Presentation: ‘Make Tiny Changes’ at CMCS19

Here's my full presentation from August 30, 2019, at the Centre for Media and Celebrity Studies conference in Times Square, New York City. I was a bit shaky, and emotional, but battled through to talk about how fans of Frightened Rabbit rallied together to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives through community-building activities. …

Music Was There

If you’re like me, music has always been in the background. It’s always been lurking underneath whatever else you’re doing. It’s on in the car, it’s on while you’re working, it’s on while you’re relaxing, it’s on as you shop, etc. Music can be inescapable, which I think may add to what makes it so …

Redefining Punk and Finding Community: A Review of Against Me! at Brooklyn Steel, 2017

The house lights go down. The attention of almost 1,800 people is instantly captivated. They know what’s next. Suddenly, they hear electronic drumming, and a blue hue light tints the stage. People are screaming and clapping. Those who were at the bar hastily make their way back into the main room of the venue, Brooklyn …

“stop sneering at our joy like it’s a careless mistake”

This past week I attended two out of four nights of Jeff Rosenstock's mini-residency at Bowery Ballroom (nights 2 and 4 - the 7th and 9th -, respectively). Since I have chronic pain, I had a seat in the balcony which meant I had a great view of the show and of Jeff's fans on …