Athena's Blog

LOVE IS LOVE won Best Outstanding Pop Song of the Year!

2009-12-15T20:23:00.008-05:00

Wow

What an incredible week.

Love is Love won Best Outstanding Pop Song of the 2009 at the Outmusic Awards.

My Love is Love video hit #1 in the charts on LOGO MTVN.

Auditions for dancers are this Saturday for my upcoming video so pass on the info.

Happy Holidays and read on for more juicy details!

xoxo

Athena

PS - Here's a pic of me right after winning, with my trophy!

>> Click here to connect to my new Facebook Fan Page which has interviews, full mp3s, pictures and more!

Athena Reich Music Video Dance Auditions this Saturday

Athena Reich Music Video Auditions. Winner of the 2009 Outmusic Award for Best Pop Song. Choreographed by Maria Colaco. Directed by Michael Lawrence. Publicist: SASi Public Relations.

Athena Reich's last video, LOVE IS LOVE, charted at #1 on LOGO MTV and is set for airplay on MUCH MUSIC (Canada) and numerous other networks.

SEEKING
Seeking all types strong in jazz and modern styles. Looking for a diverse cast. Must pass for high school age. Auditions start at 930. Sign in at 9am. Ripley Grier @ 520 8th ave in room 17D. Must be available for dates below. Food and copy provided. Pre-register at maria@mariacolaco.com.

**Must be fully available for the following dates and times**

AUDITIONS
Saturday Dec. 19th from 9am-11am. Sign up 9am. Auditions start 915am.

REHEARSALS
Saturday Jan 16th, 10am-1pm
Sunday Jan 17th, 1pm-4pm
Friday Jan 22nd, 6pm-9pm
Sunday Jan 24th, 1pm-4pm
Monday Jan 25th, 6pm-9pm

FILMING
Saturday January 30th, 7am-5pm

SPREAD THE WORD TO DANCERS YOU KNOW

>> Click here to watch Athena's last video, LOVE IS LOVE

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Love is Love and Little Girl Dreams

I am honored to thank Lorraine Ferro (co-writer of LOVE IS LOVE), Cynthia Daniels (producer of the album LITTLE GIRL DREAMS), George Lyter (director of the LOVE IS LOVE video), Stephen Schulman from SASi PR, Maggie Maes from Maude Kaplan, Glenn Firester (my drummer), and all my friends, family and fans for their love and support.

PS - Here is a picture of Lorraine and me accepting our award at the ceremony, to be broadcast on LOGO!

Recent Press

I got a bunch of press this week (radio interviews, paper & internet). Here are a couple selections:

"Athena Reich, who is an indie rock/pop chick and practically a lesbian household name, won the award for Outstanding Pop Song of The Year for "Love is Love" from her 5th CD, Little Girl Dreams..." About.com Click here to read full quote

"Love Is Love," the opening track to Athena Reich's "Little Girl Dreams" is an empowering GLBT anthem along the lines of Scott Free's "Free." Its message is clear and Reich belts it out emphatically. Empowerment appears to be the order of the day on the disc, from the title tune through "Bogey Man," the bluesy "Trouble," "What About Love," "Hey Little Girl" and a cover of Supertramp's "The Logical Song." Reich momentarily veers into Amanda Palmer territory on "Bones." Chicago Free Press

Thank you for voting for Love is Love

Thank you so much for making LOVE IS LOVE rise to #1 on LOGO MTVN! Keep voting if you have a sec.

If you vote 100 times, let me know and I'll mail you a free autographed CD.

>> Click here, scroll to bottom, choose LOVE IS LOVE and click submit

Gig at Piano's Friday January 29th @ 7pm in NYC

GIRLS ROCK THE NIGHT @ PIANO'S IN NYC
158 Ludlow Street, New York City • 212.505.3733

Friday, January 29th, 2010 | 7pm-10pm in NYC

FIRST GRTN of 2010!!!! It’s gonne be a big party!!! FREE ENTRY!! 21+ venue Featuring: Athena Reich (with Glenn Firester on drums!) - Jessica Labus - Kelsey Rauber - Kylie Edmond - Melissa Wrolstad - Tracy Thorne - & our lucky guy of the night...William Rottman

Amateur Video Contest

I am holding an amateur video contest. You don't have to have any experience at all. Most people can, in the least, win a free CD. The grand prize winner gets $100 and a chance to collaborate with me on a video. It could be as simple as a slideshow. Really. If you have never used an editing program - this is your chance to figure it out! Deadline is January 31st, 2010.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Choose one of my songs. Email me at info@athenareich.com & I will email you the mp3 of your choice.

2. Create a video to that song. It can be a slideshow, an animation, claymation, a simple video... you could use pictures from my website, or pictures of your family.. you could make it abstract, political, sentimental... anything goes.

3. Be sure to credit me for the song (and my website) somewhere in the video.

4. Post the video on YouTube. If you get 75 of your friends to watch it, I will mail you a free CD of your choice! (Yes, you could cheat and watch it 75 times yourself, but who would cheat an Indie Artist? So I am using the trust method)

5. The grand prize winning video gets at least 200 views on YouTube and will be selected based on originality, artistry, and content.

That's it! See how easy it is to win at least a free CD!? Go for it!! Let me know if you have any questions! Email me your song choice!

Watch the video I made (below), to the tune of LITTLE GIRL DREAMS. It's a tribute to all those who helped in the making of the album. It was really easy and the first video I made.

SPREAD THE WORD!

>> Click here to connect to my new Facebook Fan Page which has updates about the contest

That's it Folks!

Wow. I thought this was going to be a quick little mailer but that failed miserably :)

Happy Holidays lovelies..

xoxo

Athena

>> www.AthenaReich.com

2009-12-15T20:23:00.001-05:00

Athena's Monthly Mailer

IN THIS ISSUE:

Wow
Athena Reich Music Video Dance Auditions this Saturday
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Love is Love and Little Girl Dreams
Recent Press
Thank you for voting for Love is Love
Gig at Piano's Friday January 29th @ 7pm in NYC
Amateur Video Contest
That's it Folks!

See the full version online at:

http://ping.fm/yolX7

To remove yourself from this mailing list, use the link below
http://ping.fm/EYyox

SASi Public Relations
212 West 16th St. Suite 1R
New York, NY 10011
www.sasipr.com

This email was created and delivered using MyMailout.

2009-12-14T22:31:00.001-05:00

Hey! Wow!! About.com says I'm 'practically a lesbian household name!'

2009-12-14T17:27:00.001-05:00

Off to a party at MNMP. Yeah for holiday parties! But boy am I tired. Mmm.. Just ate a truffle.

2009-12-14T01:52:00.001-05:00

I'm way too excited to sleep. Songs are composing themselves in my head, I'm so happy my cat is healthy, I'm so happy I won Best Outstanding Pop Song of 2009!!

An Open Letter to the President from Michael Moore

2009-11-30T12:57:00.001-05:00

An Open Letter to President Obama from Michael Moore

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Dear President Obama,

Do you really want to be the new "war president"? If you go to West Point tomorrow night (Tuesday, 8pm) and announce that you are increasing, rather than withdrawing, the troops in Afghanistan, you are the new war president. Pure and simple. And with that you will do the worst possible thing you could do -- destroy the hopes and dreams so many millions have placed in you. With just one speech tomorrow night you will turn a multitude of young people who were the backbone of your campaign into disillusioned cynics. You will teach them what they've always heard is true -- that all politicians are alike. I simply can't believe you're about to do what they say you are going to do. Please say it isn't so.

It is not your job to do what the generals tell you to do. We are a civilian-run government. WE tell the Joint Chiefs what to do, not the other way around. That's the way General Washington insisted it must be. That's what President Truman told General MacArthur when MacArthur wanted to invade China. "You're fired!," said Truman, and that was that. And you should have fired Gen. McChrystal when he went to the press to preempt you, telling the press what YOU had to do. Let me be blunt: We love our kids in the armed services, but we f*#&in' hate these generals, from Westmoreland in Vietnam to, yes, even Colin Powell for lying to the UN with his made-up drawings of WMD (he has since sought redemption).

So now you feel backed into a corner. 30 years ago this past Thursday (Thanksgiving) the Soviet generals had a cool idea -- "Let's invade Afghanistan!" Well, that turned out to be the final nail in the USSR coffin.

There's a reason they don't call Afghanistan the "Garden State" (though they probably should, seeing how the corrupt President Karzai, whom we back, has his brother in the heroin trade raising poppies). Afghanistan's nickname is the "Graveyard of Empires." If you don't believe it, give the British a call. I'd have you call Genghis Khan but I lost his number. I do have Gorbachev's number though. It's + 41 22 789 1662. I'm sure he could give you an earful about the historic blunder you're about to commit.

With our economic collapse still in full swing and our precious young men and women being sacrificed on the altar of arrogance and greed, the breakdown of this great civilization we call America will head, full throttle, into oblivion if you become the "war president." Empires never think the end is near, until the end is here. Empires think that more evil will force the heathens to toe the line -- and yet it never works. The heathens usually tear them to shreds.

Choose carefully, President Obama. You of all people know that it doesn't have to be this way. You still have a few hours to listen to your heart, and your own clear thinking. You know that nothing good can come from sending more troops halfway around the world to a place neither you nor they understand, to achieve an objective that neither you nor they understand, in a country that does not want us there. You can feel it in your bones.

I know you know that there are LESS than a hundred al-Qaeda left in Afghanistan! A hundred thousand troops trying to crush a hundred guys living in caves? Are you serious? Have you drunk Bush's Kool-Aid? I refuse to believe it.

Your potential decision to expand the war (while saying that you're doing it so you can "end the war") will do more to set your legacy in stone than any of the great things you've said and done in your first year. One more throwing a bone from you to the Republicans and the coalition of the hopeful and the hopeless may be gone -- and this nation will be back in the hands of the haters quicker than you can shout "tea bag!"

Choose carefully, Mr. President. Your corporate backers are going to abandon you as soon as it is clear you are a one-term president and that the nation will be safely back in the hands of the usual idiots who do their bidding. That could be Wednesday morning.

We the people still love you. We the people still have a sliver of hope. But we the people can't take it anymore. We can't take your caving in, over and over, when we elected you by a big, wide margin of millions to get in there and get the job done. What part of "landslide victory" don't you understand?

Don't be deceived into thinking that sending a few more troops into Afghanistan will make a difference, or earn you the respect of the haters. They will not stop until this country is torn asunder and every last dollar is extracted from the poor and soon-to-be poor. You could send a million troops over there and the crazy Right still wouldn't be happy. You would still be the victim of their incessant venom on hate radio and television because no matter what you do, you can't change the one thing about yourself that sends them over the edge.

The haters were not the ones who elected you, and they can't be won over by abandoning the rest of us.

President Obama, it's time to come home. Ask your neighbors in Chicago and the parents of the young men and women doing the fighting and dying if they want more billions and more troops sent to Afghanistan. Do you think they will say, "No, we don't need health care, we don't need jobs, we don't need homes. You go on ahead, Mr. President, and send our wealth and our sons and daughters overseas, 'cause we don't need them, either."

What would Martin Luther King, Jr. do? What would your grandmother do? Not send more poor people to kill other poor people who pose no threat to them, that's what they'd do. Not spend billions and trillions to wage war while American children are sleeping on the streets and standing in bread lines.

All of us that voted and prayed for you and cried the night of your victory have endured an Orwellian hell of eight years of crimes committed in our name: torture, rendition, suspension of the bill of rights, invading nations who had not attacked us, blowing up neighborhoods that Saddam "might" be in (but never was), slaughtering wedding parties in Afghanistan. We watched as hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians were slaughtered and tens of thousands of our brave young men and women were killed, maimed, or endured mental anguish -- the full terror of which we scarcely know.

When we elected you we didn't expect miracles. We didn't even expect much change. But we expected some. We thought you would stop the madness. Stop the killing. Stop the insane idea that men with guns can reorganize a nation that doesn't even function as a nation and never, ever has.

Stop, stop, stop! For the sake of the lives of young Americans and Afghan civilians, stop. For the sake of your presidency, hope, and the future of our nation, stop. For God's sake, stop.

Tonight we still have hope.

Tomorrow, we shall see. The ball is in your court. You DON'T have to do this. You can be a profile in courage. You can be your mother's son.

We're counting on you.

Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com

P.S. There's still time to have your voice heard. Call the White House at 202-456-1111 or email the President .

LOVE IS LOVE on TV! Free CDs, gigs & voting

2009-10-28T15:50:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Yeah!!!

All your votes worked!!

LOVE IS LOVE debuted at number 5 in the top 10 last week on LOGO TV. (Yes, that's real TV!) Click here to see it listed in the Top 10 on LOGO!

It has the chance to keep competing for the next 5 weeks so please keep voting!

If you vote 100 times I will give you a FREE CD! Already Jennifer from Center Moriches, NY won a free CD and is working towards her 2nd! And others have informed me they are working up towards their first 100 votes to get that CD.

Also, only 2 more gigs until 2010, so hope to see you there!

xooxoxxoxo

Athena

>> Click here to friend me on Facebook

How to keep LOVE IS LOVE in Top 10 on LOGO TV

Wow! LOVE IS LOVE debuted at number 5 in the top 10 on MTV'S LOGO TV! We have 5 more weeks of voting to keep it airing. If you vote 100 times, let me know and I will mail you a free autographed CD of your choice!

It's really easy. Here's how:

1. Click this link: http://www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/the_click_list/video_voting.jhtml

2. Scroll to bottom, choose LOVE IS LOVE, fill in your email or don't fill in your email. Either way, your vote is counted. Hit Submit.

3. Repeat as often as you like.

4. Tell your friends to do it.

5. Tell me that you did it so I can grow confident that LOVE IS LOVE will get played on MTV's LOGO TV!

THANK YOU!! This is so exciting and can really help leap my career to new opportunities. THANK YOU!!!!

Only 2 more gigs until 2010!

I am creating the next video and busy promoting the album & video so only 2 more shows until 2010. So if you are free, come and be merry with Athena & the Dustbunnies!

"Rockin' for Farm Animals 2" at Kenny's Castaways in NYC
Thursday, October 29th, 2009 | 7pm-9pm
157 Bleecker St * (212) 979-9762
Sharing the stage with Jenn London & more!
Join us for another rendition of Rockin’ Out for Farm Animals, Farm Sanctuary’s famous awareness-raising concerts. This Halloween-themed show will include performances by Debra from Devi, HERE and Athena Reich (with Glenn Firester on drums & chromatic harmonica) and will be hosted by National Advocacy Organizer Jasmin Singer and New York Advocacy Organizer David Benzaquen. The show will begin at 7 p.m. sharp. $10 admission, 21+.
http://www.kennyscastaways.net/

International Pop Festival @ Kenny's Castaways in NYC
Sunday, November 8th, 2009 | 8:30pm sharp
157 Bleecker St. * 212 979-9762
with Glenn Firester on drums & harmonica * $10
Come early to support the other bands!! We will be there! It's an honor to play this international festival!
http://www.internationalpopoverthrow.com/

That's It!

The main thing is THANK YOU for voting and please keep it up!

And THANK YOU to George Lyter, director of LOVE IS LOVE (who did such an incredible job), Loris Diran & Orangia for donating outfits, Ruth Fernandez for make-up, Brian Jones, Terri & family for letting us film in their backyard, Francis Legge, Patrick Brady, Continuum Cycles (for lending us the tandem bike) SASi PR for promo and to all the people who went into the making and promotion of this video! And huge thanks to Lorraine Ferro, the co-writer (and back-up singer) of LOVE IS LOVE.

Please keep voting and see you soon!

xoxoxo

Athena

PS - Click here to watch the LOVE IS LOVE video!

>> www.AthenaReich.com

Email from a guy I met in Seattle

2009-10-28T13:34:00.003-04:00

I just thought this was so funny and he said it was cool to post on my blog. It's classic of the kinds of dialogues I have while on tour.. or anytime really.. cause so much is happening that I can't remember the simplest of things like.. well... see below...

Hi Athena,

The last time you came to Seattle, you drove down from Canada and only stopped when you came to a Seattle neighborhood called Ballard. You were scheduled to play at Mr. Spot's Chia House, where a guy who'd never heard of you before offered to help carry in your stuff. That was me. While we got the things from your car, we had an exchange that went something like this:

"You're lucky to find parking this close."
"I'm Athena, by the way. What did you say your name was?"
"Dave. Do you have a lot to carry?"
"No, I don't think so. Just a keyboard and some other things. It shouldn't be too much. Oh, my name's Athena. What was your name?"
"Dave. Had any sleep lately?"
"Oh yeah. I've been on the road since this morning. I did it all in one shot, straight down here with no stops. But it doesn't look like there's very many people showing up so far. I'm Athena, by the way. What was you're name?"
"Dave. You sure you're up for this?"

I didn't really get your story, even after you sang Love Is Love. And later, when you mentioned some venue you'd played at that was gay friendly, I still hadn't really put two and two together. But I finally watched your video, Love Is Love, and now I'm all straightened out about that. I'm slow that way.

Cute video. Really cute girl, too. Is that your significant other, or did you get to pick through portfolio shots for just the right girl?  ;-) 

Dave from Seattle

Official Love is Love Video!

2009-10-20T22:32:00.004-04:00

Vote LOVE IS LOVE on MTV's LOGO, Much Music, Gigs

2009-10-20T22:23:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Hiya,

It has been such a fabulous month, with the success of the LOVE IS LOVE video and the LITTLE GIRL DREAMS CD release party.

In order for LOVE IS LOVE to get aired on TV, I need your vote. I hate asking for votes. I know it's sort of annoying. But this one is a quick vote and it's SUPER important because this is my first chance to have LOVE IS LOVE premiered on real TV (MTV's LOGO TV, that is!)

The CD release couldn't have been sweeter and I've got gigs coming up so read on!

xoxox

Athena

P.S - Click here to see pictures from the CD release party.

I need your vote to get on MTV's LOGO TV

In order to get LOVE IS LOVE played on LOGO TV, I need your vote. You can vote numerous times, you can vote every day, you can vote once. I need tons and tons of votes, pretty steadily, over the next few weeks.

I rarely ask for votes. But this is a super important one because if I get my video played on MTV's LOGO TV it could be a real launching pad for my career as it helps legitimize the video & album for future TV & media appearances.

So please, vote for LOVE IS LOVE.

It's really easy. Here's how:

1. Click this link: http://www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/the_click_list/video_voting.jhtml

2. Scroll to bottom, choose LOVE IS LOVE, fill in your email or don't fill in your email. Either way, your vote is counted. Hit Submit.

3. Repeat as often as you like.

4. Tell your friends to do it.

5. Tell me that you did it so I can grow confident that LOVE IS LOVE will get played on MTV's LOGO TV!

THANK YOU!! xoxoxo

P.S - If you vote 100 times, I will mail you a free autographed CD!

Upcoming Shows

GIRLS ROCK THE NIGHT @ Lantern Restaurant in Mahopac, NY
Saturday, October 17th, 2009 | 8pm-10pm
with Kylie Edmond & Robert Daniels
728 Route 6 in Mahopac, NY 10541-1689 * (845) 628-7302
http://www.thelanternmahopac.com/

Scarlet Fever Presents NIGHTMARE AT THE BLVD! (contemporary dance) in NYC
Sunday, October 25th, 2009 | 7:00pm Showcase - Doors 6pm
The Boulevard (199 Bowery at Spring Street)
Performing during this amazing hot new young choreographer's show. Don't miss this absolutely fantastic event! Doing a 20 min set in between amazing contempary dance.
Buy Tickets: $12.00 pre-sale and online / $15.00 at the door

http://www.scarletfeverco.myevent.com/

"Rockin' for Farm Animals 2" at Kenny's Castaways in NYC
Thursday, October 29th, 2009 | 7pm-9pm
157 Bleecker St * (212) 979-9762
with Glenn Firester on drums & chromatic harmonica. Sharing the stage with Jenn London & more!
http://www.kennyscastaways.net/

International Pop Festival @ Kenny's Castaways in NYC
Sunday, November 8th, 2009 | 8:30pm sharp
157 Bleecker St. * 212 979-9762
with Glenn Firester on drums & harmonica * $10
http://www.internationalpopoverthrow.com/

>> For more info on Athena's Upcoming Gigs, click here

That's it Folks!

Please vote and thank you for coming to the shows and see you all soon!

If you want to see pictures from my tours, become my friend on facebook.

Thank you and stay warm and well rested!

Love,

Athena

>> Click here to add me as a friend of Facebook

Last show in NY before West Coast, Interviews, & LA

2009-08-08T14:12:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Hey Everyone!

I'm packing my things and getting ready for my West Coast tour. I've got one last show in NYC tonight, at DON'T TELL MAMA'S, with CHICKS ROCK THE NIGHT, before I fly off to the coast.

I've done a couple of in-depth radio interviews (for CBS & "Artist's Exposed) and I've uploaded lots of photos from LA on my facebook profile. LA was fabulous and wonderful connections were made for the LIVING IN CAPTIVITY TV pilot. Yeah! More news as it unfolds...

We've got the trailer for the LOVE IS LOVE video up online and the full version will be released very soon!

Tell all your West Coast friends about my tour and see you at a show!!

xoxox

Athena

PS - This photo is from the Red Carpet at the ITV Fest in LA last weekend. The outfit is courtesy of Orangia.

>> Friend me on facebook. I'm addicted to it! Always uploading photos!

Check out the CBS interview with Barry Z!

It was such a pleasure to appear on the Barry Z show. He is such a sweetheart! I played "Trouble" live and talked about a bunch of crazy things!

>> Click here to watch CBS's Barry Z radio show. Click on Aug 4th

West Coast & East Coast Tour!

Girls Rock the Night @ Don't Tell Mama's in NYC
Saturday, August 8th, 2009 | 9pm-11pm
343 West 46th St, New York, New York 10036 @ New York, NY, USA
Girls Rock The Night (& one very lucky guy...) is going to BROADWAY!!! Yes.....jazz hands. This is going to be a fantastic show with the excitement of broadway....rocked up and sassy. Featuring Kylee Edmund & Danielle Tersini & Galia Arad & Robert Danie & I will be performing with Glenn Firester on drums & chromatic harmonica! Cost: $10 http://www.myspace.com/girlsrockthenight
Click here to purchase tickets

Beginning's Workshop
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 to Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 in Catskill, NY
Teaching a professional acting & singing workshop to young performers
http://www.beginningsworkshop.com/

Egyptian Club in Portland, OR
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 | 8pm
3701 SE Division St. in Portland, OR 97202
Awesome night of women & music with Annie Vergnetti!
Cover: Donations appreciated
http://www.eroompdx.com/

La Familia Gallery in Seattle, WA
Thursday, August 20th, 2009 | Time TBA
117 Prefontaine Place South - Seattle, WA 98104
Performing at this awesome art gallery. $5. More details TBA!
http://www.lafamiliallc.com/

Laughing Ladies Cafe in Seattle, WA
Friday, August 21st, 2009 | 7:30pm - $5
3916 148th St. SE, Suite 200 @ Mill Creek, WA 98012
SIRENS WILD RIDE: a night of women & music with Eva Moon, Paula Maya & Athena Reich!
http://laughingladiescafe.com/

Women in the Woods @ Breitenbush Hot Springs in OR
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 | Time TBA
East of Salem, OR
Performing as part of Women in the Woods @ Breitenbush Hot Springs. Wonderful. www.breitenbush.com & www.womeninthewoods.com

Southtown Street Party @ Intaba's Restaurant in Corvallis, OR
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 | 7pm
1115 SE Third, Corvallis, OR
Athena headlines a whole day of women's music at the Southtown Street Party to benefit CARDV (Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence). A woman's chorus will join Athena for a couple of songs, there will be a food theme, and an incredible line-up of women's music!! Don't miss this event! Even if you are nearby, it will be worth the drive to be part of the festivities! Produced by Fireworks Restaurant.
http://www.southtownstreetparty.com

Chicks with Pics @ the Railway Club in Vancouver, BC
Sunday, August 30th, 2009 | TBA
579 Dunsmuir Street on the corner at Seymour
Awesome line-up of women performers. $10 cover. More info TBA!!
http://www.therailwayclub.com/

Chai House in Ballard (Seattle), WA
Monday, August 31st, 2009 | 8pm-10pm
5463 Leary Ave NW
So psyched to be performing at this well known music hotspot! No cover - donations appreciated.
http://www.chaihouse.com/

College Street Cafe w/ Jenn Friedman in Clinton, NY
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 | 8pm
34 College Street @ Clinton, NY
with Jenn Friedman! All ages
http://www.collegestreetcafe.com/

Fianchetto Restaurant w/ Jenn Friedman in Utica, NY
Thursday, September 10th, 2009 | 830pm - 2am
600 Varick Street in Utica, NY
Performing at this lovely bar/restaurant in Utica with the amazing Jenn Friedman! No cover. Come and enjoy. We are each doing three 45 minute sets so it's gonna be a great long night of music.
http://www.heidelbergbakingco.com/

Utical Music Festival @ Stiefvator n Utica, NY
Friday, September 11th, 2009 | 10pm-1045pm
Stiefvater Room (21+) @ 618 Varick St
Honored to be performing at the Utica Music Fest!
http://www.heidelbergbakingco.com/

Girls Rock the Night @ The Underscore in NYC
Thursday, September 24th, 2009 | 8pm-10pm
1733 1st Avenue (Between 89th & 90th street) in New York, NY
Girls Rock the Night with Kylie Edmond & more!
$10 http://www.theunderscore.com/

GoGirls Fest NYC @ Otto's Shrunken Head in NYC
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 | 7pm-1am
538 East 14th St. in New York, NY
GoGirls Music Fest with RewStar & more. More info TBA! $5
http://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/

>> For more info on shows, click here

Check out the trailer of LOVE IS LOVE

A little sneak peak of what's to come, made by the wonderfully talented producer George Lyter...

PS - This is a still from the LOVE IS LOVE shoot

>> Click here to watch the LOVE IS LOVE trailer

Listen to the interview on Artists Exposed

Listen to the in-depth interview with Tym Moss on Artists Exposed. Very in-depth & intimate.

PS - This is a pix I took on Santa Monica beach in LA, while there on tour last weekend.

>> Click here to go to my website, then click "download", then click "more" and you will see it.

Enjoy the summer and see ya soon!

xoxoxo

Athena

PS - To the right is a pix of me and Jane Lynch (who playedJoyce Wischnia (the butch lesbian lawyer) on the L Word. We met at the Opening Gala at ITV Fest in LA. So much fun!

Below is a picture I took of the sunset on Santa Monica beach in LA

www.AthenaReich.com

New York & West Coast Tour, LOVE IS LOVE, Fashion & more!

2009-07-24T19:44:00.003-04:00

We just wrapped the shooting of the LOVE IS LOVE video and are now in post production. It was such crazy fun making the video! It will be released in early/mid August - I will let you know!

I've got a big gig this Sunday in NYC @ Googie's above the Living Room @ 730pm so tell all your friends! Afterwards, we will all go eat cake together :)

I have had a whirlwind of fun these past couple of weeks, including wearing dresses that costs THOUSANDS of dollars EACH for the video shoot, courtesy of Loris Diran & Orangia.

Click here to watch the fun short video made at the Loris Diran fitting.

I head to LA this Thursday to do a bunch of shows, including performing at the Red Carpet Event at the ITV Festival, where they are screening Living in Captivity (the TV show I wrote the theme song for).

If you have friends in LA or the West Coast, send them out to my gigs! Hope you are enjoying the weather, and hope we can hang soon to eat cake!!

xoxoxo

Athena

PS - This photo is a still from the LOVE IS LOVE video

>> www.AthenaReich.com

New York & West Coast Shows. More Shows booked!

Googie's Lounge above The Living Room in NYC
Sunday, July 26th, 2009 | 7:30pm SHARP
154 Ludlow (btwn Stanton & Rivington) NYC 10002
Athena & the Dustbunnies perform a full set at one of NYC's awesom-est singer/songwriter venues. Athena on vocals, piano & ukulele, Glenn Firester on drums & chromatic harmonica & Carey Urban on back-up vocals! I will be playing guitar, ukulele, piano - old songs like the Ballad of Chicken Shower & brand spankin' new songs as well! 1 drink minimum but no cover (and yes, you can buy a $3 soda :) * Tips for musicians appreciated ($5 suggested donation) * Please buy all drinks from waitress upstairs
http://www.livingroomny.com/googies

Performing at the Opening Gala of the ITV Festival in Los Angeles, CA
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
Laemmle's Sunset 5 @ 8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, 90046
This is now confirmed, I am doing a 30 minute set, and I am wearing an outfit made by Orangia!!
http://itvfest.org

Indiegrrl Night @ Cafe Muse in Los Angeles, CA
Friday, July 31st, 2009 | 9:30pm
6547 Santa Monica Blvd @ Hollywood, CA 90038
Amazing night of women & music with Amy Clarke, myself Amy Clarke
amanda abizaid, Genevieve, julie chadwick, lisa turner, melinda ortner &
michael ann azoulai! If you want to perform, come show up and we might be able to fit you in. We are doing a round robin of music. There will be a keyboard there.
http://www.cafemusela.com/
http://gaiagrove.org/

Screening of Living in Captivity @ the 4th Annual Independent TV Festival in LA
Saturday, August 1st, 2009 | 5pm
Laemmle's Sunset 5 @ 8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, 90046
The screening of LIVING IN CAPTIVITY, the TV pilot I wrote the theme song for (animated by Emily Hubley, who did the animation for Hedwig & the Angry Inch). I will be attending this screening
http://itvfest.org

Universal Bar & Grill in Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, August 1st, 2009 | 8pm
4093 Lankershim Blvd • North Hollywood CA 91602
I've played this venue in LA before. It's awesome! Performing with the writer Karen Moulding who will be doing readings intermixed with my music! She is so talented!
http://universalbarla.com/

Screening Of Living In Captivity @ The 4th Annual Independent TV Festival in LA
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 | 3:30pm
Laemmle's Sunset 5 @ 8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, 90046
The screening of LIVING IN CAPTIVITY, the TV pilot I wrote the theme song for (animated by Emily Hubley, who did the animation for Hedwig & the Angry Inch). I will be attending this screening!
http://itvfest.org

Egyptian Club in Portland, OR
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 | 8pm
3701 SE Division St. in Portland, OR 97202
Awesome night of women & music with Annie Vergnetti & possibly more!
Cover: Donations appreciated
http://www.eroompdx.com/

Laughing Ladies Cafe in Seattle, WA
Friday, August 21st, 2009 | 7:30pm - $5
3916 148th St. SE, Suite 200 @ Mill Creek, WA 98012
http://laughingladiescafe.com/

Chicks with Pics @ the Railway Club in Vancouver, BC
Sunday, August 30th, 2009 | TBA
579 Dunsmuir Street on the corner at Seymour
Awesome line-up of women performers. More info TBA!!
http://www.therailwayclub.com/

Chai House in Ballard (Seattle), WA
Monday, August 31st, 2009 | 8pm-10pm
5463 Leary Ave NW
So psyched to be performing at this well known music hotspot! No cover - donations appreciated.
http://www.chaihouse.com/

>> For complete gig listings, click here

Watch the Video made at the Loris Diran fitting!

I felt like a princess, trying on these thousands of dollars worth of gorgeous dresses from Loris Diran! George Lyter (award winning filmmaker who's making the LOVE IS LOVE video), threw together a little 'behind the making of the video' video about the fitting. Watch it! It's fun!

>> Click here to watch the short video from the fitting at Loris Diran

I am wearing Orangia at the Red Carpet event this Thursday!

I am so honored to be wearing an outfit donated by Orangia for the Red Carpet Opening Gala at the Independent Television Festival in LA. Check out her website! Her clothes are so creative and amazing!

PS - This is the outfit I'm wearing from Orangia.

>> Orangia Website

That's it Folks!

See you at a show!

xoxox

Athena

News, Video Contest, Internation Tours & More!

2009-06-21T08:01:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone!

It sure is wet here in NYC. Wet leaves, wet sidewalks, wet skies, wet air. You'd think we were on the West Coast or something....

Actually -- speaking of the West Coast -- I am finally planning a tour out West again! Also, I am holding an Amateur Video contest, have lots of gigs coming up (including singing the Canadian National Anthem in Saint John, NB on Canada Day), I'm learning the ukulele and more -- so read on!

See you soon!

Love,

Athena

P.S. - yes, these are pictures of me as a little girl...

>> Check out my new My Space page!! Totally new design & pics!

Amateur Video Contest! Easy to win!

HOW TO ENTER

1. Choose one of my songs. Email me at info@athenareich.com & I will email you the mp3 of your choice.

2. Create a video to that song. It can be a slideshow, an animation, claymation, a simple video... you could use pictures from my website, or pictures of your family.. you could make it abstract, political, sentimental... anything goes.

3. Be sure to credit me for the song (and my website) somewhere in the video.

4. Post the video on YouTube. If you get 75 of your friends to watch it, I will mail you a free CD of your choice! (Yes, you could cheat and watch it 75 times yourself, but who would cheat an Indie Artist? So I am using the trust method)

5. The grand prize winning video gets at least 200 views on YouTube and will be selected based on originality, artistry, and content.

That's it! See how easy it is to win at least a free CD!? Go for it!! Let me know if you have any questions! Email me your song choice!

Click on the image below to watch the slideshow video I made, to the tune of LITTLE GIRL DREAMS. It's a tribute to all those who helped in the making of the album.

Upcoming Shows in the NYC area!!

SUNDAY JUNE 21 @ 1PM & 2PM

Athena & the Dustbunnies have 2 performances as part of the Make Music NY Festival. Both shows are all ages!

1. La Perla Community Garden @ 1pm-2pm @ 105th Street between Columbus & Manhattan Ave. If it rains, we will be performing in the Bike Shop on 106th Street between Columbus & Amsterdam (closer to Columbus)

2. West 104th Street Garden @ 2pm-3pm @ 104th Street between Central Park West & Manhattan Ave. If it is lightly raining the event will continue. If it is pouring, the event will be canceled.

Athena & the Dustbunnies is currently Athena on piano & ukulele & Glenn Firester on drums & chromatic harmonica

SATURDAY JULY 18 @ 6PM

Babylon, NY (Long Island). Intimate House Concert & Pool Party. Invite only. To request invite, send an email to info@athenareich.com.

Yes - I now play the Ukulele as well :) That's me performing last week at a Gay Marriage Rally in Brooklyn.

>> For complete gig listings, click here

West Coast Tour!

I am currently booking a West Coast tour from Aug. 17th to Aug. 31st. I want to play Oregon, Washington, Vancouver Islands, Vancouver etc. If you live in this area and would like to host a house concern, share a gig with me, give me an idea for a venue/person/press to contact, please email me by replying to this mailer.

So far, I am booked to play:

SOUTHTOWN STREET PARTY @ FIREWORKS RESTAURANT
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23RD. (TIME TBA) CORVALLIS, OR

Athena headlines a whole day of women's music at the Southtown Street Party to benefit CARDV (Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence). There will be an incredible line-up of women's music! Don't miss this event! Even if you are in a nearby town, it will be worth the drive to be part of the festivities! Produced by Fireworks Restaurant.@ 1115 SE Third in South Corvallis. Time TBA

I also have tentative bookings in Seattle, Vancouver & Duncan, BC at the moment. Help make this tour happen! Say hello, connect with me, give me suggestions, help put up posters, tell your friends etc. Looking forward to hitting the road again!

>> To stay up to date with Athena's Tour Schedule, click here

Oh Canada!

I am so excited and honored to have been asked to sing the Canadian National Anthem in Saint John, New Brunswick on July 1st @ the Canada Day Opening Celebrations. I will also be performing my original songs, after the anthem. I am going to flex my french muscles and sing the bilingual version, of course. ;)

If you live in the area, come and we shall celebrate together! It's at 12pm-ish - after the People's Parade @ The Atrium @ 1 Market Square, downtown. See you there!!

>> Click here for info on the Canada Day Celebration in St. John, NB

Gay Marriage in New York State

Right now, big decisions are being made in Albany, NY about Gay Marriage. Please take a moment to write your senator. Below is a letter you can easily copy. You can find the address to your local senator here. Or, it also lists the number, and you can simply call them. Please forward this to anyone you know who might be interested. This is such an important issue to me. It will help protect the children of gay families, as well as the inheritance, hospital visit, marriage etc. rights of gay partners.

Dear [Senator/Assemblymember Last Name]:
I am a constituent in [city, town or village] in [name of county] County. I am writing to ask for your support of legislation allowing same sex couples to marry. I hope that you will become a co-sponsor of this legislation, advocate with your colleagues to do the same, and approach the legislative leader in your chamber to bring this important issue to a vote.
Marriage bestows 1,138 federal and over 500 New York rights and responsibilities to couples entering into it. These literally life-and-death protections are denied to same-sex couples and their children because they are denied the opportunity to marry. The state protections or marriage include medical decision making authority, inheritance rights, immunity from having to testify against a spouse in court, access to Family Court for orders of protection from domestic violence, divorce and the ability to adopt children as a couple. Many of these protections can only be achieved through marriage and not by any legal document a couple may try to create to protect themselves.
[Insert a personal story or example of why marriage equality is important to you. For example, you might start with something like, "I am afraid that in a time of crisis my family will not be cared for and supported the way other families are," and then give a specific example of how your family is left vulnerable without marriage.]
I urge you as my elected representative to support marriage equality so that all loving New York families can be protected equally by their government. I will be watching throughout the year to see how you vote and advocate on this issue that means so much to me and my family.
Sincerely,[Your Signature]
[Your Name printed]
[Your Home address]
[Your Phone]

>> For a wonderful explanation of the issues regarding Gay Marriage, please click here.

Beautiful Furnished Condo for rent in NYC beginning July 18th

Newly renovated, luxury, fully furnished apartment for rent at 107th St and Central Park West. For rent by owner. No broker fee. Looking for someone interested in renting it beginning July 18th.

PRICE REDUCTION - NORMALLY RENTS FOR $3500 A MONTH. NOW:
Daily rate - $120
Weekly rate - $ 800
1 - 2 Monthly rate - $3000
3 - 5 Monthly rate - $2900
6 or more - $2800

>> Click here for more info & pictures on the apartment

Food Network - $12 Challenge

Some of you have been asking to watch the $12 Challenge Food Network Reality Show that I'm in. If you haven't yet, check it out by clicking the link below. (It only works on computers in the U.S. right now as it's not released in Canada yet). Leave a comment! :)

>> Click here to watch Athena on the Food Network

Friend me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc.

FACEBOOK: I upload tons of pictures, videos, etc. I love facebook! Click here to "friend" me on facebook.

YOUTUBE: Sometimes I get obsessed and upload a bunch of new videos all at once. Subscribe to my videos on YouTube!

TWITTER: It sort of pales in comparison, in my opinion, to facebook, but "follow" me on Twitter, and I'll follow you, and maybe it will become exciting. Click here for my Twitter page.

MYSPACE: Don't forget MySpace. If you love MySpace still, I created a whole new look on my Myspace Page, complete with pictures of myself as a little girl. Click here to add me as a friend on MySpace.

....Gosh.. the internet has gotten so complicated.. Hasn't it? It's like a race.. Which social networking site will triumph in the end?

That's it Folks!

Phew! I don't know how this mailer got so long. It's been a fun one! See you out there folks! I'm looking forward to the video contest & the tours!

xoxoxox

Athena

New Tribute Video to the Making of Little Girl Dreams!

2009-05-29T23:12:00.001-04:00

This video is a tribute to all the people who helped make my 5th album, LITTLE GIRL DREAMS, a reality. Listen to more Athena music at http://itunes.com/athenareich or http://www.cdbaby.com/athenareich5 or http://www.AthenaReich.com. Thank you to everyone! This song, "Little Girl Dreams", is written by Athena Reich and produced by Cynthia Daniels.

THANK YOU TO:
Cynthia Daniels (producer, engineer, electronic drums & synths)
Lorraine Ferro (songwriting/vocal coach & co-writer for LOVE IS LOVE & MR. FLY, and select back-ground vocals)
Greg Pliska (string arrangements for Bones & Great Divide)
John Grew & Ariosto Arato (assistant engineers)
Alan Silverman (mastering)
Christopher North (stand-up bass & harmonica)
Johnny Blood (guitars)
Warren Odze (acoustic drums)
Pete Levin (organ)
Hiroko Taguchi (violin)
Una Tone (violin)
Marya Columbia (viola)
Mary Woote (violin)
Denise Grant (photography)
Aaron Reynods (piano photos)
Sergio Sandino (graphic design)

AND ALSO THANKS TO: mom & don for endless support, lorraine ferro for explosive inspiration, neil semer for the waves, maggie maes for hooray!, cynthia daniels for the moon, my therapist for the sky, my fans for the their wings, my friends for the stars, and most importantly, annica...for everyday support, love and care of my heart.

Awesome Show @ Googie's!

2009-05-25T20:03:00.009-04:00

Above are pictures of me, Glenn Firester on drums & chromatic harmonica & Annica Schroeder on vocals.

I had such a great time performing at Googie's above the Living Room the other night. Thank you to all who came out. You gave us such wonderful energy!

Athena on the Food Network!

2009-05-24T09:08:00.004-04:00

Check out my episode on Food Network 2 on their newest reality show, $12 Challenge!

Some Pics from the last show at Caffe Vivaldi

2009-04-02T13:09:00.003-04:00

Performing at Caffe Vivaldi a few weeks ago with Amy Emerman and friends was an absolute blast. Thanks so much to my friends and fans who came out. It was one of those magical beautiful nights (except for the drunk guy who yelled at me that he didn't like my music at all... but then later wanted to buy a CD... go figure!) LOL You gotta love NY!

Love the baby grand at Caffe Vivaldi. Such a sweet venue. Looking forward to future performances there!

Free t-shirts if you buy a CD (SPRING SALE!)

2009-03-24T07:59:00.004-04:00

Spring CD sale! I've got some Sirens Wild Ride t-shirts left over from touring and some CDs I'd like to move out of my little Manhattan closet so I am offering a late March/early April special.

Only $12 (includes shipping) for any of my first 4 CDs (a sly sardonic grin, Athena Under Attack, Stranger Things Have Happened, Stories from the Road) and only $14 (includes shipping) for my newest CD, LITTLE GIRL DREAMS. For any sale of 1 or more CD you will get a free SIRENS WILD RIDE t-shirt!

To listen to clips from all 5 of my CDs, click here.

This deal is directly through me only, so if you are interested, please send an email to CDsAndShirts@athenareich.com.

If you buy more than 1 CD, I will give you even more of a deal. (For example, $12 for 1, $20 for 2 etc)

All t-shirts are large so they are perfect if you are a goddess or bear or, if you are a pixie like me, they are fun if you cut out the neck and wear as PJ's. CDs & Shirts also

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It was so awesome performing with Janeane Garofalo & more at TAKE BACK THE CITY

2009-01-16T11:05:00.001-05:00

Performing last Wed at Take Back the City (in support of Yetta Kurland for City Council) was so awesome. What a great night!! Thanks to everyone who came out. What a blast. I am in awe of Nellie. It was so awesome getting to hang with Janeane. And Yetta will make an excellent member of city council, working for the rights of all peoples (queer, underprivileged etc!).

Thank you New York!!

Performing with Janeane Garofalo, Murray Hill, Nellie McKay, TV show & more!

2009-01-16T08:59:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I am so psyched to be performing this Wednesday with Janeane Garofalo, Nellie McKay, the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players & more! My CD, LITTLE GIRL DREAMS is now available online, and you can now watch the full LIVING IN CAPTIVITY TV pilot episode online (complete with my theme song)!

Read on, happy new year, and see ya soon!

Athena Reich

P.S. - here's a pix of Janeane. I love her and am so excited to get to share the stage with her!!

>> www.AthenaReich.com

Take Back the City with Janeane Garofalo, Nellie McKay & me!

TAKE BACK THE CITY
in support of YETTA KURLAND for City Council
Wednesday, January 14th @ 7pm (till midnight)
Touch Night Club
240 W 52nd St. in NYC

Performers: Janeane Garofalo, Nellie McKay, Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players, Jasper James, Reverend Billy, Murray Hill, Sara Benincasa, Michele Balan, Athena Reich, Shante Paradigm, Lovari, & Jen Curis and This Reporter.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.yettakurland.com or email tickets@yettakurland.com

ABOUT YETTA: Yetta Kurland has been a leader in progressive politics and social justice for over two decades. Yetta Kurland has proven herself to be a compassionate leader and an independent thinker. She is a champion of the underrepresented. As our City Councilmember, Yetta Kurland will bring her courage, compassion and experience to ensure we have a voice in local politics and access to City government.

Watch LIVING IN CAPTIVITY TV show online!

You can now watch the full pilot episode of LIVING IN CAPTIVITY, the TV show that I wrote the theme song for, on YouTube! It's a hilarious new show about working at NY Central Zoo. The opening sequence is animated by Emily Hubley (who did the animation for Hedwig & the Angry Inch). Check it out and show your friends!

>> Watch it here!

Congratulations to my student Natalya Rudakova on Transporter 3

Big congrats to my student Natalya Rudakova for her role in Transporter 3! She is THE CHICK in Transporter 3! The girl! The hot red head opposite Jason Statham!

If you are interested in taking acting, voice, guitar, songwriting or piano lessons with me, reply to this email for more info!

Little Girl Dreams now online!

Hear clips, read more info, and buy the CD online! Yippee!!

>> Click here to check out Little Girl Dreams

My first Visual Art Show!

If you are in midtown, check out the art show at the Art Students League of New York. This is my first visual arts show and will feature a couple of my oil paintings and tons of work by some incredible talent. The opening party is Monday January 12th from 5pm-830pm. Come! I'll be there! The show runs for 2 weeks.

Art Students League of New York
215 West 57th Street
Jan 12-Jan 26
Opening Party: Mon Jan 12 @ 5-830pm.
Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-830pm; Sat 9-3.

See ya soon!

More exciting news to come!

Happy new year!

Athena

>> Check out my Youtube Channel for music videos, how to videos & more!

New Headshots!!

2009-01-08T07:36:00.006-05:00

I got new headshots while in Toronto over the holidays. I just love working with Denise Grant! She is amazing! Still sorting through them but here are a few sneaky peaks...

Picture from performing at SASS a few months ago

2008-11-30T21:49:00.002-05:00

I had such a great time performing at SASS this fall. It was about my 3rd or 4th time performing at SASS (sexual abuse survivor's show) and I always have an incredible and moving time. The audience was totally awesome. The art work was moving and inspirational. I love performing in the context of SASS. Very touching and community building

Selling Art at my gigs now!!

2008-11-23T10:19:00.004-05:00

This is how my new merch table looks - it so fun to sell art now at my gigs!!!

Click here to see oil pastels for sale!

Wow!! So much is happening!!!

2008-11-22T08:22:00.006-05:00

Wow!! I just shot an Advil commercial yesterday where I got to sing my song LITTLE GIRL DREAMS!! And I will be appearing on the FOOD NETWORK this month... and the best part is -- MY CD IS COMING OUT BEFORE XMAS!!!

yes! it's true!! LITTLE GIRL DREAMS will be out in a few months. I am so excited and happy and proud!

and right now I am on tour in Highland Park, NJ. Annica and I just played a sweet show last night called OUT OF THE BOX. It was in a church basement and was such a warm and tight community scene. It was so lovely to be there. Reminded me of college and the warmth and safe creativity you can only have in small towns. It was so lovely. HUGE thanks to Pandora Scooter & Steve for organizing it!!

Sooo fun to perform with Annica and to finally have a touring partner I just LOVE spending time with. Touring with your girlfriend is THE best!!

Tonight we perform at the Pride Center Fundraiser @ THE DEN in Highland Park, NJ @ 7pm. See you there! So freakin psyched!

Right now I am killing time while Annica sleeps in. I'm no good at sleeping in. LOL

But my friggin' album is going to be released SO SOON! AND I LOOOVE IT!!! :) :) :)

Oh My God! I cut my hair!! Fer real!!

2008-11-19T12:19:00.002-05:00