RIR Magazine - RIR Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert by Rockers In Recovery®

January 2013

www.rockersinrecovery.org

Lynn Hoffman

Your Hosts:

(A&E Private Sessions)

DJ Ken Dashow (Q104.3 - New York's Classic Rock)

Featuring: The Rockers In Recovery All Star Band Musical Director Ricky Byrd - Lead Guitar/ Vocals (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts) Liberty Devitto - Drums (Billy Joel Band) Richie Supa - Guitar/Vocals (Aerosmith) Kasim Sulton - Bass/Vocals (Blue Oyster Cult) Christine Ohlman - Lead Vocals (SNL Band) Mark Stein - Keys/Vocals (Vanilla Fudge)

Special Guest Rockers: »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Ian Hunter Gary US Bonds Simon Kirke (Free and Bad Co.) Michael Des Barres Billy J. Kramer LaLa Brooks (The Crystals) Handsome Dick Manitoba (The Dictators,

Little Steven's Underground Garage) »» Gene Cornish (The Rascals) »» Peppy Castro (Blues Magoos) »» Mark Bosch (Ian Hunter Rant Band, Garland Jeffries) »» Ross The Boss (The Dictators) »» and others to be announced!

Opening The Night: The Capris (There's a moon out tonight)

Come Bid On The Following Auction Items: Items Donated By: Andrew Kowalczyk »» Chuck Berry Autographed Guitar »» Lynyrd Skynyrd Autographed Guitar »» Aerosmith Autographed Memorabilia Piece »» Allman Brothers Autographed Guitar »» AC/DC Autographed Guitar 2

Rockers in Recovery Magazine

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Info

Credits Publisher

Rockers In Recovery Radio Productions

Layout Design & Editor Ad Design

Philip Salvagni John Sullivan

Contributions by: Kevin King Carol Harblin, CHHC, RAP Ricky Byrd Liberty Devitto R. Scott Armbruster Deborah Frost Christine Ohlman John Henry American Addiction Centers

Contact 954-826-4920 825 NE 12th Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060 www.rockersinrecovery.org john@rockersinrecovery.org

Rockers in Recovery Magazine

Contents

Articles Rockers In Recovery.......................6 Unplugged Tour Connects Cross-Country for Some Music Therapy.................................8 Interview: Simon Kirke..................10 Interview: Billy J. Kramer..............14 A Night to Remember....................18 Ricky Byrd Carries the Message of Hope............................20 Ohlman Remembers Helm............24 Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert Information...........26 Behind the Scenes with the RIR All-Star Band...........................28 Interview: Michael Des Barre.......30 5 Tips in Overcoming Relapse......32 RIR: The Power of Music and Message...................................36

Event Calendar Upcoming Events...........................40

Directory Business Directory.........................40

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Articles

Rockers in

Recovery A Community of Support and Love

By Kevin King

t was February, 2010 when I began to realize how powerful Rockers in Recovery truly is. It was at one of the shows in Pompano beach with Ricky Byrd and Richie Supa as the headliners. While they were on stage, I began to observe the crowd. What I saw was an amalgamation of both old timers and newcomers to recovery all being captivated by the passion coming out

promoting and networking, he was in the presence of his own vision being brought to life. That’s when I realized Rockers in Recovery wasn’t just made for individual growth; it was built as a community of support and love.

John Hollis is the embodiment of Rockers in Recovery’s vision. For many years, John tried to fight addiction without the help of the 12 Step Program. When times got especially dark, he would refer to a testimony given by Eric Clapton a b o u t his own experience, strength and hope. E v e n though J o h n himself was using at the time, he would still feel the power of Eric’s message regardless of his own weakness. In my opinion, that is exactly Left to right: Ricky Byrd, John Hollis and Richie Supa what John is trying to do–to get his message out there of these two men. Then I turned to my left for all those battling addiction to hear. So and witnessed as John Hollis, overwhelmed even if they’re not able to stop themselves, by all that was surrounding him, broke out in they’ll still feel the hope that survivors have tears. After all the time he put into creating, 6

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gained.

partnered with the promoter of the How to Save a Life Foundation, an organization in which the founder, Marti Hottenstein, had lost her son to addiction because she did not have insurance for him. She held the concert to raise money to pay for those

The Rockers in Recovery radio show is the main vehicle to convey it’s message of inspiration. A typical show consists of musicians as well as those in the recovery community sharing their personal experiences. One show that sticks out in my mind was when Richie Supa debuted his song, “Last House on the Block.” When it was playing, I remember everyone in the studio being emotionally impacted by the song’s theme. The song tells a story of a heroin addict who is driven by the hopelessness set forth by his own addiction. Later that year, Richie’s song was given the Prism “Song of the Year’ award. This is a prime example of the power that the song brings to the listener, which is why it can be heard in rehabs for newly recovering addicts to reflect on the forces of addiction. Left to right: Ricky Byrd and Richie Supa Another song that had debuted on the show was Ricky Byrd’s, “Broken is a Place.” Even though the song highlights the use of drugs as a means to cope and the salvation found from it, that strength is relative to all people who are getting rid of an unhealthy outlet. They fool themselves into thinking that it is bringing benefits when it really only brings pain, while also symbolizing that the pain is the touchstone of growth. So no matter how broken someone thinks they are, it can always lead to the bettering of themselves. Richie and Ricky are just a couple of examples of the amazing support that this program has gained. The feedback received has been diverse to say the least. Listeners and hosts spans the spectrum from Yale to jail. From one guest who teaches the genetics behind addiction to an inmate whose warden makes it available for them to listen and call in. Not only is it broadcasted in studios, but it is also on live broadcast at conferences and concerts. For instance, one broadcast that was recorded live from Philadelphia was

who were as unfortunate as she was. It is another illustration of how Rockers in Recovery associates themselves with all groups who promote the well-being of their communities. As I recollect on all of that Rockers in Recovery encompasses, I understand why those tears in John welled up that day. It is true that they were tears of brokenness and shattered dreams, but they were also tears of joy and hope for those who believed they were hopeless, reinforcing that the essence of Rockers in Recovery is that it’s possible for people to share experience, strength and hope to benefit others. « Community and media events are the cornerstone of Rockers in Recovery (RIR) and holding an event can be an exciting and important way to make a difference in our community. The impact this organization can have by spreading a lasting message of recovery throughout the community can be beyond measure.

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Articles

Unplugged Tour Connects Cross-Country For

Some Music Therapy

By Carol Harblin, CHHC, RAP

hat do you get when you mix more than 60 years experience of stories into one acoustic band? You get three men with a common vision and mission who walked a similar path as their recovery audience, about twenty years prior, in hopes that they can help shed some light for them too. Three men with years of recovery and stories come together and play in different treatment facilities and rehabs across the country with the hopes of giving strength and camaraderie to those who are embarking on their recovery paths. These men play as part of an Unplugged acoustic series throughout the country. Who are these three supermen? They are Richie Supa, Ricky Byrd and Kasim Sulton. These men are the words behind many songs that are sung by many known rock bands, such as Aerosmith, Blue Oyster Cult and Meatloaf, just to name a few. Songs that are played and sung by this acoustic threesome are messages and stories about recovery. The reactions of their audiences in the treatment centers are typically

transfixed and in awe because each song played always hits home. Everyone’s stories are different, but there is still a similar journey between people in recovery that makes the bonds thicker than blood. That is what makes their cross-country treatment center “tour” so fulfilling and soulful because it reaches the people in a profound way that no other way could demonstrate. The music reaches to the depths of the soul with a poignant message that anyone in recovery (families too) can completely relate to. One song, by Richie Supa, “In The Rooms,” is a song-story about the journey of a person through his recovery. According to Supa, “The reaction to the song was phenomenal.” When people from all backgrounds and stories in recovery come together (whether people are in the beginning stages or who have more than 20 years in recovery) there is a shared friendship and bond that gives

richie supa and kasim sulton doing an acoustic set at rir music fest 2012. Rockers in Recovery Magazine

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each other hope and strength. In regards to sharing his story and message, Kasim Sulton said, “When we spread the message of recovery and we all come together to play it makes me feel that anything is possible [in recovery].” One of the songs that Sulton wrote and plays during the unplugged series is, “The One Sure Thing.” “It’s very personable and heart-warming to share a little of our stories and songs that is near to our hearts,” said Sulton. More and more drug treatment facilities are implementing music therapy to their programs. Music reaches people on a soul level that ignites emotions and feelings that have been repressed for years. Music therapy in the treatment centers are getting more popular, “now I can use music as a tool,” said Supa. « Ricky Byrd

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Articles

An interview with legendary drummer

Simon Kirke By ricky byrd photos by carl dunn

ot only is Simon Kirke a pal of mine, but I must admit he’s also one of my favorite Rock ‘n’ Roll Drummers. I was a huge fan of the bands he played with (Free and Bad Company). Way back when I was a young lad just starting my musical journey, I spent many a garage rehearsals trying to get the drummer to play the song like ”Kirke” would play it! Simon always played to the song and kept it simple, throwing in an occasional fill to accent a Paul Rodgers lyric or as an off ramp to guide us listeners into the next section. My kind of drummer! I’ve been lucky enough to share a stage with him more than a few times. Back in the 90’s he was kind enough to join up with me and Kasim Sulton for the semi acoustic trio I put together after I left the Blackhearts. Most recently we were part of a Benefit for Right Turn, a Boston treatment center run by our

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mutual friend Woody Giessman.

got into downers; Mandrax which were the English equivalent of Quaaludes.

I called Simon last week and asked if he would let me interview him for Rockers In Recovery magazine and without missin’ a beat (he never does) he said, “Sure Ricky.”

But in his defense he only started that after Free had split up for the first time.

My kind of pal!

RB: Tell us a bit about the downward progression of addiction and when you first thought things were getting out of hand.

Ricky Byrd: You were only in your late teens when you were a part of the band Free. That’s pretty young to have the kind of success you guys had. Money in the pocket, everybody wants to be your friend, night after night on stage in front of thousands of fans. Let’s just say the ego gets quite the boost. Tough enough to deal with if you have some life experience under your belt, but in your teens it seems like a recipe for bad choices [laughs]. How did that experience tie in with your drug and alcohol use in those early days? Simon Kirke: Well in the beginning blind ambition kept me on the straight and narrow. I left home at 18 determined to give my dream a shot. I was drinking a little bit here and there, just beer and wine occasionally. I didn’t smoke dope until I was 19 and even then it never got the better of me.

SK: Things got really bad for me when I started doing coke. My drinking went through the roof and I had to take downers to take the edge off and sleep. I got seriously into the hard stuff when Bad Company disbanded in 1980 and after my wife walked out I went into my first rehab. By then I was doing a lot of coke most days and drinking hard liquor. I was a complete mess. My liver had swollen up and I had prescriptions from 3 doctors for downers. RB: I know I wore my addiction like a R&R badge of honor. Never thought it was a problem, just part of the lifestyle. At 30 I decided to leave the party.

Free was pretty much a beer and dope band until Paul Kossoff

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have to worry about strange vehicles in my rear view mirror anymore or if I have enough money in the ATM to cop. I don’t sneak around and live life in the shadows. I only wish I had gotten it sooner in my life. I applaud (and am secretly envious) of the youngsters I see in AA and particularly NA who are getting a handle on it. I firmly believe addiction is genetically passed down. One of my kids has the gene and is in NA, courtesy of me, and is coming up on 3 years clean. RB: Would you like to say anything to the people reading this right now that are on the line about asking for help. siimon back in the day

Problem was, it took until I was just about to turn 31 before I made it to the door [laughs] and I might add it wasn’t a very pretty year. How long between that first thought of, “maybe I should slow down” to “OK, I might need some help here?” SK: I thought my problem was a phase I was going through and once I got my career back on track things would straighten out. I knew nothing about addiction in those days. Didn’t know I was a full blown addict. That came after 4 more rehabs and 15 years plus an awful lot of money!

SK: I would say to anyone who is wrestling with this, get help now. It takes courage to ask for help and I guarantee that you will find an outpouring of help and love like never before when you get in touch. It’s never too late. RB: You’re a good guy Simon and I’m so glad we have music and recovery in common, “one day at a time pally, one day at a time!” «

In terms of years I guess around 2 before I cottoned on, plus a lot of help from my long suffering wife. RB: How has your sober journey changed your life? SK: My sober journey has restored my self-confidence and respect. I don’t 12

simon rockin' away at a recent bad company concert Rockers in Recovery Magazine

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An Interview With

Billy J.Kramer

By Liberty Devitto

hen you look up the British Invasion and the influence it had on music and the world, you will find that Billy J. Kramer was a major player. Along with The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and Cilla Black, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas were part of the Brian Epstein camp that were signed to his management. Billy was a personal friend with all the Beatles and his

first four hit records were written for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. "Do You Want To Know A Secret," "Bad To Me," "I'll Keep You Satisfied," and "From A Window" were songs produced by the famed George Martin. Billy played the famous Cavern Club many times as well as paying his dues in the clubs in The Reeperbahn district of Hamburg, Germany. Just like so many others that were caught up in the whirlwind of fame and fortune at a young age, Billy developed an addiction to alcohol and drugs. Billy J. Kramer has been in the program and has recently celebrated 25 years of sobriety. Liberty Devitto: You were a part of a movement in music that changed the way a whole generation looked, listened and acted. What was it like to live and work, with not only The Beatles, but the rest of the Liverpool music scene ? Billy J. Kramer: On the one hand, it was obviously very exciting. On the other hand, it was overwhelming. Liberty: How did it feel to go from being a young man working on locomotives in a train yard, to becoming the idol of millions, with hit records, fancy suits and screaming girls while making some real money?

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Billy: I had just released my first record, Do You Want To Know A Secret. I traveled from Liverpool to Manchester to do my first TV show.

the bars of a jail cell from the inside-out didn't change anything. I was so high when I got out that I got lost driving around the block from my house.

At the time, there was a huge political scandal in the UK involving politicians and underage girls called The Profumo Trials. The TV show had me pushing over file cabinets and pulling out files and throwing them all over the studio while singing, "Do You Want To Know A Secret." When I arrived back in Liverpool, I got off the bus at the end of my street, and could see a crowd at the top of the street. Little did I know it was a crowd of screaming girls, and I had a lot of trouble getting into my parents' house. From then on, I had to have a police escort. Since I was basically very shy and lacked self-esteem, I would go out drinking and come home at six in the morning to cope with it.

I was now regularly vomiting on my shoes. The one "morning after" when me and my now wife were dating, she looked at me and gave me the ultimatum, "it's going to be me or your drinking." It was right then and there that I made the decision to clean up my act. I must admit, I felt alone because everyone I knew partied. Then I met Ricky Byrd and through him met so many others like me. That's how I became a part of Rockers In Recovery and through Ricky, I met you. What was it like when you decided to take that first step?

Liberty: You first became popular in your home country of England. But the English beat was now becoming popular in America and all the groups had their sights set on The Ed Sullivan Show in New York City. How did you feel on your first trip to the States and what was it like playing the Ed Sullivan Show ?

billy j. kramer

Billy: When I first got off the plane, I was so overwhelmed by NYC that I wanted to get on the next plane back. Little did I know that I would one day be living here. I didn't have any concept of the magnitude of the TV audience for Ed Sullivan. It was a good thing that I was ignorant to it, or I would have had many sleepless nights leading up to it and been a bundle of nerves. Liberty: Denial played a big part in my addiction. Two unsuccessful marriages, the loss of a ton of money, and looking through

Billy: I met my present wife Roni and moved to NY. I was drinking and taking pills around the clock, and I started to get up and drink Jack Daniels in the morning. I would crouch behind dumpsters on my way to the railroad station while on my way into the city to rehearse. I would have a shopping bag full of alcohol and would drink all through rehearsals. I realized that if I carried on like this that it would end my relationship with someone I loved very much and that I would die from the drinking and drugs. I knew

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nothing about rehabs and recovery. At first, I thought I was going to do it my own way and read lots of self-help books. Then, I went to see a prominent psychiatrist who informed me that he could take my money, but my problem was that I was an alcoholic. Different people had said the same thing to me on many occasions, but I never took it seriously. This time, I burst into tears. I had always been in such denial and told myself

Liberty: How has your life changed with your sobriety? Billy: It might seem a small thing to most people, but until I got sober, I never had the confidence to drive a car. Within four months of getting sober, I had a driver's license, which is something I never in my wildest dreams thought I would accomplish. Going on stage clean and sober was scary at first. I still get stage fright, but now I enjoy my work more than I ever did, even at the height of my career. There are bumps in the road and the things that used to make me want to go out and drink no longer do. It's great waking up and not having someone tell you what an idiot you made of yourself the night before. Liberty: If Billy J. Kramer "then" was standing in front of Billy J. Kramer "now" asking for help, what would you say to him? Billy: I would tell him that if you don't have sobriety, you don't have anything.

billy j. kramer during the british invasion era that I drank a lot because of the pressures of the business, and that one day I would be out of the business and be able to stop. When I got home, I looked in the phone book and found the number for Alcoholics Anonymous. I attended an AA meeting and immediately realized it was exactly where I belonged. I will be sober for 26 years at the end of June.

Liberty: I have to tell you, when we perform together and you yell to the crowd, "Are you ready to rock?" I think to myself, now that I am sober, "I am always ready!" A Rockers In Recovery and Billy J. Kramer show, I'd like to see that happen. Thanks Billy. Billy: Thanks Lib, for being a power of example and a great friend. ÂŤ

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Rockers in Recovery Magazine

May 2012

AN INTRO

SIMON KE KIR BAD COMPANY

S RECOVERY

RICKY BYRD JOINS

REMEMBERIN

ROCKERS IN RECO

LEVON HELM BEHIND THE SCENES

March 2012

TO ROCKER

TO CARRY MESSAG

VERY

E OF HOPE

WITH THE

12 STEP MUSIC FEST

ROCKERS IN RECOVERY ALL-STAR BAND

Featured Artist :

Featured Artist

MARK STEIN 1

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RICHIE SUPA

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BEATING

ADDICTION

www.AmericanAddictionCenters.com 24 Hour Help line 866.245.3206

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A Night to

Remember By R. Scott Armbruster

was in Pompano Beach, Florida the weekend of February 12th, meeting with several Addiction Recovery centers to discuss the results of their In-Clinic Sound Pillow® Sleep System tests (more on that in the future) and supporting my friend John Hollis, as he staged the first Rockers in Recovery concert. John Hollis and Rockers in Recovery were looking forward to seeing everyone for the Valentine’s Day weekend, Love of Recovery free concert. The headlining musician was Ricky Byrd along with special guest rocker, Richie Supa, with over 1,000 concert goers arrived.

It started at 1:30 pm on Saturday, February 12th. Well, that’s when the concert started. The idea that actually got this “rock rolling,” was dreamt three months ago. John Hollis, the originator, producer and host of Rockers in Recovery, woke up around 3:00 A.M. with a craving for ice cream and a dream. As he sat and enjoyed his early morning ice cream, John formalized this dream and said, “I want to put on a Rockers in Recovery concert.” He finished his ice cream, placed his vision in God’s hands and when the sun came up, he reached out to his supporters and network to see what the reactions would be. The responses were a resounding, “Yes!” And the rock began to roll.

Ricky Byrd and the recovery rockers featuring Richie Supa 18

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The morning of the event brought rain, but what can you do, but continue to leave it in God’s hands? By the time the sound checks began, the rain stopped, the sun made an appearance and the audience began to show and flow for the next seven hours.

a great day of community, rock music and fellowship; without drugs or alcohol nor the problems that accompany their influences and effects, especially at a concert with this much diversity packed so closely together.

Ricky Byrd and Kasim Sulton

They came in brown leather, white sweaters and pink t-shirts. They arrived by foot, motorcycle, on bicycles, in SUVs and even on skateboards. We were Black, Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian, Indian, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Muslim. We were all welcome and we all had the same motivation for attending – to enjoy

The Keep Coming Back Band

As John often says, “It’s a beautiful thing.” It truly was something to experience and I feel blessed for having been a part of it. I think I’ll go have some ice cream now, I will make it Neapolitan. «

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Ricky Byrd

Joins Rockers In Recovery to

Carry Message of Hope By Deborah Frost

for that matter) have for Ricky Byrd, it’s what he’s got for us. And it is a surprise.

“W

Byrd is probably most closely identified with the monstrous power chords that helped define Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ platinum cover of “I Love Rock & Roll,” and ensure its eternal rotation daily throughout the universe. His blistering rhythms and soaring leads played equally powerful roles in the Blackhearts’ subsequent great hits. Byrd remains eternally grateful for the opportunity to orbit the globe more frequently than the space shuttle and live out the “Number One with a Bullet” dream most mortals only fantasize about. But after a dozen years, it was time for a change. And the confines of what Joni Mitchell has so poignantly called “the star making machinery” could never have satisfied, much less revealed, the soulful, complete musician and mature artist Byrd proves himself to be on what is, astoundingly, (for a dude who’s been making major label albums for decades), his solo debut.

hachoooooo got for me?” asks Ricky Byrd, in the d istinctive born-in-theshadow–of-Yankee Stadium speak that no number of tours with superstars Ian Hunter or Roger Daltrey (to name merely two of his former employers) or hobnobbing with guitar slingers Woody, Pagey and Keef has ever knocked outta ‘dis boy from da Bronx. But the question, as

“I know I can play guitar,” he laughs with a characteristic modesty that has made him the consummate go-to team player whose classic Brit/Am blues, soul and rock n’ roll gifts have been appreciated by innumerable connoisseurs from the late Steve Marriott to Southside Johnny, merely a few of the notches on Byrd’s impressive resumé. Southside, a frequent collaborator, also contributed to “Streetwise*Heart Foolish”. Ricky Byrd

anyone who is welcomed into his humble presence on or offstage, (even before being wrapped in his warm, unaffected bear hug,) realizes fairly immediately: the question is not what we (or anyone else 20

“Thing is,” he continues, ”for this CD, I wanted to pull out all the stops and show what I can really do. That goes for songwriting and singing as well. When I was a kid this is the kind of music that molded me into who I am as a musician and that’s the kind of CD I wanted to make, PERIOD!! Love me or leave me!” he cracks.

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Although he received writing credits for numerous Joan Jett originals and has subsequently had many other tunes covered by various artists, his accomplishments in this area may be one of the industry’s better-kept secrets. In addition to Southside, old friend and song writing guru Richie Supa occasionally lent a pen and a brain to pick, but Byrd proves perfectly capable of turning out great songs all on his own as well as performances largely recorded and co-produced with Bob Stander in his aptly named Byrd Sanctuary home studio. Work initially began in Nashville with Ray Kennedy, perhaps best known for his work with Steve Earle. But who knew he could sing? Never mind that he may very well be, as recent warm-up shows (when he’s not too busy backing legends and goddesses like Mavis Staples, Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love for shows he does fairly regularly at the lil’ ol’ Rock Hall of Fame) attest, one of the most affable frontmen since Rod Stewart “staggered n’ swaggered” with the Faces. “I grew into my throat,“ Byrd laughs, “like I grew into my nose.” With refreshing self-awareness and candor, particularly in a weird pop moment when anyone with a goofy outfit and autotune is immediately proclaimed the greatest treat since fried peanut butter, he confides, “I’m not a natural singer. But I’m a history buff— of music. Good music. The Temptations, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Joe Tex, Wicked Wilson Pickett as well as good ol’

drunken sailor music like The Stones, Faces, Chuck Berry, and Humble Pie. It’s all in my brain. Stylistically and emotionally I know all the riffs – it’s getting that to translate to my throat that’s the tricky part!” Byrd notes in typical self-deprecating style, “Sometimes I sound like 30 miles of bad highway!” And what highway—good or bad—doesn’t include at least one detour? Especially when dealing with a Runyonesque raconteur whose encyclopedic knowledge of riffs is not merely musical and anything but mundane. To experience Byrd in full plumage is to be plunged into a raucous cornucopia of juicy characters from the finest street corners of the world. Imagine Jackie Gleason riding a tour bus instead of driving the Honeymooners. Or Don Rickles breaking into Doo-wop with Dorothy Parker and you may begin to come close, if not quite ready, for your cigar. Then again, the young Byrd’s chops were honed by the demands of Catskills resorts, playing the riff to “Honky Tonk Women” more frequently than a jukebox before most of his contemporaries were brazen enough to sneak into Max’s Kansas City, where he met Carol Kaye, a beautiful girl who shared

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his passion for music and has since shared his life. Ricky answered a “guitarist wanted” ad placed in The Village Voice by a band that had just moved to NYC from Boston called Susan. Carol brought her old friend Tommy Mottola down to watch them rehearse at a midtown studio and he signed them on the spot to a management deal that included a recording contract with RCA. Ricky’s introduction to the “Big Leagues” was largely memorable for the 50-odd Elvis albums Ricky managed to finagle out of his A&R guy from the RCA vault and a tour opening around the country for Graham Parker breaking “Squeezing Out the Sparks.” “When we got to LA we stayed at the legendary motel, the Tropicana,” He remembers fondly. “8909 Sunset Boulevard—I still remember the address. I was sitting by the pool and I turn to my left and Marianne Faithfull was reading a book of poetry on the lounge chair next to me. Two minutes later Tom Waits comes walking out of a bungalow— Rock and Roll, baby!” he laughs. All of these raucous vibes, delicious humor and wicked vibrations come startlingly alive on “Streetwise”. One of the tunes off the CD, Dream Big (a drunken sailor riff if there ever was one), perfectly articulates this passionate road warrior’s hard earned optimism and faith. Byrd is rightfully proud of his now 24 years of sobriety and his many ongoing contributions to help others recover, which, like his family, (he and Carol are proud parents of ten-going-on wisenheimer Francesca) take top billing in his life these days. That is partly why this debut, which Byrd originally began with Ray Kennedy in Nashville shortly after 9/11, has been a long time simmering. The song “Turnstile,” co-written with Kennedy, 22

in fact, was his immediate response to the terrible immutable events he witnessed that day like so many fellow New Yorkers, first hand. But its visceral impact lands like a fresh body blow. And the sheer honesty that infuses songs like “Married Man,” “Ways of A Woman” and “Foolish Kind” with indelible warmth and rare cheer, along with virtuosic guitar playing that seems to reach new spiritual peaks somewhere on basically every cut, is more than worth the wait. “If I never make another record, I can show people what my version of classic rock, roll and soul guitar playing is,” says Byrd, who credits the intimate Jeff Beck Iridium nightclub tribute to the late Les Paul as the incentive that sent him back to the proverbial woodshed for months. The powerful results on “Streetwise*Heart Foolish” certainly testify to his determination to try to live up to the level and inspiration provided by Beck, one of his earliest role models, on that rare, unforgettable night. “I have nobody to answer to with this record and no meter running, which is why I took my time,” he explains. “What you hear on this CD has always been my style of guitar playing, but sometimes you have to adapt to the artist you’re working with.” Still, there’s a whole lot more than a riot of jaw-dropping guitar finesse going on. In songs like the profoundly moving “Wide Open,” Byrd exposes a vulnerability many people, as well as artists, might prefer to run away from instead. This is not some wannabe rock star trying to strike a cool pose. This is an adult talking about adult life. And it all rocks like hell. « For more information visit www.rickybyrd.com

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RICKY BYRD The long awaited debut CD Available soon on iTunes and at Amazon.com

RICKY BYRD

Rock ‘n’ Roll with soul . . . plain and simple Listen to the single R’n’R Boys www.rickybyrd.com/music/ Join Ricky’s Facebook Fan Page on.fb.me/N7gIIF Follow Ricky on Twitter @Byrdman20 www.rockersinrecovery.org

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Ohlman

Remembers

By Christine Ohlman

t was a crisp fall day in late 2008 when we gathered at Levon Helm’s studio in Woodstock, New York, to partake of his generosity in agreeing to sit in on two tracks for my CD The Deep End. Andy York of John Mellencamp’s band, my longtime friend and co-producer was there with Paul Ossola (at that time the bassman in Levon’s band, but also a compadre of many years going back to The Scratch Band, Paul’s and my band with GE Smith. Paul was the catalyst for the

Helm

session, having pitched the idea to Levon, for which I am eternally grateful). Also with us were Jeff Kazee (keys in the NYC Hit Squad and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, and a fabulously soulful vocalist himself) and the great Marshall Crenshaw on second guitar and baritone guitar. Levon had graciously lent not only studio space but himself as drummer on Marshall’s and my duet, “What’s The Matter With You Baby,” a Motown chestnut originally recorded by Marvin Gaye & Mary Wells. (Marshall is a Detroit boy, born and raised, so I thought the song was a good choice!)

The studio in Woodstock is clean, beautiful and almost devoid of the usual baffles and glass. Even the control room is just a balcony completely open to the rest of the studio, which sits below it. Upon entering the room, Levon had greeted me so warmly, taking my hand in both of his and saying his name, “Leh-VOHN”, with that Arkansas lilt. I was captivated and charmed immediately by this lovely man, known as “Lee” to his friends. The session moved quickly, and we soon had what we thought was a pretty good take. Lee seemed frail; he’d recently resumed playing after his first bout with cancer, and I didn’t want to overtax him. We gathered in the control room, listened, and all eyes turned to Lee. “You’re singing your ass off on every take,” he said, fixing me in his sights with a chuckle, “but personally, I don’t think I did myself any favors with what I just played. Would you mind if we took it again?”

Christine ohlman and levon helm 24

Of course we were all for it, and we reentered the studio. Levon sat down at the drums and indicated a new intro he wanted to add, giving us just a taste of a new groove

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marshal crenshaw and paul ossola

he’d envisioned while we listened back to that previous take. The genius of the man (and the musician) became apparent then, as he sure-footedly turned the groove around from what we’d had, and led us through a one-time romp that swung so hard with a snaky little backbeat, we just knew it had to be the one, and it was. I’d also brought in a lilting little countrified thing called “Girl Growing Up,” that had been inspired by my then-13-year-old niece. The plan was to have Lee play mandolin, but when he heard the song, he asked, “Do I hear a minor chord in there?” We confirmed that, yes, the minor-6 chord was heard throughout (think Ben E. King’s, “Stand By Me” and that iconic bass line that feeds off the minor-6 alternating with the main chord). “Then you’d better get someone who can really play,” he said with a twinkle. “You don’t want me! I’ll play tambourine!” There was laughter all around, Levon picked up the tambourine, and in the end, there’s no mandolin on the track at all, just a brilliant baritone guitar line played by Marshall Crenshaw.

recording session in levon helm's studio

who made it all sound easy and great. I cannot imagine the level of sadness that everyone at Levon Helm Studios (the home of his Midnight Ramble) must today be experiencing. Truly, truly, truly we have lost one of the greats. «

Afterward, Levon and I walked down to the lake with a few of his dogs and talked about fishing for catfish. Another wonderful, memorable moment. My thanks also to James Smith, the assistant engineer who photographed us that day, and to chief engineer Justin Guip,

l to r: andy york, marshall crenshaw, christine ohlman, levon helm, paul ossola, jeff kazee

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Lynn Hoffman

Your Hosts:

(A&E Private Sessions)

DJ Ken Dashow (Q104.3 - New York's Classic Rock)

Special Guest Rockers: »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Ian Hunter Gary US Bonds Simon Kirke (Free and Bad Co.) Michael Des Barres Billy J. Kramer LaLa Brooks (The Crystals) Handsome Dick Manitoba (The Dictators,

Opening The Night: The Capris (There's a moon out tonight)

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Behind the scenes

with the

Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band

By john henry

y first experience with Rockers In Recovery was last year at the 12 Step Music Fest in Key West, Florida. My second, and more exclusive experience, occurred as a result of an invitation to spend time with the Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band during their rehearsal and show that took place at the International Tennis Championships in Delray Beach, Florida on March 3rd. I entered a 15 by 30 foot soundproof rehearsal studio that was jammed full of talent. When I arrived, Mark Stein from Vanilla Fudge was playing “Stormy Monday,” an Allman Brothers song. I recognized Mark right away; it was amazing he still the same bushy hair and beard. “They call it stormy Monday, but Tuesdays just as bad. Lord Wednesday’s worst and Thursdays all so sad. The eagle flies on Friday and Saturday I go out to play,” Mark sang, channeling the essence of this song as I sat there in silent awe. Pretty soon, Ricky Byrd and Richie Supa were right there with him on their guitars.

They were all welcoming, considerate and thoughtful. Ricky Byrd shouted out where is “Beehive,” the band’s nickname for Christine Ohlman. Ricky, Richie and Mark began playing, “Remember Walking in the Sand,” a Shangri-Las classic. Ricky was belting out the lyrics, “Seems like the other day, my baby went away, she went away, across some sea. Oh no, oh no, oh no, no, no, no. Remember walking in the sand. Remember walking hand and hand.” Listening to them gave me chills up and down my spine. Then the threesome began jamming out, “Going Down,” a Jeff Beck classic. Byrd is singing loud and strong, Richie is coming across clear and clean. “Well I’m going down, down, down, down, down, down. I’m going down. Down, down, down, down, down. I’ve got my head out the window and my big feet on the ground. She’s gone. Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone.” Byrd shouts out, “I am like a dominatrix with my Gibson!” The mood and tone was set, or so I thought. Then Christine Ohlman arrives in a threequarter length pink floral coat with dark sunglasses and hair out to there. The first thing I thought to myself when I heard her start to sing was, “Aretha.” She’s in the same league, same depth. Christine croons the song, “That’s How Strong My Love Is.” “If I was the sun way up there. I’d go with my love everywhere. I’ll be the moon when the sun goes down to let you know I’m still around. That’s how strong my love is.” Everyone is deadly still, she has taken the room by storm.

l to r: mark stein, libery devitto, christine ohlman, ricky byrd, kasim sulton, richie supa 28

As I’m leaving the rehearsal, I open up the door to the sound

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booth to say goodbye. To my surprise, there was a 12 Step meeting going on. They invited me in and I sat down. I felt at home and was amazed to see how far we have all come. The event was the following day. I arrived and checked in. I was treated like royalty, given the full tour and taken backstage to the VIP room while the band was hanging out and waiting to do their show. The band members were reminiscing and telling stories laughing, comrades and recovering friends. The band members the rir all-star band doing their thing were flexible with each delay. They were content and unruffled. Each individual and I plan on continuing to attend future demonstrated acceptance, humility and Rockers In Recovery shows and be a part of most importantly a good sense of humor. this evolving revolution! The tennis matches went on longer than expected, but no one complained. Their “If you ever plan to motor west, travel my attitudes were humble and light hearted. way, that the highway that is best. Won’t I even had an opportunity to connect with you get hip to this timely tip, when you make my friend, Kazim Sulton, who didn’t make it that California trip. Get your kicks on route to the rehearsal but was there for the show. sixty-six.” Take a tip from me, experience Rockers In Recovery for yourself. Get your This was an experience that I won’t forget kicks! «

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Ricky Byrd

interviews

Michael Des Barre get to interview my new rockin' brotha.

By ricky byrd

n October 16, 2012, I was lucky enough to be part of benefit for Little Kids Rock. They are a great non-profit organization that transforms children's lives by restoring and revitalizing music education in disadvantaged public schools. It was their 10th Anniversary and they were honoring Steven Van Zant. I was musical director of the house band and we were there to back up a bunch of cool special guests. At sound check I glance out into the empty house and see this well dressed rocker , groovin' to the band while he waits his turn to run through his tune for the night. By the way, I give points for a Rocker who gets dressed for sound check, cause I know I do. See, I'm basically this rock n' roll guy all the time and I could tell he was too.

Ricky Byrd: Ok, Pally, tell me a little about you're childhood and your first experience with drugs and or alcohol. Michael Des Barre: London in the late 60's was a cloud of hashish, Oscar Wilde and Muddy Waters; I danced with all three. RB: The disease runs in my family, so it seems I was an accident (or miracle) waiting to happen. How'z about your family tree? MDB: My mother got cannabis resin from the doctor. She cooked it with tobacco and we smoked it while listening to Otis Redding and Miles Davis. RB: Once you started using, how quick was

We chat after the check and within 5 minutes we were best friends. Same musical taste, same love of puttin' on the Glad rags and best of all we're both longtime sober ex-maniacs of rock n' roll! His name is Michael Des Barre and now I 30

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the progression to the dark side, and was there one run that signaled that the train was going off the tracks? MDB: I used from '64-'81. I was under a narcotic spell the last 3 years. The final run was a slow crawl into the abyss. RB: I knew I was done when I turned 30, but it actually took me until 31 to finally surrender. Hardest year of my life! How did you find recovery and did you go quietly or kickin' and screamin'? MDB: I was instantly transformed at my first meeting. I immediately grasped that I had a choice. RB: All my artistic role models were drunks, drug addicts or both. William Burroughs, Errol Flynn, Keef, Dorothy Parker and the list goes on and on! Tell our readers what a blessing it is to finally discover that the myth of having to be wasted to create cool, greasy music is just that, a myth!

MDB: Drugs played a significant role in my life. I regret nothing. I have, however, changed my role models! Die old and leave a good looking corpse. RB: Tell us what you're up to now and how the principles of sobriety can carry us through the good, the bad and the ugly that a life on life's terms can dole out!! MDB: Clarity and sobriety bring invention and humility to my life heretofore unimaginable attributes! Well Michael, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Knowing we're cut from the same musical cloth, I'm lookin' forward to sharing the stage with you on January 25, 2013 in NYC at the Cutting Room for the Rockers In Recovery Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert! From one sober Rock and Roll Pirate to another! ÂŤ

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5 Tips in

Overcoming Relapse By American Addiction Centers he fear of relapse keeps many people who need help from entering treatment. No one wants to fail, and for those who have relapsed before, it’s especially easy to give up the hope of achieving long-term recovery. But even though setbacks are common - and are to be expected - patients can improve their odds.

An ample length-of-stay is crucial, but so is aftercare. Following treatment, aftercare consists of regular or occasional outpatient therapy or counseling with the intention of keeping the patient focused on recovery even after treatment commences; recovery is a forever process. Patients enrolled in long-term recovery benefit greatly from maintained relationships with counselors and the resources they provide.

1. The Right Length-of-Stay

4. Support Groups

Some people are in too much of a hurry to complete the rehabilitation process, anxious to get back to their everyday lives and uncomfortable in a sober setting – and rightfully so. No one says it’s easy. But when it comes to treatment, hastiness has negative effects in the long run. A person must go through the entire treatment process before entering the world alone. Without that needed length of time set by professionals, a person can’t truly develop the skills, tools and attitude needed to stay sober long-term.

2. Uncovering the Roots There are reasons why someone begins using in the first place – underlying issues hiding beneath the surface. If these triggers, stresses or negative influences aren’t identified and corrected, it will be very difficult to avoid returning to the substance abuse. It usually takes a combination of a change in friends, reduction of stress and development of coping skills to keep a newly sober individual clean.

3. Long-term Care

As much as we hate to admit it, it’s nearly impossible to recover on one’s own. Support groups provide encouragement, companionship and a sense of belonging. There are groups for nearly every kind of substance abuse and social situation - for recovering heroin addicts, for teens, for Christians, elders, nurses; the list goes on and on. It’s important and beneficial to share and work with others who are experiencing similar, if not the same, thoughts and feelings. To know that someone else is making it through this struggle is very empowering.

5. Lifestyle Overhaul Recovery from drugs or alcohol requires changes in all aspects of life – eating habits, socialization, exercise, hobbies; a recovery plan should take into mind complete wellness for all-around health. The idea of relapse can be terrifying, but the possibility of recovery makes the journey worth the effort. With the right care and by sticking to a treatment plan that includes aftercare and support, relapse can indeed be overcome. «

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Rockers In Recovery: The Power of

Music and Message

Photos by American Addiction Centers

by American addiction centers

he Rockers In Recovery Music Festival, as part of the Rockers In Recovery Live Concert Series and in partnership with American Addiction Centers, was held November 2-4, 2012, at C.B. Smith Park’s Concert Green in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Music legends, their fans and the recovery community alike came together during this annual event to discuss, share in and celebrate recovery awareness and, of course, to rock. The Rockers In Recovery Music Festival was a three-day concert, campout and "Clean and Sober Woodstock" for anyone in recovery or anyone who supports the recovery community. Music and entertainment thrived during the drug, alcohol and gambling-free festival. 20 incredible acts spanned 72 hours, including performances by David Uosikkinen of The Hooters, Randi Fishenfeld of Bruce Springsteen and BB King, and the Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band themselves,

which included Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel), Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren and Blue Oyster Cult), Christine Ohlman (Saturday Night Live Band) and Richie Supa (Aerosmith and Richie Sambora). The line-up was impressive and the audience definitely rocked out, but there was also a palpable sense of fellowship and respect among all attendees. John Hollis, founder of Rockers In Recovery says, “I’m eternally grateful to American Addiction Centers. Without their support, we would not be able to carry our message. For people to be able to have fun and excitement and realize that their lives are not over, but just beginning, is really what we’re all about.” Also included at the event: a 24-hour marathon-meeting tent for fellowships and special interest meetings, a 'Meet and Greet' featuring RIR band members at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, a children’s tent with activities, plenty of food and recovery merchandise. In their down time, concertgoers enjoyed lakeside tent and RV

2012 RIR Music Fest: RIR All-star Band - Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel) , Christine Ohlman (Saturday Night Live Band), Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren and Blue Oyster Cult), Richie Supa (Aerosmith and Richie Sambora), special guests David Uosikkinen (The Hooters), Randi Fishenfeld (Bruce Springsteen and BB King) and Tony Fellows. 36

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camping, water skiing, fishing, tennis, golf and swimming. Executive VP of American Addiction Centers, Jim Bevell, is very excited about its recent partnership with Rockers In Recovery. He said, “We’ve always felt this is a great thing to be involved with, because we want people to know they can still enjoy their lives once they’re in recovery. This is a really festive event. People were out there having a lot of fun - clean and sober - it does RIR Music Fest - WOW! Having Fun In Recovery!

my heart good.” These inspirational music legends continue to share their own recovery stories and prove that with treatment and education, recovery is possible – even for a Rock ‘N’ Roll wild-child.

at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel for the RIR Music Fest Meet and Greet.

Visit Rockers In Recovery online for more information at www.rockersinrevory.org. «

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event Calendar / directory

Calendar 2013 january  California January 11th-13th Yoga & 12 Step Spirituality Retreat 5300 Crest RD., Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca MARY AND JOSEPH RETREAT CENTER Experience the journey from self destructive addictions to self-realization practices. Yoga means union of the individual through integrative practices: holistic healing of body, emotions, mind and spirit. This retreat will weave together the ancient wisdom of yoga & ayuraveda with the contemporary wisdom of 12 Step Spirituality. Registration $265 for commuters, $425 single accommodation, $365 double accommodation. For reservations contact Mary Feuer 323.327.7347 or e-mail crackedvesselcraft@gmail.com. new york January 25th @ 8PM-12AM Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band - "Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert" 44 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10010 The Cutting Room Sponsored by American Addiction Centers Featuring: The Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band and Special Guests RIR All Star Band – Richie Supa (Aerosmith and Richie Sambora), Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren and Blue Oyster Cult), Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel), Christine Ohlman (Saturday Night Live Band). Tickets Go On Sale December 5th, 2012. $50.00 General Admission. $150.00 VIP Meet and Greet. (212) 691-1900. 100% of Ticket and RIR Merchandise Sales Donated To Victims of Sandy.

February  Connecticut February 15th @ 8PM-11PM Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band - "The Dry Dock" Fund-raiser 70 Pond Hill Road Wallingford, CT 06492 Wallingford High School Auditorium Sponsored by American Addiction Centers Featuring: The Rockers In Recovery All Star Band and Special Guests RIR All-Star Band – Richie Supa (Aerosmith and Richie Sambora), Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren and Blue Oyster Cult), Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel), Christine Ohlman (Saturday Night Live Band). Tickets Go On Sale Now. Call (203) 626-5560. $20.00 General Admission. $50.00 VIP Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band Meet and Greet. 100% of Ticket Sales Donated to The Dry Dock. The Dry Dock Club, located at 68-1/2 Quinnipiac Ave. Wallingford, CT 09492, is a non-profit organization providing a safe and sober environment to the community as a whole, with particular emphasis on the recovery community.

march  florida March 2nd @ 5PM-7PM Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band - Community Addiction Awareness Concert 201 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33444 22nd Delray Beach International Tennis Championships Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis CenteR Featuring: The Rockers In Recovery All Star Band and Special Guests RIR All-Star Band – Richie Supa (Aerosmith and Richie Sambora), Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren and Blue Oyster Cult), Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel), Christine Ohlman (Saturday Night Live Band). Call the box office for ticket info, (561) 330-6000. florida March 23rd @ 9PM-11PM Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band - Revolution Live 100 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Revolution Live Featuring: The Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band and Special Guests RIR All-Star Band – Richie Supa (Aerosmith and Richie Sambora), Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren and Blue Oyster Cult), Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel), Christine Ohlman (Saturday Night Live Band). One more band to be announced. Tickets on sale Janurary 1, 2013. Call (954) 826-4920 for more information. Doors open at 8pm EST.

may  florida May 25th Memorial Day Concert and Picnic 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Quiet Waters Park Featuring: The Rockers In Recovery All-Star Band and Special Guests RIR All-Star Band – Richie Supa (Aerosmith and Richie Sambora), Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren and Blue Oyster Cult), Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel), Christine Ohlman (Saturday Night Live Band). Four more bands to be announced. Tickets on sale January 1, 2013. Call (954) 826-4920 for more information.

Directory American Addiction Centers American Addiction Centers is unlike any other approach to addiction recovery. Through our relationships with the nation’s premier treatment facilities and addiction professionals across the country, we make the arrangements and handle the details so our clients can focus on one thing – their recovery. www.americanaddictioncenters.com Miami Subs Grill We are excited to be celebrating 20 years of success. Originators of the fast casual restaurant concept in 1988, today we are still Florida’s Largest Regional Grill Chain featuring the World’s Best Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches (The Official Philly Cheese Steak of the Florida Panthers), the freshest salads, wings, burgers, gyros and many more delicious meals and scrumptious desserts sure to please both palate and wallet. www.facebook.com/miamisubsgrill/info Bechert & Associates South Florida Attorney Charles H. Bechert of Bechert & Associates which is a dedicated full-service law firm that thrives on providing superior legal representation for individuals and businesses alike. www.southfloridaattorney.com 1st Step Sober House Our staff is experienced and dedicated to changing the lives of 1000’s of people with addictions. Our years of experience in recovery gives a structure that no other sober house can offer. Come by our office and meet with our staff about helping you, a friend or a family member get the recovery they need. www.1ststepsoberhouse.net Sumber Inc. Sumber Construction Sumber Inc. Sumber Construction is dedicated to managing all of your home improvement and property remodeling needs. We offer general repair work, electrical, drywall repair, water damage restoration, plumbing, carpentry, painting, masonry and many more. www.sumberconstruction.com Sound Pillow Many folks in early addiction recovery suffer from stress, anxiety, and fear causing long, sleepless nights. Sound Pillow helps sufferers through these periods of unease and restlessness to reach a state of relaxation and achieve the rejuvenating effects of a good night’s sleep. www.soundpillow.com/addictionrecovery Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. www.alcoholicsanonymous.com

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directory All Florida Bail Bonds Inc. We at All Florida Bail Bonds Inc. understand addiction and the help that is needed for the addicted person to get treatment and to have a true shot of doing something different with their lives. A bondsmen is often the first person to help with such action. All Florida Bail Bonds Inc. Bail Bonds, private investigations, notary-on site and mobile, security-high and low threat, and fugitive recovery. www.afbb.us Destination Hope Destination Hope’s singular focus is to provide the highest caliber addiction treatment available for substance abuse and dual diagnosis in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. www.destinationhope.net Holistic Healing Center The Holistic Healing Center offers services that promote total body wellness. Our services are performed in a friendly, caring and professional manner in order to bring about optimal health and healing. For body detoxification, we offer Colon Hydrotherapy and the Ion Cleanse, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Hair Analysis and Heavy Metal Detox programs as well as individualized all-inclusinve BioNutritional programs that address Heavy Metal Toxicity as well as nutrient imbalances. www.holistichealing.com Holistic Lifestyles Radio Network Holistic Lifestyles Radio Network and Rockers In Recovery Network has been live on the air in South Florida 24 hours a day 7 days per week since January 2008. The networks are dedicated to producing many interviews, informational blogs, live video and audio broadcasts in the music industry, concerts production, festivals, events, sporting events, sport and celebrity interviews with many lively topics. www.holisticlifestylesradio.com Holistic Treatment Center for Drugs and Alcohol G & G Holistic Addiction Treatment Program is located in North Miami Beach, Florida. Surrounded by the warmth of the sun and lush tropical breezes clients come to escape from the clutches of the disease of addiction. www.holisticdrugrehab.com

The information in this section is meant to give you an understanding of what happens in our meetings. The words we use and the way we act might be unfamiliar to you at first, but hopefully this information can help you get the most out of your first NA meeting. If you show up early, leave late, and ask lots of questions before and after the meeting, you’ll probably get the most out of every meeting you attend. www.na.org Noah’s Ark Sanctuary Non-Profit Animal Rescue Pet Boutique and Cat Adoptions Parent Partners: Making an Impact. Kim Manlove and Ginger Katz, Parent Partners of The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, share their personal stories of loss: Manlove’s son David was 18 years old when he died in an inhalant-related accident; Katz’s 21-year-old son, Ian, died of a heroin overdose. Rockers In Recovery Network Come join our Social Network Website that is geared towards the support of Rockers who are in Recovery or support Recovery and music lovers who are in Recovery. Rockers In Recovery Social Network, an online place for Rockers In Recovery radio show which is dedicated to music, news, interviews, events, and festivals taking place in the rock and roll industry in the world of fans, bands,listeners or musicians who are in 12 Step recovery or support 12 Step recovery. Rockers In Recovery, having our own social network website gives us the ability of streaming our Rockers In Recovery radio show 24/7. We also can stream video and audio of all of our live concert productions and live events right to the Rockers In Sober Nation. www.rockersinrecovery.com Visions I Design Visions I Design Network has been live on the air in south Florida 24 hours a day 7 days per week since January 2008. The networks are dedicated to producing many interviews, informational blogs and live video and audio broadcasts in the music industry, concerts production, festivals events, sporting events, sport and celebrity interviews with many lively topics. www.visionsidesign.com

In The Rooms In The Rooms Addiction Social Network's purpose is to help people with drug addiction, alcoholism, prescription drug addiction, pain killer addiction and more. www.intherooms.com Jacko’s Complete Automotive Handling necessary automotive repair today means a better-performing vehicle down the road. 1141 W. McNab Road, Pompano Beach, FL, 954-330-7672. Kayos Productions Kayos Productions is a full-service music company offering a wide spectrum of services imperative to success in today’s music business. Based in downtown New York City, Kayos Productions is a boutique agency spearheaded by seasoned music industry executive Carol Kaye. Kayos is a hub for services including public relations, marketing and consulting.Having implemented effective PR campaigns for such iconic artists as KISS, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Paul McCartney, Queen, AC/DC, Alice Cooper, The Eagles, The Ramones, Blondie and many others. www.kayosproductions.com Narcotics Anonymous If you’re planning to go to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting for the first time, it might be nice to know what to expect.

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