Artists Loft Event on the East Side Promotes Music as Tool for Change

by Cassie Batinich
October 17, 09

On Saturday night, Art for Progress presented its contribution to this season's CMJ Music Marathon which beings on October 20. The night started off with Plays for Progress - three short works presented by AFP writers and artists followed by a four-set concert featuring bands and musicians who work with the organization, and share its message of promoting art as a tool for social change within our city's community.

From the outside, the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center looks similar to a church you might find on any New York City block, orange-ish red brick and a wrought iron gate leading inside. Once in, the hollow and chilly building has been converted into a spot to broadcast grass roots art. Colorful, ethnic paintings are spread out on the walls, one wing is set with a stage for live performances, where the entertainment for the night was presented.

Alex Schein, first on stage, spoke in between songs as he played his acoustic guitar, his message a transition into his next track. The singer reminded his audience that despite how industrialized art can be today - in a world of 24/7 advertising - the meaning of art is to inspire and allow us to relate to each other on a human level. Sure, these types of thoughts can be expected from a modern day musician, especially one who in particular seems confident with his message of music's purpose - "it's only music if there are ears to hear it" Amen! - yet it was refreshing to be reminded that art connects with the human spirit, and we were certainly in the appropriate atmosphere.

The second band, BAM or Barry Komitor, Allen Hulsey and Mike Severino, played a few slightly twangy, western style songs followed by a few featuring more soft rock and love-sick lyrics. The bands two singers, Allan and Barry, took turns leading vocally and easily switched pitch and the music's style between a country-familiar drawl and a warmer, deeper tone both singers seemed more accustomed to.

The most astonishing act, a type that you just don't see a lot of these days was Zef Noise on the electronic violin. Classically trained, he ripped through his set and even used his instrument as a percussion and bass as he laid down a track underneath his live play.

The final act of the night, Comandante Zero, a grooving funk duo on the bass and drums was the perfect act to end the event. The lead singer reminded me of Prince, not necessarily his voice but his groove and appearance was reminiscent of the rock star. The group invited an artist to draw along to the song's beats as well as incorporate another medium into their act.

Though attendance at the Artist's Loft wasn't at a high, the quality of work by the four acts I came eager to witness was not a disappointment. Art for Progess's message of implementing art as a tool for change livened up my rainy October night. Not to mention the music and the aura of the place, one so full of artistic energy and influence, managed to stay with me for the rest of my weekend.