APRIL 2016
the newsletter for nuçi’s space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center
Camp Amped in Action
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ome musical moments transport you to a world where only what is reverberating in your eardrums exists. Mine are as follows: my first Bruce Springsteen concert, finishing an original song for the first time, the Modern Skirts (post-break up) performance of “DUI” at Camp Amped, listening to Patterson Hood play for the first time, my first album release, and opening for the Drive-By Truckers for a sold-out crowd at the 40 Watt. In October 2015 I was recording while Debbie Watson sat in. We started talking about the band the Drive-By Truckers, and Debbie mentioned that a Camp Amped band opens up for their Nuçi’s benefit concert every year. A big Drive-By Truckers fan, I had heard about this and hoped for the chance, but I didn’t think it would actually happen. Then the incredible happened—Debbie asked me if I would lead the Camp Amped band at the 40 Watt that year. I managed to stay composed because I was only halfway through the session, but I came home and freaked out a little. A few weeks after finding out I would be playing the show, I sent Patterson a line and let him know—he responded asking and urging me to do some original music from my album. Words often can’t express how lucky and grateful I am to have stumbled upon Camp Amped. If it weren’t for Nuçi’s Space and the summer camp program, there is no way I would have even played music outside my room, much less make an album. And the opportunity to meet a southern rock star like Patterson Hood through the program and for him to encourage me to pursue and perform my music—it was exhilarating. I tapped other Camp Amped alums to join the band: Dylan Loftin on lead guitar, Javi Romero on bass, Jordan Rhym on drums, and Madison
nuçi’s space By Mamie Davis
Wilkins on keys. Luckily, everyone I asked to join the band agreed with enthusiasm. Our rehearsal process taught me a lot. As band leader I held a lot of responsibility when it came to organization and communication, which sometimes meant being the ‘bad cop.’ It was Camp Amped that prepared me for that role. From knowing that I needed to communicate with the other bands and making sure everyone had their stuff to load-in, to carrying myself professionally during sound check and onstage, Camp Amped was fully responsible for my professional music education. On the day of the show, I woke up at 6:30 a.m. to my iPhone alarm “GET UP—DBT DAY!” I tried to sit through school, but all I could think about was the show that night. Caught in a mix of excitement and nerves, I ended up leaving school early because I knew I had to get my head on straight before load-in. I ran through the set by myself one last time at home and had some last-minute amp issues. Panicked, I drove straight to Nuçi’s Space where the staff rallied around me. Dave grabbed another amp, helped me test it out, and loaded it into my trunk; Debbie handed me a bottle of water and asked me I had eaten enough that day; others sent encouragement and love my way as I got ready to head to the biggest show of my life. For one moment, all the stress floated away as I felt the arms of Nuçi’s Space wrap around me. I was reminded that they were there to support me in following my dreams and doing what I love. I remembered that underneath it all, that’s what this night was really all about—I had been chosen to spread the word about the incredible work of Nuçi’s Space. I drove to the 40 Watt with my car radio blasting “Livin’ Was Easy” by The Glands—my continued on next page
396 Oconee Street Athens, GA 30601 706.227.1515 space@nuci.org www.nuci.org www.facebook.com/ nucisspace Newsletter Contributors
Bob Sleppy Lesley Cobbs Dave Chamberlin Amanda Innes Mamie Davis Kristie Greene Photos
Lesley Cobbs Design & Layout
Larry Tenner
continued from previous page
Nuçi Phillips
Memorial Foundation
Board of Directors
President: Helen Herring Vice President: Lisa Allen Secretary: Amy Coenen Treasurer: temporarily vacant David Barbe Barrie Buck Todd Emily Drs. Jon & Nadine Forché Jack Jones Ellie MacKnight Dr. Bill Orr Dr. Charles Mixson Linda Phillips Melissa & Keyes Williamson Anna & Ken Zankel Founding Family
Linda Phillips Dr. Pierre Phillips KP Devlin Legal Counsel
Jim Warnes Executive Director
Bob Sleppy Nuçi’s Space Staff
Chris Byron Lesley Cobbs Debbie Watson Kristie Greene Dave Chamberlin Glenn Reece Joe Linehan Mikey Heptinstall Bobby Gray
final group song at Camp Amped. When I got to the venue I saw “CAMP AMPED BAND” on the marquee in the same large black letters that had spelled so many of my inspirations: “OF MONTREAL,” “PYLON,” “R.E.M.,” and tonight, “THE DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS.” I smiled like an idiot and snapped a picture on my way inside. I knocked on the black doors, which opened to reveal Jay Gonzalez and Brad Morgan hidden behind Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley and Matt Patton halfway through a song as David Barbe paced in front of them. Patterson interrupted his song to smile and wave in my direction, shooting me a thumbs-up. The venue was mostly empty, so I sat in a side booth and waited for the rest of my bandmates. Watching the band make jokes and tease one another, I realized that they were just like my band. It was humbling and incredible. When the rest of my band arrived, the Drive-by Truckers’ tour manager led us to the green room, which was lined with famous stickers and signatures. We’d be sharing this space with another graduated camper, Sienna Chandler, and her band Monsoon. We threw our stuff down on the couch (as thousands of bands before us had done) and headed on-stage for soundcheck. When soundcheck was done, we returned to the green room and a box of cookies was on the table with a note from my best friend from back home: “Good luck!” It had been so hard to move during my sophomore year of high school—Camp Amped and Nuçi’s Space were a big part of what got me through it alive. Seeing those two worlds collide, both full of nothing but love, made me too joyous for words and I cried. Full of too much nervous energy, the band and I walked to the nearby Waffle House. Among other things, we ended up singing Springsteen’s “Downbound Train” acapella, accompanied by silverware percussion. As our nervousness
diminished and excitement increased, we reminded ourselves of all the things we were taught at camp: everyone wants you to succeed; keep going if you mess up; try your best; and a thousand other cliché, yet effective, comforts. We walked back past the long line of people waiting to enter, which made us feel way cooler than it probably should have, and holed ourselves up in the greenroom. I was shaking with nerves and excitement when I heard “Alright, y’all! Ten minutes!” Everything felt surreal. I entered my own world, knowing that it was time to let my music speak for itself. The Rocky soundtrack blared from the monitors and we walked out to Patterson Hood prepping the audience. He patted me on the back and then exited the stage, leaving us alone with the audience. I turned to my band and told them we were good to go. Jordan counted off and played the intro for our first song while I began to grasp just how many people were there. People were close enough to use the edge of the stage to hold their beer cans and others were all the way to the back wall. My worries about how the audience might react melted away when I sang the opening words to our first song Camper Van Beethoven’s “Take the Skinheads Bowling.” I even saw two guys in the front row look at each other, scream, and mouth, “DUDE!! IT’S OUR SONG!!” As we continued our set, I was getting excited about our middle song, “Hold On” by The Alabama Shakes. I picked this song because it represented all that Nuçi’s stands for—to hold on despite whatever’s happening. Vocally it was a tough song, and I went back and forth on whether I should challenge myself or stick in my comfort zone, eventually deciding to take a risk. When the song began, the audience roared. I felt inspired by the energy of the audience and at the difficult part put my hand around the mic and wailed—and the audience went wild. That was probably the sweatiest and the happiest I’ve ever
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been simultaneously. The rest of the set flew by, and we stepped off the stage with raucous applause from the audience. Back in the green room, we all hugged and freaked out a little, still buzzing from the energy of being on stage. In fact, because of how insanely happy and proud I was feeling, I didn’t even notice that I had injured myself while on stage until the adrenaline settled. I stayed backstage until I was ready to find my brother, whom I had seen crying with pride and joy during “Hold On.” Nuçi’s Space had played a major role in my brother’s life too, enabling him to become the happy, stable, and sober guy he is now. I was so honored to have him in the audience and to know that I made him proud. When I had composed myself I found him and hugged him as tightly as I could. I stuck around to see the rest of the show, but as I waded through the audience, someone stopped me every few steps. One woman cried and told me how much Nuçi’s Space and Camp Amp amazed her. A group who had driven from five states away to come to the show told me how excited they were to tell their teenage daughters about me. A few people saw me and screamed, “YOU WERE THE COOL GIRL THAT WAS JUST UP THERE?! NO!!” People were excited and encouraging, and I felt so privileged to be a part of it all. That was my last official Camp Amped experience, and I wouldn’t end it any other way. In my heart I will always
be a Camp Amped and Nuçi’s Space kid. The opportunity to represent this organization that has meant so much to me was beyond any musical or professional honor I could ever receive. Words cannot express how grateful I am for the programs and the people who have gotten me this far and who continue to be a call or drive away anytime I need them. The love I hold for this organization is incomparable—my life is forever changed because of Nuçi’s. ■ Help us welcome our newest board member, Jennifer Davidson, as she shares below why it’s important for her to be a part of our organization.
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love being a part of something that helps families and friends surviving suicide. The wake of suicide leaves families and friends with a lifelong path of healing through helping others. Programs offered at Nuçi’s give survivors a place to remember, heal, and help. We give our community a safe place to get help through being with others who have felt exactly the same way, and give them hope that working through these times is possible. I joined Nuçi’s to help continue the space that Linda and an amazing group of people have given my friends, our community, and me.
Homecoming 2016 The 2016 Drive-By Truckers Homecoming party and auction was highlighted by a low country boil organized by fans and supporters of Nuçi’s Space from all across the country. Attendees were treated with everything from shrimp from off the coast of Charleston, to sausage from Chicago, all topped off with local sweets from a bakery in Athens. The idea was initiated by a group of fans led by Hank Mathewes, when he reached out to us inquiring about the idea of hosting a low country boil as part of the annual pre-party. It was an intriguing, yet seemingly daunting, proposal, but we at the Space decided that if they were up for it we might as well give it a shot. On the day of the event, people
started showing up a few hours before it started with tables, propane burners, and all of the food and paper goods needed to feed well over 100 people. Did I mention that literally
everything was donated, organized, and run by the fans? We’re not talking cheap seafood and sausage from the
bulk store, either, but mouth-watering cuts of Chicago meat and rich, sweet Charleston shrimp! Along with the supreme good eats flowed a happiness and generosity that seemed uniquely fed by people contributing to and being part of a cause bigger than themselves, and the joy of doing it all with friends from all over the globe brought a positivity that radiated like the sun that was shining down warming us on that cool, but bright, February afternoon. Not only is this annual event a great opportunity to meet up with friends once a year, but it’s also one of our biggest fundraisers and this year we were blown away by the turnout! The generosity of fans and supporters totally surpassed our
expectations; the low country boil was free with a suggested donation, and it raised over $1,000! Additionally, the fine folks from the Drive-By Truckers fan club, Three Dimes Down, once again produced a DVD and Blue Ray disc documenting a concert from last year’s Homecoming shows. Their enthusiastic members contributed over $8,000 in donations generated from the DVD sales, not to mention the fact that they provided the
majority of the support for our memorabilia auction, which brought in a record smashing $9,597! The good times were also fueled by Jittery Joe’s, who donated cans of their new DBT inspired roast “Trucker Speed”. Of course good, strong coffee needs some dessert to go with it, and Tara Cardinal from a local Athens bakery, Cat and the Fiddle Sweet Company, lavishly donated a bounty of her incredible desserts to top
everything off! It was truly inspiring to see how people came from far and near to contribute in their own ways for the common goal of carrying out our mission of providing access to mental health care for our community! Maybe I’m still caught up in the afterglow, but it doesn’t seem a stretch to point out that when you throw a bunch of quality ingredients into a pot, you come up with a pretty incredible final result… ■
Volunteer Profile: Amanda Innes Volunteers are an essential part of what we do here. They provide support at events, and most importantly, are often the first face you see when you enter The Space. We count on our devoted and talented volunteers to keep things running smoothly, and Amanda Innes has been at the front desk on Tuesday afternoons since July of 2015. Check it out below to see how she got connected at Nuçi’s Space. Six years ago I moved from my home state of Michigan all the way to sunny Athens, Georgia. It was the in the midst of a thick, sweltering summer that was so overwhelming to my northern blood that I refused to unpack the moving van until after the sun had set for fear I would pass out from heatstroke. I was unprepared for Athens. I didn’t know what to make of the heat that made me feel as though I was living inside someone’s mouth. I didn’t know how to navigate the friendly-borderingon-intrusive questions posed by strangers about my circumstances and my faith. And I didn’t know how to find myself in this southern sea of charm and politeness. In Michigan I had a strong support system. I had doctors, counselors, family members, and friends all tuned in to my “wellness journey.” They were all invested in making sure that I stayed safe. Here in Athens it was just me and my sister, and I felt more vulnerable and less safe than ever. I knew that I needed to find support; not because I was in crisis, but because by the time I went into crisis it would be too late to intervene. I utilized Google the Great and found that almost all of the options available here were closed to me because I wasn’t a resident, I wasn’t indigent, or I wasn’t “sick enough.” By chance I attended a service at the Unitarian Universalist church Timothy Road. I’m not a religious person, but I had come to believe that the only way I would be able to build a support network here would be to do what everyone else here seemed to do: go to church.
A man stood in the pews and made an announcement about a group he was starting for peer mental health support. It would be run by people who suffered from the same challenges I did and was designed to provide exactly what I needed most. The next Tuesday I drove to Nuçi’s Space for the first time to attend that meeting and in many ways I’ve never left. Over the years I have worn many hats at Nuçi’s. I have volunteered at the front desk, worked events, sought mental help and psychiatry assistance—heck, I even ended up running that original group for over a year! In all that time I have felt cared for, respected, and even loved. Everyone at Nuçi’s—the staff, the volunteers, their community referrals—has gone out of their way to make me feel accepted and important. It’s not enough that they provide the very real assistance I need, they also make me feel as though my presence is needed too; that the world (and Nuçi’s itself) would be less without me in it. This was an important and deeply powerful message for someone like me. Since that fateful summer many years ago I have come to love Athens and I now call it my home with pride. That southern charm I was once so disdainful of now feels comfortable and kind. I have favorite businesses here and restaurants that I frequent so often that when I come in the staff politely ask, “The usual?” I have a trusted team of support including my primary care physician, my counselor, my psychiatrist, and some great friends who care about me and who are there whenever I call. I even kind of like the summers here now—which I would never admit to my northern friends. But when people ask me what I like best about Athens or what I think the most important resource in the community is, there’s no question—I’ll say Nuçi’s every time. What we do here is unlike anything else you’ll find in most of the rest of the country. It’s incredible and it has saved my life, more than once.
Recent Donors November 23, 2015– March 30, 2016 Athens Area Community Foundation Athens-Clarke County Charity Drive Committee Athens-Oconee Junior Woman’s Club Athfest, Inc. Babaliaros, Constantine & Fotini Bishop Iolta, Mark A Bolen, Christina Bryan, Philip & Jane Burch, Charles Burch, Travis & Susie Bel-Jean Copy & Print Center Carlin, Drs. Richard & Enid Carson, Jr., Robert Castellion, Kathy Chick Piano Co. Coastwise Consulting, Slay, Chris Cobbs, Lesley & Maurice Davis, Dr. Charles & Mrs. Julie Davidson, Jennifer Davison, Heidi & Al DePeterse, Edward Dorsey, Alan & Jackie Duplicating Systems, Jones, Jack Edwards, Patrick Emily, Todd Entourage Clothing & Accessories Freer, Mona Gaetzi IV, John Gaines, Joseph & Vicki Georgia Music Foundation Goetz PHD PC, Theodore M. Gootman, Elliot & Marilyn Griggs, Jeff Grisar, Lila & Manganiello, Chris Hale, David Hanmer, Don & Penelope Herron, Chris Hicks, Brandon “Kip” Holcomb, Ben Hood, Burton Houser, Barbette Huszagh, Rick & Sandi Johnson, Jena Jones, Jeff & Shana Juras, Philip & Gavrilles, Beth Karchenes, Ruth Kim, Bo-Yung Lamb, Cathy Lee, John Lester, David Leyes, Drew Lowrance, Hughes & Sara Lyle, Elisabeth Mark C Pope III Foundation Martin, Dr.& Mrs. David McCrory, Clint & Custance, Sue McLucas, Bryan Meijas, Erin & Sergio Mental Insight Foundation
Miller, Scott & Patricia Mixson, Charles & Mastrodonato, Jordan Monroe, Doug Newman, Wendy & Mike Nicholson, Dr. Peter Norton, Jim & Lane Orr, Jr., William Osora, Damon Pattavina, Denise Perry, Sharon Porter, Derek & Kendall Raeburn, Susan Delaney Rasula, Jed & Wong, Suzi Riverview Foundation Rose, II, Richard Rust, Garrett Saad-Dine, Yssa & Jinan Samuelson, Paul & Sara Saucier, Scott & Cindy Shropshire, Mr. & Mrs. William Siebentritt, Joel & Vest, Carter Sleppy, David Smillie, Dennis Smith, Walter E.& Rosie O. Sommer, Marc Team Clermont Ted’s Most Best The George Link Jr. Charitable Trust The Oak Hill Fund Thomas, Kecia Vandyck, Peter & Marla Varnedoe, Stephanie Wampler, John Warnes, Jim & Carol Whorton, Joseph & Edith Wiegert, Frederick Whitman, William B. & Schwanenflugel, Paula J.
In Honor of Robert Motes Motes, Pamela D.
In Memory of Joe Crosby Watts-Magness, Leigh Ellen
In Honor of Will Kiser Larinade, Funmi
In Memory of Joseph Ernest “Jay” Lowe IV Bennett, Amanda
In Honor of Amanda Martin Rogers-Berry, Christine
In Memory of Carlton Haynes Whitlow, Francis & Bruce
In Honor of Camp Amped Instructors Watkins, Cathianne
In Memory of Casey Nettles Nettles, Victor & Quist, Charlotte
In Honor of Chrissy Reed Lawson, Tim
In Memory of Christopher M. Page Page, Cathy
In Honor of Elite Ellison Valentine, Thomas
In Memory of Craig Lieske Lieske, Wayne & Marie Weissman, Barr
In Memory of Trey Dean Yaconelli, Lisa
In Memory of David Peacock Braun Braun, Jon & Peacock, Harriet
In Memory of Vince Gladin Gladin, Sue
In Memory of Elissa Hadley Stroud, Tracy
In-Kind Donations Anderson, Patrick Barbe, Henry Butts, Pam & Bruce Collins, Daniel Donegan, Ryan Hanmer, Andrew Heintzman, Benjamin Hood, Burton Kennedy, Ian Kinard, Debra Murawski, Alex Neff, John Paul, Lee Quinter, Heidi Tobin, Amy Wright, Allison
In Honor of Holden & Patterson Martin Martin, Lindsey In Honor of Jesse Mangum Mangum, Larry In Honor of Jon & Nadine Forche Brinson, Ryan & Kate In Honor of Larry Weissman Weissman, David In Honor of Linda Phillips Devlin, KP Payne, Adam In Honor of Michael & Beth Hernadez Hernandez, Nancy In Honor of Pier Selenica Sala, Gezim & Evis
In Memory of A. Nuçi Phillips Baron, Richard & Maggie Barstow, Janet Culler, Kaye & Mel Peach, Jane Phillips, Dr. & Mrs. Pierre Roberts, Virginia In Memory of Alan Brown Brown, Jeffrey In Memory of Angela Roberts Roberts, Donald In Memory of Ben Seibert Seibert, David In Memory of Bradley Robinson Robinson, David & Christine In Memory of Brian Crane Crane, Jerry & Lynn In Memory of Bruce Cooper Cooper, Denise In Memory of Carl Lindberg Byrd, Jonathan Credle, Ben Houston, Jack & Jacquelyn Kagel, Martin Keane, James Dubconscious LLC Williams, Rick
In Memory of Garrie Vereen Mallis, Hampton & Laurie Purvis, Joyce Rust, Garrett In Memory of Herb Guthrie Biddle, Pat & Jean Glikin, Eddie O’Neal, Kevin In Memory of Joe Causey Causey, Joseph
In Memory of Joseph Kinch Houghton, Stephanie In Memory of Joshua Bistritz Rabinowitz, Marc & Alison In Memory of Michael Blaine Courtner Athens Holiday Market In Memory of Michael Roberds Roberds, Thomas & Pamela In Memory of Nichlos Liolin Boland, Mr. & Mrs. Kevin In Memory of Nick Martin Broad, Adam In Memory of Patrick Cullen Cullen, Theresa In Memory of Richard Turner Bartenfield Mathews, Rachel In Memory of Ross Shapiro Almstead, Gretchen & Derek In Memory of Sam Crowe Conley, Tim & Ann In Memory of Scott Weiland Lohlein, Matthew In Memory of Sims Hibbert Barwick, Clark & Molly In Memory of Susan Haywood Crowe Aflatoon, Felicia In Memory of Ted Hafer Hafer, Matt & Mary Kay
8 Days a Week The wonderful world of nuçi’s space Day 1: There was a wedding at The Space on a Monday morning. We had champagne to toast the newlyweds, followed by some glorious cake, and a photograph of the Nuçi’s Space staff with the bride and groom. Day 2: Bob brought his new puppy Riley in to work and staff moral went through the roof. Riley instantly made friends with all of us! Day 3: Kristie had a birthday but didn’t want to make a fuss, so Debbie and Lesley built her a birthday free zone one square meter wide. Debbie decorated everything else in sight! Day 4: The 40 Watt donated $714.50 toward their Athens Business Rocks total and Chris had to count it out and carry it to the bank. It was all in small change. Day 5: Lesley was asked to make a video reading some lines from Hamlet so someone could study her accent for the play. Day 6: Dave led an eager group of volunteers on an Adopt-A-Highway cleanup where they made their mark on beautifying our street. Day 7: We had a carpet fitted in the office, which means we got to spend most of the morning on the porch in the sun. Day 8: Bob won professor of the year!
A Benefit for Nuci’s Space
See these bands battle for supremecy on May 14th at the 40 Watt! Punchlist Technical Services Audio Visual
Mother Tucker and the Knockouts Medical Center Anesthesiology of Athens
Billy Rubin and the Bile Boys Athens-Clarke Emergency Specialists
40 Cent 40 Watt Club
Automatic Weapons for the People Starlite Showroom
Botjam Friends of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Honey, I Lost My Mind Honey’s Salon
Weep Urkel Guitar Center Athens
Wrecks & Parks Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department
Doughmination Your Pie
Nine Inch Whales The Rook & Pawn
Vote Here:
https://nuci.wufoo.com/forms/cast-your-vote-for-abr-2016/