SEPTEMBER 2010
the newsletter for Nuçi’s Space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center
A Brief Look Back
I
n October 1999 I knew a little about Nuçi’s Space through an occasional headline in the Flagpole, Athens’ music weekly, and hearing a few people talk about it around town. Despite the lack of details, I thought I knew the basics. Nuçi, a fellow musician in town had taken his own life a few years back in 1996 and his family wanted to build a rehearsal space in his memory. Immediately I thought it was a great idea. My experience with rehearsal spaces up to this point consisted of a wide variety of old, dilapidated buildings that offered many fascinating ways in which you or a band member could permanently get injured. While taking a break during an evening shift at the Last Resort Grill, a coworker asked what I was doing after work. In addition to a few interesting shows, he mentioned there was a benefit for Nuçi’s Space at the 40 Watt Club that evening. Since my path home passed in front of the club, I decided to stop in to check things out. I pushed through the double doors of the 40 Watt and saw David Barbe and Daniel Hutchens on stage performing. While waiting at the bar an elaborate display near the coat-check caught my eye. Eventually I paid for my beer and made my way over to the display to start reading. • Every 42 seconds someone in this country attempts suicide. • Every 16.7 minutes someone completes a suicide. • Over 85 people a day die by suicide. The statistics continued for another 8 or 9 lines. Having lost a close friend to suicide in 1992, these numbers had a profound effect on me. As I learned more about Nuçi’s story and the Phillips’ plans for Nuçi’s Space I began to see myself, my friends and fellow musicians within their vision. Nuçi’s Space was going to be much more than just a rehearsal space. Excited about what I had just discovered, I took a piece of literature with an email address on it before I left the club. The email address belonged to Linda Phillips.
nuçi’s space by
Bob Sleppy
After a couple of months and several dozen email exchanges, Linda invited me to share in her vision for Nuçi’s Space, offering me the position of Executive Director in December 1999. Less than a year later, under the guidance and unyielding determination of Linda Phillips, Nuçi’s Space opened its doors on September 30th, 2000. It’s now late-August, 2010 and we are just weeks away from celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Nuçi’s Space. The organization has come a long way since that night at the 40 Watt Club and our grand opening 10 years ago. Since inception, Nuçi’s Space has assisted over 755 musicians with direct financial aid. Over $100,000 annually is allocated to this program alone. In addition to our counseling programs, thousands of musicians and bands have used our rehearsal rooms, performed on our stage and have made Nuçi’s Space their home. I am fortunate to walk into work each day knowing that I work for an organization, with a great staff, which spends each moment advocating for and supporting musicians and the creative community. Signed posters from Drive-By Truckers, B-52’s, Modern Skirts, The Whigs and Widespread Panic, with messages of support to Nuçi’s Space, line the front room of our building. The overwhelming support we receive from large and small businesses, countless musicians and artists, community volunteers and donors from around the country remind us that we’re not alone in our fight. We are hosting a 10th Anniversary Party at Nuçi’s Space on Friday, October 1st from 5:30–9:30pm. In preparation for this big event I am making a special request for your participation. We would like to fill the walls of Nuçi’s Space with messages of good will, “thanks”, testimonials and congratulations. You can send these to us via email at space@nuci.org or just drop a note in the donation envelope provided. If you’d prefer to share your comments anonymously please instruct us to do so. Thank you for your help and we look forward to seeing you in a few weeks.
396 Oconee Street Athens, GA 30601 706.227.1515 space@nuci.org www.nuci.org
Newsletter Contributors
Linda Phillips Bob Sleppy Will Kiser Laura Ford Matt Hudgins Photos
Pam Keener Design & Layout
Larry Tenner
A Personal Note from the Founder… Nuçi Phillips
Memorial Foundation
Board of Directors
President: Stephanie Sharp Vice President: Matt Justus Treasurer: Robert L. Bachman, CPA Secretary: Rebecca Hood Linda V. Phillips Pierre Phillips Patterson Hood David Barbe Nikki Boatwright Dr. Bill Orr Sally Speed Benjamin Roberts III Ellie MacKnight K.P. Devlin Executive Director
Bob Sleppy Legal Counsel
Mike Lavender Jim Warnes
A lot has happened since Thanksgiving Day 1996 when Nuçi ended his life because he could no longer endure the intractable pain of Clinical Depression. I’d like to be reporting almost 14 years later that no other family has had to endure the pain of a lost loved one to this terrible disease. But in fact, things are much the same. The 1999 statistics Bob refers to have not changed significantly. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: • Once every minute someone in this country attempts suicide. • Every 15 minutes someone completes a suicide. • Over 90 people a day die by suicide. 2,300 more attempt to do so.
• In 2007, there were 34,598 reported suicidal deaths. Although the statistics do not reflect where I’d like us to be in the fight against Depression and Suicide, I recognize that remarkable strides have been made. One person, one organization can make a difference. Your support of Nuçi’s Space in the past 10 years is proof. Together, we have helped to improve the lives of many and yes, we have even helped to save lives. But we must continue. My hope is that on the 20th Anniversary of Nuçi’s Space, the statistics will reflect a much-improved picture. And then and only then will families escape the pain of losing a loved one to a disease that perhaps will have been eradicated. Along with Bob and the tireless Nuçi’s Space Staff, I’d like to invite you to join us on October 1st to celebrate good health and healthy outcomes.
Congratulations David Barbe It is with great pleasure that we extend congratulations to David Barbe for being named Interim Director of the Music Business Program within the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Currently a Nuçi Phillips Memorial Foundation Board member, David was the first person I called when I came up with the idea for Nuçi’s Space. Not only has he been a friend of ours since the beginning,
Recent Donors
Bel-Jean Copy/Print Center Berg, Kristen Bryan, Philip & Jane Canine, David The D’Addario Music Foundation Deutsche Bank Engel, Jeff & Becky The George Link Jr. Charitable Trust Georgia Power Company Gibson, Sara Hanna, Dustin Hill, Patrick Jackson EMC Foundation, Inc. Justus, Matthew & Mary Beth Krafft, Susanne Lester, David Lowe, Michael & Kaye A. Lyndhurst Foundation Marsh, Dave Medina, Terrance Mejias, Erin & Sergio Mitchell-Evans, Jacquelyn Nicholls, Anna M. Nickels, Mavis Norton, Jason Phillips, Dr. & Mrs. Pierre
Redmond, Courtney Roberds, Thomas & Pamela Rosenberger, Charles & Chandler Schoenke, Kate Schools, David Sleppy, Janet Smith, Walter E. & Rosie O. Soileau, Jeff & Sheridan Starrs, Chris Stephenson, F.J. & Sharon University of Georgia Libraries Staff Association Zankel, Ken & Anna Zeiler, Marlene & Mike In Memory of April Bachtel Barbe, Mr. & Mrs. David Bates, Hortense Bower, Don & Julie Burkett Smith, Linda Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Inc. Denson, Nancy ENT Of Athens, LLC Fischer, Michael & Loette Frazza, Janine Gagai, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Geswein, Diane
by
Linda Phillips
he was a friend of Nuçi’s. We all know him as an avid and active supporter of Athens’ music and musicians as well as a respected member of the community. I think Nuçi described David best when he told me, “Mama, you’re going to love this guy. He’s such a good family man.” Good luck David.
Harden, Debra Horton, Denise Kalivoda, Trish and Kenneth Mathews, Robert & Pam Mauldin, Joseph & Sheryl Mauldin, Teresa & Jack Pannecoucke McGinnis, Robert & Teresa McKeller, Bobbie Meehan, Michael & Mary Norton, Jim Paul, Susan Roberts, Don Robinson, R. Mixon Toney, Linda Turlington, Barbara Webster, Mary Wells, Jennifer Whitfield, Ray & Rhonda
In Memory of Reese Fitts Mama’s Boy Restaurant In Memory of Ted Hafer Arthur B. Johnson & Donna D. Ashley In Memory of Michael McWhirter Sarah Henderson In Memory of Sue Purdin Heather Purdin
In Memory of Vic Chesnutt Bunnell, John
In Memory of Bradley Robinson Coopman, Steve & Juli DeLong, Dorothy Pack, Robert Pack, Steven & Jeri Pack, Tim & Jane Robinson, David & Christine Robinson, Douglas & Pam Runge, Richard & Christine
In Memory of John Coggins III Kim Coggins
In Memory of Richard Sleppy Janet Sleppy
In Memory of Dr. Felix Evangelist Selah Dubb
In Memory of Bo Tompkins and Ben Vereen L.C. Tompkins
10th Anniversary Party On September 20, 2000, the doors opened at Nuçi’s to tour the building and meet everyone involved. Space. Over the years the staff—as well as the number of That fall ten years ago, the Nuçi’s Space staff was people served by our mission—has grown. We’ve crecomprised of founder Linda Phillips and Executive ated new programs like Camp Amped all while being Director Bob Sleppy. The able to offer our services Space’s hourly rehearsal to more and more people. th rooms (with brand-new As of the publication of 10 Anniversary Party at Nuçi’s Space gear in them) were an this newsletter, Nuçi’s Friday, October 1, 2010 · 5:30 p.m. · Free! anomaly in Athens, which Space has helped over 750 Live music from: Jim White, Shauna Greeson, Peter Alvanos, Marisa Mustard, Claire Campbell & more! helped spread the word of people receive professional the new musicians’ supcounseling or visits to a port center in town. psychiatrist. As we turn 10(!) years old this fall, we are encourWe are celebrating the beginning of our 10th year aging all of our volunteers, friends and supporters to on Friday October 1st. We’ll provide food, live music come help us celebrate. For those who have friends and refreshments as well as an auction of signed music who have never been inside the Space, it’s a great time memorabilia.
7th Annual S.P.A.C.E. Race 5K Every year that we’ve put on our Suicide Prevention How you can be involved… and Community Education Tell your friends about the 5K run/walk it’s been bigger race—they can sign up on our and more successful than the website at www.nuci.org. Your 7th Annual S.P.A.C.E. Race 5K year before. Almost 300 people friends can even sign up as a Saturday, October 2, 2010 · 9 a.m. signed up for last year’s race. “phantom runner”—they’d get Start line: Sanford Drive and Hooper The course winds its way a t-shirt, and the best part is Street, near UGA Memorial Hall Register online at www.nuci.org through the UGA campus, they wouldn’t even have to run starting in front of an empty 3 miles! Sanford Stadium (the Bulldogs OR, you could put together do play football that day, but they’ll be miles away in a team of runners and walkers and participate as a Boulder Colorado—kickoff is at 7 pm). group!
Thanks, Atlanta West Carpets! by Matt Hudgins I’ve recently noticed that as I get older I find myself excited about things which would have seemed mundane or even offensive to the edgy, young punk nihilist I once thought I was. You know, “ooh, Top Chef ’s on!” or “ooh, buy one get one free!” Well, Nuçi’s Space is turning 10 soon and I have to say that we’re all pretty darn excited about carpet; specifically, the beautiful new carpet in our rehearsal rooms which was generously donated by Atlanta West Carpets of Austell. I was also personally excited to see one of my oldest friends, Brent Jacobs, an employee of theirs who facilitated the donation and supervised the installation. A thousand thanks to Atlanta West Carpets and to Brent for helping us remain a second home for musicians in Athens.
nuçi’s space Staff
Bob Sleppy Will Kiser Laura Ford Matt Hudgins Dan Nettles Chris Byron Paul Prae Joey Kegel Interns
Nicole Holubar Matthew Mendez
CAMP AMPED 2010
O
by
Laura Ford
ver the past four years, Camp Amped has The local music community has been particugrown from a relatively small program larly supportive of Nuçi’s Space’s Camp Amped with lots of potential to one of the most programs, and a few bands even volunteered unique and successful summer programs in their time to come in and perform. The Modern Athens. Each year seems to get bigger and better, Skirts played a special show in July, and local and 2010 was perhaps our most heavy rockers Pride Parade successful year yet! played shows for campers durContributing Restaurants: In both the June and July sesing both the June and July sessions, 20 students were placed sions. Drive-By Truckers front The Grit Five Star Day Cafe into bands and worked together man Patterson Hood also visited Jimmy John’s for two weeks and performed a Camp Amped each month to Raising Cane’s Grand Finale show at the end of hang out for an afternoon. He Amici’s Camp. Over 200 family, friends, participated in the day’s Survival DePalma’s Eastside and community members were Skills for Creative Minds session, Clocked in attendance at each session’s sat in on ensemble practices, Barberitos Mama’s Boy Grand Finale. The two week-long played a set for the campers and Loco’s summer day camp is about more staff, and participated in the Transmet than just playing music, though. afternoon’s closing circle. Taco Stand Camp Amped teaches deeper life Camp Amped was honored Dondero’s Kitchen lessons in self-expression, comthis past June to receive a speSubway munication and working with cial Flagpole award for its Camp Five Points Deli others, and provides aspiring Amped youth programs. The young musicians with the mencommunity support of Camp has torship of established local musicians. This holis- been overwhelming, and Nuçi’s Space would like tic approach to music education has proved to be to thank all of our supporters for doing so much very successful and meaningful to both parents to help the program succeed. One of the most and participants. important priorities for Camp Amped is to make
sure that no child is unable to attend camp due to the inability to pay, and Nuçi’s Space has provided approximately half of its participants with full or partial scholarships since the program began in 2007. This summer alone, Nuçi’s Space awarded over $9,000 in scholarships to students in financial need. This was accomplished with the help of sponsors like Ken and Anna Zankel (who
June Participants: Mary Cook Isik Benson Alex Blankenship Elijah Schilbrack-Cole Nick Brown Brooklynn Adams Jackson Martin Justin Granados Ward Archibald Seth Walsh Jacob Conley Gabriela Mejias DJ Wayland Nick Bradfield Alex White
Lennon Medvick John Mingledorff Jacob Cona Chase Brown Beau Anderson
June Instructors: Dan Nettles Carl Lindberg Joel Byron Claire Campbell Thayer Sarrano Betsy Franck Peter Alvanos JoJo Glidewell
actually got to visit Camp this year!), the Jackson EMC Foundation, Junior League of Athens and D’Addario Music Foundation who provided grants to help pay for scholarships. Scholarships were also made possible because of the local restaurants who provided donated or deeply discounted lunch so that the money Nuçi’s Space raised could go directly to the scholarship fund. If you are in Athens, please take a moment to visit one of the restaurants listed on the preceding page and thank them for supporting Nuçi’s Space and Camp Amped! Even though the summer sessions are over, young musicians will still be able to participate in Nuçi’s Space’s Camp Amped programs in the Fall through Camp Amped After School. CAAS, which began its 3rd installment on August 19th, is an extended version of the summer program where students come in twice a week to meet with their instructors and practice with their ensembles. The Grand Finale for Fall 2010 CAAS will take place at 7:00pm on Sunday, November 14th at the Melting Point. The event will be free and all-ages, so go ahead and mark your calendars now! If you are interested in supporting Camp Amped Youth Programs, would like to be added to the Camp mailing list, or would just like more information, please contact Camp Coordinator Laura Ford at laura@nuci.org.
July Participants: Ana Colon Oliver Benson Henry Barbe Jacob Peek Joey Kegel Zach Wright William Kissane Jacob Samuelson Keegan Argo Hunter Hulsey Mack Gregory Sean Van Meter Chris Saucier Porter McLeod Marisa Mustard
Gedia Powell Henry Siebentritt Kyle Tortorella Madison Silva Jack Reynolds Jack Hafer
July Instructors: Dan Nettles Carl Lindberg Joel Byron Claire Campbell Thayer Sarrano Allen Owens Rand Lines Ben DuPriest
Active Volunteers
McKenzy Bailey Winston Barbe Van Beville Christopher Bailey Alex Blankenship Phillip Carpenter Wick Cauthorn Justin Clark Lesley Cobbs Emily Galleano Cate Godley Desiree Grigsby Kip Hicks, M.D. Chrismon Hinsch Caleb Hunter Pam Keener Cynthia Krafft Gabriela Mejias Nancy Milligan Chloe Peterson Norma Pylant Morgan Ruedlinger William Smith Anna Spangler Brian Sweeney Liz Wyth
Upcoming Events at Nuçi’s Space
PUSH
September 15th: Survivors of Suicide Meeting
October 1st: 10th Anniversary Party 2nd: 7th Annual Nuçi’s S.P.A.C.E. Race 5K 22rd: Nuçi’s Space benefit night at Terrapin Brewery
November 14th: CAAS Fall 2010 Grand Finale
for options. color copies • forms• fax • digital output flyers • newsletters • binding full and self-service copies announcements & invitations volume discounts
For more details, visit www.nuci.org.
Mon - Fri 8 am - 7 pm • Sat 10 am - 5 pm • Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
163 E. Broad Street Downtown Athens
706-548-3648 www.bel-jean.com
right side glows the newsletter for nuçi’s space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center