Flame, a band of musicians with physical & mental challenges

[Laura]

http://www.silive.com/entertainment/...01/post_6.html

STATEN ISLAND, NY -- A common law in pop music: More often than not, bands are terrible at naming themselves. Smashing Pumpkins, Toad the Wet Sprocket — need we say more?
That’s why it’s refreshing to hear drummer David LaGrange explain the christening of his band.

"The reason why I named the band Flame is because it was lit for the big Special Olympics," says LaGrange. "The reason why I wanted to have that name is it stands for the flame of hope. It represents that we have peace in our nation, and it keeps the Olympic games together."

LaGrange’s naming process isn’t the only impressive thing about this graduate of the New York School for the Blind — he can also play the drums like gangbusters. So well, in fact, that people call him "Diesel."

On Jan. 31, LaGrange and his band — comprised of 10 people living with autism, Down’s Syndrome, mental retardation and blindness — visit Staten Island to rock the second annual Reelabilities Film Festival. In addition to screenings and the concert, the event will feature an art exhibit dealing with issues surrounding developmental disabilities. All proceeds will benefit the Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center of Staten Island’s Special Needs Department.

Flame got its start in 2003 at Lexington Center (LexingtonCenter.org), which provides recreational and education services for the developmentally disabled in Gloversville, N.Y. Young adults visiting the center — including Michelle King, the band’s autistic lead singer — discovered a common affinity and ability for music, and the band was born.

"It’s an amazing thing to experience, because they are so super-talented in what they do," says George Spencer, a live-sound engineer who works closely with the band. "Some of the abilities are just amazing — more so than a lot of the musicians I’ve worked with in the past. LaGrange’s vocal ability is really amazing. You can throw almost anything at him and he’ll harmonize with it. Michelle is the same. Her lead vocals are so strong."

Since forming, the group has played on ABC’s "Good Morning America," rocked the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and even hung out backstage at International Special Olympics Games in Boise, Idaho, with TV and film personality Johnny Knoxville.

Along the way, they’ve earned the rock ‘n’ roll chops many musicians strive for — but never attain.

"Playing music makes me feel so excited," says frontwoman King, whose husky vocal and impressive acoustic guitar skills can lead the group through a list of a whopping 115 cover songs on some 90 live dates per year. "I listen to classic rock, country, and some stuff from the ‘60s and’70s."

The group also has written an original song: "All For A Reason," a tune King penned about the importance of those who give support and guidance to people living with physical and mental challenges.

Organizers hope Reelabilities will spread an important message as well: You can do whatever you set your heart and mind to. Flame is a perfect example of this, and it isn’t lost on the band.

"I like to see people enjoy themselves, and I want them to understand that our disabilities do not stop us," says LaGrange. "We don’t let it stop us, we keep right on chugging, like a train that keeps going and going."