lori is one of the performers in the upcoming Eve Rising Festival, Sunday, July 18 at the Winnikenni Castle in Haverhill, MA. The festival is spearheaded by Elle Gallo, an amazing performer in her own right. Elle dreams big – she wants to change the world. Starting the Eve Rising festival is how she plans to do it – featuring female performers across musical genres, and raising money for charities and organizations that empower women. Elle’s music website is www.ellegallo.com, and more information about the Eve Rising Festival is at online at http://everising.org.
I asked Lori and Elle to answer three questions for me:
What drives you to be a positive and helping force for other women, rather than competing with them?
Lori: I think it’s incredibly important for women to work together to raise each other up. Too often we feel as if there is only room for one at the top – when in reality, success is both abundant and boundless!
Elle: I’m driven by an inner certainty that when women come together with honesty, sincerity and compassion, there isn’t a thing we cannot accomplish together. Part of the female DNA is giving birth – we are capable of sowing the seeds of new ideas, new ways of thinking and approaching challenges then nurturing them, feeding them, loving them into fruition. Not only are we capable, but we are responsible for this! As well, I know that the key to a happy and successful life is to cause others to have what we feel we are lacking in our own lives. One woman liberated affects the whole, and the contagious energy of the freeing of spirit can affect the climate of our communities.
Was there an a-ha moment or event in your life that made it obvious that this is how you want to be? Have you always been that way?
Lori: Unfortunately, it took me longer than I would care to admit… but, luckily, somewhere down the line, I figured out that everyone brings valuable gifts to the table, and it’s not up to me to offer judgment. Offering support and upliftment is not only easier, but is profoundly more joyful – for everyone involved!
Elle: I’m not sure that there was ever a single a-ha moment that set me on this path. I’ve certainly always embodied a compassion for humanity; but perhaps my varied personal history caused these seeds to grow within me.
Just in the short time since I started having children I’ve been “that” mom who stood in the grocery line with 3 babies (age 3, 1 and a newborn) after hours of very challenging (torturous, really) shopping – at my wits end, fighting tears - to be told that my credit card was declined -3 times in one month. I’ve also been the soccer-mom proudly signing my children up for one of the more expensive private schools in the area.
My younger years exposed me to high-risk situations as a rebellious teen, and brought me to the State Senate as a spokesperson for the importance of open communication between adults and teens. I walked in dark alleys with pennies in my pocket and in the spotlights of Atlantic City Convention Center wearing expensive gowns and donning the crown of Miss MA. I’ve had lunch with friends in the homeless community of Boston, and champagne with celebrities and dignitaries. In my early 20’s I was diagnosed with severe depression, and today help others to change their mindset in order to achieve lasting happiness. I’ve been a breakfast bar waitress, a hairdresser, a special needs teacher, a momma, and an entertainer. I’ve covered the gamut of social circles and emotional levels, so I think I have a pretty solid understanding of people. Perhaps these are the reasons I care so deeply about other people’s trials and am committed to their successful outcomes.
I’ve spent years learning the philosophies of different “religions” and ways of thinking. They have stirred my spirit and awoken me from slumber. I feel a responsibility to share the approaches that changed my life with other women. We are all sisters, after all.
And – how do you see it working for you as a result?
Lori: Does it work for me? I’d say so. I’ve only had a couple of folks challenge me on my “style”, but as cliché as it may sound, in the end, I listen to my heart.
Elle: How have these outlooks served me? I have the most meaningful relationships with those around me. I have been blessed with a support system that overwhelms me with gratitude every single day. I AM truly happy knowing that I am fulfilling my destiny in this lifetime.
About Eve Rising’s Charities
This year, Eve Rising is a benefit for Emmaus of Haverhill, MA and the YWCA of Greater Lawrence. Emmaus is a non profit organization that provides housing and services for homeless individuals and families, developing affordable housing and helping people to rebuild their lives. http://www.emmausinc.org/
The YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. The YWCA provides all kinds of support services – in situations of domestic violence, sexual assault, transitional housing need, women’s health advocacy and gender-specific programs for girls. On their website, a statistic is listed that the YWCA helps 32 women to secure restraining orders every week; 46% of women have repeat mammograms through the YWCA’s programs, 139 calls are received by their Domestic Violence Program, that the average household income of families using YWCA childcare is $15,000, and that 88% of donation dollars go to fund programs like these. http://www.ywcalawrence.org/donate/index.asp
If you can get to Haverhill, MA on Sunday, July 18 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm – join Elle, Lori, and the other amazing women giving their time and talent to raise money for moms helping moms and women helping women. If not – consider looking through the websites of the amazing charities and sending a donation, or spreading the word about them. Or – find charities local to you that do the same. Whatever you can do, whatever you can give, however you can help will be appreciated.
Get inspired – a little help goes a long way!
Kim Jennings, Guest blogger
www.kimjenningsmusic.com
www.birchbeerrecords.com
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Bonaroo 2010 Lineup Speculations
Indie Fan
The video shown above is Girl Talk performing live at the 2009 Bonnaroo finale:
This was by far the best moment from Bonnaroo 2009. Gregg Gillis pumps
up the crowd better than any ‘performer’ out there.
The screen behind him clearly stated “I AM NOT A DJ“
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Everyone is excited to find out the lineup for the 2010 Bonaroo music festival this year but so far its all just speculation.
So far I’ve heard people mention The Dead, Jay-Z (although I wouldn’t expect him to play both Coachella and Bonnaroo and he is already on the lineup for Coachella as we previously mentioned), Daft Punk, Tom Waits (who I heard will be touring next year), Iggy and the Stooges, Yonder Mountain String Band, Primus, Cake, The Flaming Lips, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Elle Gallo Band,
Lead singer Wayne Coyne crowd surfs during the Flaming Lips show at Bonnaroo 2007, in Manchester, Tenn. June 16, 2007.
String Cheese Incident, Matt Nathanson, Blue October, Tool, Flaming Lips, Dave Matthews Band, Muse (although again, already commited to Coachella), Our Lady Peace, Third Eye Blind, Candlebox, Sevendust, Pearl Jam (Would be their second appearance), Joe Cocker, Long Dub Beach Allstars, Everclear, 311, Incubus, Deftones, NAS, Snoop Dogg (this would also be a second appearance), Violent Femmes, Collective Soul, Local H, Eve 6, 36 Mafia, The Roots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings Of Leon, Ziggy Marley, P-Funk, Black Eyed Peas, The Veronicas, Pepper, and MGMT (would be a second appearance but they are already booked for Coachella)… to name a “few”.
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July Monthly Interviews
Don't Tell Me To Shut Up Radio, featuring the Women Of Eve Rising - A Festival For Women Supporting Women in Massachusettes, happening this coming weekend; Music with Elle Gallo, Lori Diamond and Erin Brown to name a few....Also, guest host Alexis Chapman on Mingle Media TV and the Dream Jam Band Giveaway! Find out more about Mingle Media - Participate LIVE by logging onto the show HERE and chat with us!
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST-EPISODE #43
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Comments between mamapalooza & Mom and The founder of Eve Rising, Elle Gallo
Mama: What drives you to be a positive and helping force for other women, rather than competing with them?
Elle: I’m driven by an inner certainty that when women come together with honesty, sincerity and compassion, there isn’t a thing we cannot accomplish together. Part of the female DNA is giving birth-we are capable of sowing the seeds of new ideas, new ways of thinking and approaching challenges then nurturing them, feeding them, loving them into fruition.
Not only are we capable, but we are responsible for this! As well, I know that the key to a happy and successful life is to cause others to have what we feel we are lacking in our own lives. One woman liberated affects the whole, and the contagious energy of the freeing of spirit can affect the climate of our communities.
Mama:Was there an a-ha moment or event in your life that made it obvious that this is how you want to be? Have you always been that way?
Elle: I’m not sure that there was ever a single a-ha moment that set me on this path. I’ve certainly always embodied a compassion for humanity; but perhaps my varied personal history caused these seeds to grow within me. Just in the short time since I started having children I’ve been “that” mom who stood in the grocery line with 3 babies (age 3, 1 and a newborn) after hours of very challenging (torterous, really)shopping-at my wits end, fighting tears- to be told that my credit card was declined-3 times in one month. I’ve also been the soccer-mom proudly signing my children up for one of the more expensive private schools in the area.
My younger years exposed me to high-risk situations as a rebellious teen, and brought me to the State Senate as a spokesperson for the importance of open communication between adults and teens. I walked in dark alleys with pennies in my pocket and in the spotlights of Atlantic City Convention Center wearing expensive gowns and donning the crown of Miss MA. I’ve had lunch with friends in the homeless community of Boston, and champagne with celebrities and dignitaries. In my early 20’s I was diagnosed with severe depression and today help others to change their mindset in order to achieve lasting happiness.
I’ve been a breakfast bar waitress, a hairdresser, a special needs teacher a momma and an entertainer. I’ve covered the gamut of social circles and emotional levels, so I think I have a pretty solid understanding of people. Perhaps these are the reasons I care so deeply about other people’s trials and am committed to their successful outcomes. I’ve spent years learning the philosophies of different “religions” and ways of thinking. They have stirred my spirit and awoken me from slumber. I feel a responsibility to share the approaches that changed my life with other women. We are all sisters after all.
Mama: how do you see (your outlook) working for you as a result?
Elle: I have the most meaningful relationships with those around me. I have been blessed with a support system that overwhelms me with gratitude every single day. I AM truly happy knowing that I am fulfilling my destiny in this lifetime.
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Sunday July 18th
11-5pm
Winnekenni Castle (bring your chairs, a cooler and sunblock)
347 Kenoza
Haverhill, MA
Tickets are $10.00 and kids under 14 are free
BUY TICKETS HERE
EVE RISING MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010
Eve=every woman, Rising=growth, liberation, success. The Eve Rising 2010 Festival is an all day, all women music festival whose proceeds will benefit Emmaus House and the Lawrence YWCA. Our mission is to bring women in art and enterprise together for a day of music, peace and camaraderie to assist our fellow women and their families. Eve Rising operates from a belief that when one woman is liberated, she affects the whole; and a certainty that when we selflessly strive to help others reach their goals, we create the foundation for our own success.
Performers for Eve Rising are a who’s who list of the finest female singer-songwriters and performers in Eastern New England, including, Jen Kearney, Lori Diamond, Laura Vecchione, Julie Dougherty, Erinn Brown , Elle Gallo, Amy Petty, Alison Keslow, Karen Grenier, Carrie Rowan, Lisa Marie and Patti DeRosa.
This festival is being endorsed by Mamapalooza and WXRV The River 92.5. Guest speakers will include representatives from various local non-profit charities, Mayor James Fiorentini, Miss Massachusetts 2010.
Press Release:
For Immediate Release: Contact: Elle Gallo
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Producer, Eve Rising
978-476-1908 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 978-476-1908 end_of_the_skype_highlightingelle@ellegallo.com
www.everising.org
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Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Elle Gallo Band rocked The Grog in Newburyport, Massachusetts last night
The Elle Gallo Band rocked The Grog in Newburyport, Massachusetts last night.
By Bill Copeland
BillCopelandMusicPress
The Elle Gallo Band can best be described as a rocked up funk band. The four piece play a lot of classic rock in a funky style and they speed up a lot of R&B classics.
Gallo started her second set by sitting on a male patron’s lap and singing happy birthday to him. There is nothing like a lead singer who makes a bold first impression. The band launched into her original “Sweet Addiction” and she and her band mates had the groove going on right away This band wastes no times pulling people onto the dance floor. Gallo found the right space to launch her svelte voice.
Elle Gallo Band went into Susan Tedeschi's “You Need To Be With Me” as Gallo’s vocal take brought out all of the mysterious elements of this piece. She pulled the band into the depths of soul. Her guitar ace Ross Hahn plunged the song into the firey furnace with his high pitched cry of a solo.
When they did the Rufus song “Tell Me Something Good” it was reassuring to see that guitarist Hahn knew how to use his pedals to get the guitar sound right Unlike other guitarists, he actually had that heavy whine effect going on. A touch of rasp in Gallo’s voice made her real fire in the belly soulful on this one.
During Bill Withers “Use Me” Mr. Hahn had to conjure up a lot of sound because a four piece doesn’t have all the instruments Withers recorded it with. Gallo belted this one, and it got everybody on the dance floor or at least had them nodding to the beat.
Gallo’s vocal approach captured the sing-song lilt on “Maybe” and the swaying crowd was under its spell, and they got to sing a verse of “it feels so good, it feels so right,” and it is clear Gallo’s following have a lot of fun at her shows. I think it might even be the same exact group of folks who go to most of her shows.
EGB performed an uptempo, rocked up version of “Son Of A Preacher Man.” This worked, as Gallo likes to rock things up a bit. Refreshing too, to hear a song you’ve been hearing for 30 years done with a new twist. There was more guitar magic on this number too, with Hahn using his high octave pedal to hit that really high note, guitar singing quality.
“Whipping Post” sounded strange at first at a quicker tempo, but Gallo and her boys still built up the song structure as is required, they only did it their way. The beat and groove of “Whipping Post” can motivate men to move mountains. It has a powerhouse rhythmic foundation and drummer Sergio Bellotti and bass player David Gagnon built it up like carpenters of sound as Gallo belted out the immortal lyrics.
I found myself wanting to call the Elle Gallo Band the Speedy Band because they seem to prefer brisk tempos. They were given an earlier quitting time than they thought going in, and maybe that contributed to it. Yet, everything seemed to work out well for the band as the songs still had structure and quality musicianship and the audience seemed to know what to expect and enjoyed it.
Gallo performed her original “Yes, I Am” with punch and vigor and she brought a hippie coolness to Grace Potter’s “Stop The Bus.” Another cool modern song was Potter‘s “Ahh Mary,” and the wild man guitar phrasing of Hahn made it happen with swagger.
Janis Joplin’s old time roots song “Me And Bobby Magee” got couples swaying to its summer afternoon take your time easy going feeling. Gallo got real melodic on it, and, during its wild finish, she belted, belted, belted the hell out of it, ringing as much emotional catharsis out of it as possible.
The Grog was a weird place to be last night. There used to be a designated men’s room a
nd a designated ladies’ room right next to the stage. Now, each restroom just said men/women, meaning either sex could use them. I think some patrons misunderstood, as I saw men and women going into the restrooms in pairs and sometimes in groups of three, as in two men and one woman. Jeez, I never knew Newburyport was so wild.
Getting back to the Elle Gallo Band. Gallo had someone pull a chair out onto the dance floor for her to stand on during her final number, an acoustic ballad version of “Over The Rainbow.” Her fans gathered around her and they all put their arms around each other’s shoulders for a collective emotional experience during this timeless song of hope. It seemed to be important to Gallo and her fans that they close out this way, and they were into it.
Elle Gallo Band are certainly entertaining rockers, with elements of blues, funk, R&B, and some modern stuff thrown in. They have plenty of talent, a hip way of arranging standards and covers, and Gallo’s original material also stands strong.
www.myspace.com/ellegallo
http://www.ellegallo.com/
"http://www.facebook.com/l/5e0e3;www.ellegallo.com http://www.facebook.com/l/5e0e3;www.everising.org
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