Truancy officer Phil Ortega has taken on a unique role in the Rogue Valley community. A few members of Ivory Harp had the privilege to discuss and cover Phil’s work. His family operated program called LIFE Art is doing amazing things for youth who have an artistic knack and don’t have a socially acceptable way to branch out with their gifts. LIFE Art makes it possible to give these participants a way to get their own artwork appreciated and sold in the community, giving them a sense of respectable pride instead of a trespassing and vandalizing ticket for putting their graffiti art on public property. The events held by LIFE Art feature art done by the participating youth and gives the teens a giant 80% of profits made on their art while using the small 20% left to restock the art supplies and setup the next art show.

Phil and his wife have taken on a huge project in doing this, funding all of LIFE Art (art supplies, events, and even purchasing artwork) personally and through fundraising. Talking with Phil he was telling a story about being home in his shop one day and hearing some rattle cans out behind his shop. Thinking the back wall of his shop was being vandalized he hurried out to find a couple teenagers instead painting on an old train car. Instead of turning to the police he decided to take the two down to the craft store and bought each a canvas, and supplies, even a coffee.

After getting back and setting up the art stations each teen painted their own piece, Phil asked how can their art be appreciated on the side of an old train car that will be washed eventually and forgotten. He then offered each one a very profound price for each piece showing to help inspire their own personal worth within their gifts. This was the inspiration for his program LIFE Art.

Ivory Harp will be doing what we can to help LIFE Art grow and be recognized. We want to help bring LIFE Art resources and possibly some sponsorship, if you are willing to help in anyway Ivory Harp can help connect you to the people in charge of this beautiful project. With your help we are hoping to see more of our artistic youth put their gifts to a better cause, to help them learn more and be more. Get involved, join us now!

Contact Devin Wold at devin@ivoryharp.com for more info.

More artwork from the LIFE Art program…

2012 Apple Jam Band Lineup

2012 Band Lineup:
Karrgo Bossajova
State of Jefferson
Polyrhythmics
100 Watt Mind
Water Tower
Glimpse Trio
Sprout the Band
Rainbow Girls
Maca Rey
Jive Coulis
Forever Growing
Takilma
& Many More!

Apple Jam ’12 is a food drive for the Ashland Emergency Food Bank. Bring canned food donations for discount ticket prices!!

The Apple Jam Music Festival is a grassroots music festival that occurs annually @ The Provolt Store Property & Stage in Williams, Oregon. Join us for a weekend-long celebration of music, art, and the outdoors! The Apple Jam Music Festival is an annual effort to promote the growth and development of the musical community in Oregon and the Greater Northwest. It is the hope of bringing people together, not for some special event or on anyone’s behalf but simply for the enjoyment of music and the outdoors. And what better place than the beautiful Applegate Valley and the stage at Provolt Store! Food, Friends, Music and the Outdoors, all at Apple Jam.

Location: Provolt Store, 14299 Williams Hwy, Williams OR (directions) Tickets

• $15/ Day Pass
• $25/ All-Weekend Pass

Overnight camping (adjacent to Provolt Store Property) is included with ticket purchase for according passes. Campers with day passes will be asked to renew their passes the following day before music begins. Regular parking is free!  Or if you want to park in the campground it is an additional $5 for cars and $10 for RVs.

By Kerri Curtis, Editor

Relevant Discord is a band fronted by Nicholas Andrew Depew. Aside from writing and creating music, Depew is also a published author (Character In Transition-A Guide to Not Burning The Bridge), and manages the bands independent label (Yeah, this guy does it all).

“Holy cow! “The Refrain” by Relevant Discord…frickin awesome.”

-Sylvia Massy (producer/engineer for Tool, System of a Down, Red Hot Chili Peppers)

“Great track; great band.”

-Stuart Epps (producer/engineer for Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Oasis)

Buy the Dual Singles E.P. on Amazon

Formed in 2002, Relevant Discord does things just a little bit differently. Depew is the only “official member” of the band. With revolving musicians that have played with or opened for many of Rock’s greatest and an A-list producing team (the people who brought you albums by Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers and System of a Down) you can bet the music is good. For fans of bands like Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin and Skillet; Relevant Discord features in your face guitar riffs alongside string accompaniments mixed together flawlessly to create a sound that is edgy and dark yet crisp and clean. There are no amateurs here.

Dual Singles E.P. features the two songs, “The Days of Deferment” and “The Refrain”. Released in June of last year, they have already gained positive reviews and airplay on radio stations across the globe.

While listening to the two songs a myriad of bands to compare their sound with will come to mind. However, finding the one they sound similar most to will be a difficult task (which is a good thing). “The Days of Deferment” has a Finger Eleven vibe (Think their early material before they were featured on VH1 every hour). While “The Refrain” and it’s haunting chorus throughout the song will remind you of Chevelle. The music is relatable and radio-friendly while still remaining unique. Give them a listen and see for yourself!

Relevant Discord can be seen online in Portland, Oregon on April 18th, and in San Francisco, California on April 21st as part of the Unplugged Discord Online Tour. More dates can be seen here.

Like Relevant Discord on Facebook!

Follow Relevant Discord on Twitter!

Review by: Kayt Westerlund

Mutemath underwent a change of scenery before Odd Soul was recorded, parting ways with their guitarist Greg; it created a new opportunity for the guys to go about business in a different way, so how would they make this new album? They decided it would be revitalizing to take a completely different direction in the creative process than their previous album: Armistice from 2009. Mutemath put themselves on lockdown in a house located in New Orleans, they wanted to be left alone. “The idea of complete isolation was the only thing that appealed to us.” They didn’t want any of the usual crowd around them, no distractions, no other opinions as to how things were coming along; they didn’t want producers, cameras, publicists etc… just Paul, Roy and Darren, and maybe the walls. These three guys would share the new found guitar duties; they did not come out until they had something they thought was great. And it is! Thankfully, it only took about 6 months. They hope that we have all forgiven them for this leave of absence now that the album is released. Check out the results! I seriously doubt anyone is complaining! Hey all you adrenalin junkies! This album’s self-motivated gamut of influence shaping themes seems to be an unconventional array of sounds, electric, eccentric, garage, punk, rock and it is a little bit rockabilly in nature. For instance the song “blood pressure” reminds me of The Jett Blackk Heart Attack’s song “Needle to the groove” which has a characteristically classic late 70’s early 80’s rock sound. The entire album has a post-rock feel with a clear vision in fast forward motion!

“Heads up”, catch this song! This high speed, fast paced heart pumping punk rock sound is intoxicating. One bets it was a good time when they were recording this. This author would have loved to have been a fly on the wall witnessing this. One can picture their house in New Orleans behind prison wires, fly traps and guard dogs with windows vibrating, bricks falling from the chimney and birds scattering from the nearby trees as this song was being practiced. Remember they were in LOCKDOWN while they made this album. (No flies allowed.)

“One More” is the title of this next song I want to describe to you. It has a French indie film feel to it, very sexy, and interesting. With spurts of 70’s electric guitar, organ and quick marching band beats, this is definitely a liberating and empowering song! Mutemath has successfully created an album using their own creative spirit and talents to guide them through to the finish product which is one heck of an album. Odd Soul is an adrenalin junkies dream come true for sure. If this is what happens when you seclude you self from the world for six months at a time? WOW! See ya!

http://www.mutemath.com/
http://www.facebook.com/mutemath
http://www.myspace.com/mutemath
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/odd-soul-deluxe-version/id460486723
http://www.youtube.com/user/mutemath
http://mutemath.tumblr.com/

Photo by Dawn KC-Sturgeon

He plays with poise. He plays with a passion. He has a look on his face like that of music being his obsession. I’m looking for words to describe the feeling I felt while listening to Michael Szczesniak play his acoustic set at Rosso’s After Dark on Saint Patrick’s day. The show he put on made me realize that sometimes having no words to go along with instruments creates the most understanding of life in general.

Photo by Dawn KC-Sturgeon

He strums his guitar while provoking thoughts of, well, everything under the sun. To be truthful, when a show is just instrumental, it gives you time to reflect on what life is all about. Mr. Szczesniak is just starting out on this musical adventure and it looks promising from the get go. Under the lights at Rosso’s After Dark, he played on with what seemed to be only one purpose: To let everyone enjoy themselves. Bravo for that!

There was no one beside him on stage. He was all alone. The question I’ll leave you with is this: When friends and family can talk and laugh while a musician plays, is the musician truly alone?

Click to download the Red Skies At Dawn EP from BandCamp!

Like Michael Szczesniak on Facebook!

Have you been craving something different in your music world? Tired of the same ol’ guitar/bass/drum cluster that is driven into your brain day after day? The band “Stereotyped” has got what you’re after and a lil’ something more. What’s in store for you is a blend of bluegrass and blackgrass. They’ve kicked up the dust with a very unique sound here in Southern Oregon.

With a mixture of musical instruments (Bullhorn, harp, banjo, guitar, washboard, bass, and upright to boot!) these fine musicians will leave you with your mouth wide open and begging for more. Never before have I seen or heard anything like it. Madam Moonshine, Sic Shooter, Larry the Kid and Killa Bee blend together like peanut butter and jelly. With style, grace and an eclectic portrayal of music from the soul, this band is bound for glory and their poise will take them into the sky. They’ve turned me into a believer. A believer that music from all angles of life can help sooth and resuscitate.

Enjoy, folks!

–Michael N. McDuff, Jambot Media

Like Stereotyped on Facebook!

Written by: Kayt Westerlund

The first time Feist’s music was on the radio, the artist felt as though she were suspended in disbelief. You can imagine how it would feel to be in that position, I’m sure. It has to be fantastic! Ever since, she has been creating puzzles through her music for us all to try to solve, including herself.

Her sophomore release, Metals, was recorded in a studio where the only source of heat was a crackling wood stove, and if you listen carefully, you can hear it in the recording. Feist sets an ambient stage for us; just the song titles alone will reach out to something inside you and make you feel deeply sad. There is a frustration; it is a declaration rather than her mulling over something. What she notes is that she lives through her songs by playing them live over and over again. She hears the things she has planted into her songs. She clearly lives through her music and reinterprets her own songs as she replays it and wants you to be careful to not let it lead you through these paths in your brain where you are picking it apart constantly. She says that these things hold true over and over again; when you listen to a song and hear something that applies to your life and later when you revisit the song again you can still find something that rings true to your current situation, every time.

The first song on the album is “The Bad in Each Other” and it sounds and feels different from her other songs, as it packs an emotional punch, a heaviness. It begins with a bashing of the bones style of percussion and it is the frame work she used to build the rest of songs on for this album. You’ll recognize her guitar playing as soon as you hear her signature sound. It is a deeply, soulful song with a big ending. Horns, guitar and native sounding drumming, along with male and female voices help to make it a well rounded, deep reaching song.

“Grave Yard” is a dark titled tune turned sing-a-long. If you don’t know anything about “the Day of the Dead” in Mexico, it is a day where the locals take an opportunity to bring their memories back to life and honor their loved ones who have passed away. Yes, it is deeply sad to lose someone but it’s not the end, we need to remember that these people were very much alive at one time. It’s a bit like our typical imagery of death, which is dark and very sad, however Feist wants to lighten this image for us and that is why this song is so amazing and unexpected. Her lyrics “Bring them all back tonight” isn’t about a resurrection, it’s about remembering. The music is just what you would expect it to be, fitting the title it is very low and thoughtfully plotted out but her sing along tune fills our thoughts with life past or present.

“How Come You Never Go There” is a part of a modern puzzle that we are all faced with. It was her first song released for this album, which she had no choice over she says. She felt like it was “a baby bird being pushed out of the nest without its brothers and sisters to support it.” It’s a part of a message; it’s not the truth when it stands alone. This album is best listened to in its entirety. This particular song will appeal to Tori Amos fans worldwide. The piano, the raspy, strong yet vulnerable voice of Leslie Feist will lure your thoughts to join in and explore the paths of your memories.

“When Circle Meets the Line” is a really lovely song. Again, it is all a part of a puzzle that Feist wants us to solve for ourselves. To take away from it what it means to us individually. It was all built at once and all the songs refer to each other one way or another. Their connections will leave some of us asking ourselves life questions of our own, what does this mean to me? What does this mean to you?

“Comfort Me” – “when you comfort me it doesn’t bring me comfort actually” is a declaration for Leslie Feist. She says that “the universe recycles things and feels that we’ll all be in the same place 300 years from now as we are today.”

“And the telephone is always ringing” does she have those times where she just wants to be left alone? She says yes of course and often loses her phone. I recommend taking a page from her life and doing the same — but first buy her album and take it into seclusion with you.

Buy Feist’s album “Metals” from iTunes!

Like Feist on Facebook!

“This EP is an acoustic draft of the album. No lyrics yet. I’m still in the process of turning most of these into full fledged songs. Stay tuned for more!” -Michael

Click to download from BandCamp!

Folk/Soul/Americana/Indie
Members: Michelle Bellamy
Hometown: Grants Pass, OR
Record Label: Independent

Michelle Bellamy hails from southern Oregon
Her newest EP is titled Sorrow’s Delight
Review by: Kayt Westerlund for Ivory Harp

How do you introduce someone like Michelle Bellamy without gushing? Here is an artist who isn’t about “Me! Me! Me!” OK Marsha fans?! On the contrary, Michelle is quite the opposite! She is all about community, sharing, giving and being herself. This wonderful treasure is an Oregon Native who lives a humble life filled with sincerity and wisdom beyond her years. She says: “believe in yourself, love yourself and get past the limitations of your mind.”

Michelle is unique in her own sound, though she shares a taste of Norah Jones in the sultry way she releases her prolific lyrics and engaging melodies. Michelle pulls from different styles of music; however her music can be harmoniously coupled to the sounds of Kate Wolf, Joan Baez, Paul Simon (who I love and adore) and Ray LaMontagne all great!!!

Michelle’s acoustic folk sound isn’t just a genre: her music is a grass roots movement, open and flowing, a magnet for joy and pain. Whatever emotion you are experiencing, Sorrow’s Delight will address your inner passion for expression. Embrace it, take it in, breathe it in and love it. This is a passionate woman who truly sings from her soul and you will feel it through her songs and in her plight.

I had one question for Michelle and I thought that was all any of us needed to truly get a feel for this unique talent that Michelle shares with so many within her community.

Kayt: “What gets you up in the morning?”

Michelle: “This human life is such a gift and it lasts such a short time. There is so much to be thankful for and so much to live for and I fortunately have found my calling and my passion to live through the art of music. Music is how I express my gratitude for this life; it’s my muse and my vessel to express my emotions and reflect upon my day to day experiences. I have found that songwriting helps me to get through the challenges and the lessons that life teaches and in turn share my perspective with others. Without music I would have a lot harder time understanding this existence. Music is an innate part of everything; this world is music and we are conduits for life’s song. We are music! When I first picked up a guitar and started to learn how to write songs, I knew immediately that I had finally found my calling and my vessel to share my soul with the world. Music makes me feel a part of the whole, a part of something bigger than myself. I feel more comfortable and more at home on a stage sharing my songs then I do anywhere else. I love the energy that comes with playing music for and with people; creating a high vibe moment together, creating community together! Music is meant to gather people. Music gives me purpose and direction to help people feel connected, to make them smile, to cry, to feel, to acknowledge that we are all human beings living and creating this reality together. This is what motivates me to get up every day and play music. The songs I write aren’t my songs, they’re everybody’s songs and I have a duty to give share them with the world.

That’s why I love doing my *Fam Jams because it brings more purpose in what we do as musicians. As musicians I feel we have a duty to create community, beyond making people dance and have a good time. Fam Jam allows our local family of musicians to come together and speak the language of music together. In turn we get to create awareness about the amazing non-profits in our area and use our power as a community to truly help them. It aligns the gift of music beyond just the audio sensation of it. Fam Jam helps me see the potential of how music can heal and how we as musicians can fully utilize our gifts.”

*”The Rogue Fam Jam is an intimate evening with many of the local musical legends that our Valley is becoming famous for. It is a monthly benefit for local nonprofits and others in need.”

This is a great EP which reflects the amazing talent of a genuine soul sister.

Hear Frankie Hernandez at Peace Village 2011 with Michelle Bellamy!

Like Michelle Bellamy on Facebook!

Add Michelle Bellamy on Myspace!

Become a fan of Michelle Bellamy on ReverbNation!

Portlan­­d’s HELLO ELECTRIC is minimal electronic rock with a dash of power shine. Kirk Ohnstad, Henry Gibson and Zachary Bendt are known for their dynamic live shows, which are centered on depth, intensity and simplicity. Each member has a distinctive role, although they all have the same roots: the drum set. Rhythm is essential to HELLO ELECTRIC. Their live show combines real drums with electronic beats and pushes the low end with dark keys and thick synths. Unity takes shape with gritty guitar leads flourishing the heavy bass-driven backbone.

Download Hello Electric albums for free here!

Soundwaves (2008)
http://helloelectric.com/soundwaves.zip

E.E. Pilot (2009)
http://helloelectric.com/eppilot.zip

Skychief (2010)
http://helloelectric.com/skychief.zip

Dead Champion E.P. (2011)
http://helloelectric.com/deadchampionep.zip