I would like to give a special thanks to Marguerite Hibbets for all her help with making this bash happen. When I put the call out for support she answered and has been a blessing to our cause!
I would also like to thank Nita Black for supporting and funding our org when no one would give us the time of day!
Thank you both so much!
THE FABA! BASH
LTTM (Last Train To Memphis) has been supporting the local scene by starting a shorts program on WYPL giving local filmmakers another outlet to get their films shown. Ken Axmaker and Wasabi Jones, of LTTM, have teamed up with Ron Baldridge, a former gang member here in Memphis, to film a narative called "5 Shots". This narative will tell the story of Ron's dealings with the gang and how he came to be shot five times and eventually confined to a wheelchair. Ron has started a non-profit org called P.I.A.N.O. that works hard with little financial support to keep at risk kids out of gangs. Ron has done so much for the community and with the making of this narrative, he can achieve so much more.
We had a full night of entertainment lined up!
Your emcee for the night was the ever funny Brandon Sams
We have joined forces with P.I.A.N.O. so we can acheive our 5013c non profit status and begin looking to get grants to help the artists of all mediums in our community. We have ideas in the works for film, tv, & music so please standby!
Read the story about the FABA! bash without the link:
September 24-30, 2008 The Memphis News | WWW. THEMEMPHISNEWS. COM Gang Member’s Life Turnaround Highlights Potential Movie
JONATHAN DEVIN Special to The Memphis News Ronald Baldridge knows it takes time to turn a nightmare into a dream, but even more apparent lately is that it also takes money and effort. A former gang member turned teen mentor, Baldridge, who has shared his life’s story with countless troubled young men, has set his sights on the big screen, and with the help of a group of fearless artists, he’s one step closer. “There are some people in this city that have big hearts and they make a difference,” said Baldridge, whose other artistic ambition is to write an autobiography detailing the events that led to his turnaround from gang life. Grinning from ear to ear, Baldridge explained his feelings over the summer as he began fundraising for promotion of a script and trailer about his life to major movie studios. The film is not a documentary, but an actor-portrayed retelling of his life. Wasabi Jones, who also plays Baldridge in the trailer, wrote the one-hour and three-minute long script, titled “5 Shots.” The film will be directed by Ken Axmaker, whose indie production company, Last Train to Memphis, so far has produced one feature film, four short films and one documentary about the search for a permanent home for the World War II bomber Memphis Belle. “I was very intrigued by (Baldridge’s) story,” Axmaker said. “To hear how he went so far down this road, got shot five times, and still managed to turn himself around is almost unbelievable.” At age 14, Baldridge joined a gang, the Nighthawks, to help support his aging, single mother, despite her prayers that he would stop. Later he achieved rank with the Gangster Disciples. At 17, Baldridge was shot during a botched robbery attempt and nearly died in the ambulance. He learned later that Lt. Steve Grisham, who as a white police officer embodied everything Baldridge had learned to hate, had prayed over him ceaselessly the entire trip to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. Grisham hounded Baldridge from then on, even testifying against him in court for his own good, until Baldridge, now permanently confined to a wheelchair, realized he would have to change his life or he would lose it. “People don’t think they can make a difference, or they’re just not willing to try,” Baldridge said. In 1998, Baldridge became an auxiliary probation officer for the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, and since has won the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. He said when young men see his wheelchair, they start to think about their own lives. Turning out the script, Jones said, was tough in part because the story gripped him emotionally. “The thing that touched me the most was his relationship with his mother, Earline,” Jones said. “She plays such a big role in (Baldridge’s) life as he’s in and out of trouble. Trying to capture the essence of her heart was tough, and if Ron wasn’t convinced, then I had to start all over.” Axmaker has passed the script and trailer for “5 Shots” on to David Kaplan of Manna Investments, a company that seeks potential startup projects for investors in various markets. Axmaker said he is hoping for a budget in the neighborhood of $3 million to produce the film, though he’ll go it alone if he has to. The film will be shot in Memphis, and if the money doesn’t come through, it will be done digitally. “I want to pay everyone,” Axmaker said. “I know I’m tired of working for free, so that’s the goal I’ve set. It will happen eventually.” That’s where FABA comes in. FABA, which stands for For Artists, By Artists, is a ragtag, get-it-done group of artists whose mission is to support the work of struggling independent artists like themselves. Monica Summerfield, FABA’s president, organized a benefit concert for the movie production at the Hi-Tone in May. A number of bands played the event, which raised $2,100. Summerfield said she is tired of watching artists work without pay. “There’s a huge scene here, and people don’t realize how big it is because it’s largely underground and we don’t have enough outlets to express ourselves as artists,” Summerfield said. Summerfield said FABA’s big hope is to launch Memphis artists’ careers into the mainstream where their talents will be duly appreciated. “FABA needed a good project to work on, and we could not have found a better one,” she said. Summerfield’s stouthearted pluck seems to walk hand-in-hand with Baldridge’s perseverance, as if it’s never really occurred to either of them that what they’re doing might not work. In the meantime, Axmaker has begun the hardest part of making a film: waiting for a call from a studio. He said that since he gave the script to Kaplan, no offers have been made. But he’s still hopeful. “I’m patient with it,” Axmaker said. “It’s a good enough story, so I think we’ll run across someone who will fund it. This is a business where things fall through the cracks, but I’m willing to wait it out.”
Stay tuned and remember to support the local scene!
Monica O'D-Summerfield - President
Marguerite Hibets - Vice President
~FABA!
Last Train to Memphis and Rusted Sun Films would like you to join us for Part 2 of Nancy Apple's Song Slinger Showdown Live from Kuduz's Bar and Grill. A real-live-hour-long, full quality, music show you can watch while you park yourself on the couch with a six pack in front of your TV and watch five - count 'em - 5 times a week on WYPL TV-18. Hosted by Memphis' princess of twang Nancy Apple and featuring Jake Kelly and Phil Lee.
Air times:
Sunday 5:00am-6:00am
Monday 8:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday 5:30am-6:30am
Friday 1:00pm-2:00pm
This is a weekly schedule that begins immediately and is subject to change.
--
www.lasttraintomemphis.com
Info on FABA!
Founded by Timm Scalita in 2006, “FABA! Is here as a big thank you to the artists in the Memphis Community.” To carry on what Timm started, FABA! is being organized as a non-profit corporation that helps promote local artists in the Memphis area...artists who create music, film, paintings, sculpture, and most forms of art. Memphis has some of the greatest artists in the country. We feel it is important that they be better known, loved, and understood by everyone. Most importantly, we want to help artist achieve their dreams. To do this we are forming a board of trustees and applying for a 501 c 3 tax-exempt status to gain access to grants and improve the chances for community donations.
FABA! is here to connect artists with the community with those who have a common vision.
FABA! is here to assist the artists in finding resources and to locate and meet other artist.
FABA! is here to create additional outlets for networking, self-promotion, and marketing.
FABA! is here to access tools for artists to achieve financial and non-financial success.
FABA! is committed to bringing more opportunities to local artists of all mediums.
A few of the past events hosted by FABA! include the First Annual FABA! Bash at the Hi Tone in 2006, the First FABA! “B” Sides Film Fest in 2006, The Buzzards with David Brookings in 2006, and the First FABA! Halloween Bash in 2007 at Mo’s Edge Coffeehouse. The second FABA! Bash was 5/31/08 at the Hi Tone. FABA! is a group that helps promote the local arts in the Memphis area. Music, film, painters, sculptors, and all other forms of art. Memphis has some of the greatest artists in the country and we feel it is important that every one knows them , loves them, and is willing to work with them, so that we can all achieve our dreams.
The down fall of most of us here in Memphis is that we only meet some people in passing and some of us never meet the right people who could and would want to help us in all our endeavors. FABA is there so that we can meet those in the community who share our vision. FABA is there so that those of us that are looking to work with other artists in the community can find those individuals. FABA is also there as a big thank you to the artists in our community.
EVENTS HOSTED BY FABA!
Who I'd like to meet: Artists of all kinds. Artists passionate about who they are and what they create.
We support local owned business'! Check out this store that are local owned in the Cooper-Young area.
Underground Art
SUMMER SALE AT ED HARRIS JEWELRY!!! UP TO 60% OFF ALL JEWELRY ITEMS, AND 30% OFF ALL WATCHES!!! CALL FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! (901) 361-1403 CUSTOM DESIGNS AT ED HARRIS JEWELRY
Hey FABA Pengea here stopping bye to say hey and invite you to come out to Neils Sat and catch our show. We will be there earlier before show so come out and get to know us, lets throw some back and party. Let us know if you plan on coming. Hope to see you there. Pengea & Blackberry Wensday Niel's Bobbie (Singer) ROCK IT HARD MEMPHIS!!!!!
Tomorrow night: Lil Wyte, DJ Crumbz, & Above Only - Wednesdays just got better than the weekend! Join us at The Hard Rock on Beale Street!! Doors at 9pm/ 18 & up/ $5 to enter
Description: TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE SPINAL CORD INJURY AT THE VA. MAY 9TH @ MUGS PUB FROM 2PM TILL IT'S OVER $5.00 COVER (18 TO ATTEND ) & 21 TO DRINK ALL DAY & NITE STRONG MAN CONTEST, BEER CHUGGIN CONTEST, BASS SOLO CONTEST, WET T-SHIRT CONTEST, 50/50 DRAWING, LIVE AUCTION. BANDS PLAYING FROM 3PM TILL 3AM, FROM SOUTHERN ROCK TO HEAVY METAL. CONTACT DOC @ 901-603-0196
Beale Street Music Fest AFTER-PARTY at the New Daisy Theatre on Friday May 1st & Saturday May 2nd featuring The Electric Mudd, Zoogma, Lightajo, Agobi Project plus Live P.A. DJs Two Fresh, M.O. Theory, & Pericles!
Hey FABA!, thanks for considering us worthy of your friendship. We'll try not to let you down. Please do visit our profile and comment about how we're doing.
Thanks for the add...and thanks for all you do for the Memphis scene!!! Come by and check out the new place...WE ARE MAKING SOME NOISE!!!!!! ~nick hein & dave cowell @ the noise factory recording studio~ 901-315-5474~ really, come by and see us when you can!
03-21-2009 (SAT) at Poplar Lounge 2586 Poplar Ave. , Memphis, Tennessee 38112
Bush Hog Suicide, Cult of the Flag, Tyburn, and TornApart. 21+, $5 cover, Doors open at 8!!!
COMMENT BACK IF YOU CAN ATTEND THIS SAT. NITE TO ONE OF THE BEST METAL SHOWS, THESE BANDS ARE AWESOME BY THEMSELVES, BUT TO HAVE THEM TOGETHER IS HORNS UP BIG TIME.
This show was suppose to be at the ASYLUM, but since the shit happened, Rodney has kept the show going and it will be @ the Poplar Lounge. starting at 8pm. $5.00 entry for all four fuckin bands...must be 21 to enter.
FULL BAR!!!!
I would appreciate everyone commenting back to me if you'll be able to make this show, I would really like to have a crowd there to show support for these bands......let's support LOCAL METAL/
(ALSO TO PLAY THIS NIGHT WILL BE SONS OF WINTER) - NEW OUT THE GATE, BUT FUCKIN KICKIN AND SCREAMIN ALL THE WAY. Managed By Doc...Promoted by Rodney, S.E.M.
THANKS....HAILS & HELL YEAH!!!! FROM DOC, G.M.A. / MSR ENFORCER
COME SUPPORT THESE 2 LOCAL BANDS TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE BUSINESS
THE OPENING ACT IS - SONS OF WINTER NEW SINGER JUST JOINED THE SOW, HE IS ALSO THE BELOVED BARTENDER FOR THE ASYLUM (DANNY) COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR UPCOMING LOCAL BANDS.
SWIRL ON TOUR with BULLET BOYS February- March 2009 more dates to come
02/21/09 EL PASO , TX TAKE 2 02/22/09 SAN ANTONIO , TX CADILLAC BAR 02/23/09 AMARILLO , TX WAR LEGION UNDERGROUND 02/26/09 MANKATO , MN UNDERGROUND 02/27/09 FRIDLEY , MN PICKLE PARK 02/28/09 GREENVILLE , WI ROUTE 15 03/04/09 CHEEKTOWAGA , NY ROCK N ROLL HEAVEN 03/05/09 CLIFTON , NJ DINGBATZ 03/06/09 SPRINGFIELD , VA JAXX 03/07/09 MECHANICSVILLE , VA WILD WILLIES 03/10/09 ST. PETERSBURG , FL THE GARAGE 03/11/09 HOMOSASSA , FL CLUB ATMOSPHERE 03/13/09 SALINA , KS BLUE GOAT 03/14/09 DALLAS, TEXAS ROCK STAR BAR
FEBRUARY 10th 6PM TIL 8PM MONTHLY MEETING WITH MEMBERS & FRIENDS!!!
ProMusicU Dave Isaacs & John Haring
FREE!!!FREE!!!FREE!!! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Where: OTHERLANDS COFFEE BAR 641 South Cooper St Memphis 38104
MSA Members & Friends gather at Otherlands Coffee Bar to listen to various guest speakers & participate in various songwriting activities. This is a great way for local area songwriters from all musical genres and experience levels to connect. The meetings are both educational & informative and offer comfortable networking opportunities.
Dave Isaacs & John Haring will be joining us on Feb 10th to speak at the MSA meeting about the music business track at ProMusicU; John will be teaching music business 101, music law, and publishing, among other topics at the upcoming ProMusicU Songwriter Workshop/Seminar & Performances at the Center for Southern Folklore this coming March.
Hey, just reminding everyone about the show on Friday night with Dova Grove at Young Ave. Deli in Memphis. It should be a damn good Rock N' Roll show, so help us spread the word, and we hope to see you there. Peace.
Hey FABA Pengea here stopping bye to say hey and invite you to come out to Neils Sat and catch our show. We will be there earlier before show so come out and get to know us, lets throw some back and party. Let us know if you plan on coming. Hope to see you there.
