the film
The Story
FLAME, a rock band, is made up entirely of people living with physical and developmental disabilities – including severe autism, Down syndrome, blindness and paralysis. Embodying the remarkable power of music, Flame wipes away stereotypes and preconceived notions of what it means to be disabled with every note and chord. No matter what daily life is like for each member of the band, from the moment FLAME takes the stage, they transcend any stereotypes and become musicians.
Over the course of the film, FLAME’s talented band members embark on a creative journey that takes them well beyond their comfort zones. They will take on the challenge of creating a professional album, collaborating with a leading music producer/composer to write their own songs and lyrics for the first time. The band will showcase their new material in the biggest live show of their careers at a major concert venue, opening for an A-list rock band.
FLAME’s story is not only about how they inspire people who hear and see them, but also how the entire Gloversville community has supported them and made the band’s journey possible. An underlying theme of the documentary is that nobody achieves a dream on his or her own. All people need help from other people.
While the film includes the entire cast of eleven band members who make up the group, the film’s narrative will track mainly with the lead singer Michelle King. Michelle, who is autistic, is FLAME’s lead singer. Many describe her as a musical savant, but she has an IQ of 60, and struggles to carry through a casual conversation. On stage, however, her talents are equal to professional musicians like Tracy Chapman and Norah Jones. Lexington discovered Michelle at a talent show in 2003 where she delivered an especially moving rendition of The Carpenters' "Rainy Days and Mondays." Show organizers knew they were on to something, and the band, FLAME, was formed.
Michelle was first diagnosed with autism when she was 3 years old. About that time, she went to dinner with her mother to a restaurant in New York City and picked up a microphone. She sang a song that concluded with a round of ovations. Michelle’s mother then bought her daughter her first guitar, and as Michelle taught herself to play, she has taken FLAME to unimaginable heights.
With 10 other band members (including a highly talented, blind drummer) it soon became impossible to keep FLAME within the confines of Fulton County. Word spread and requests began pouring in. FLAME currently averages over 80 paid performances per year. They recently played in NYC’s Central Park, Athens, Greece and at the Opening Ceremonies at the Special Olympics.
The Film will follow this remarkable journey from several perspectives: the Band; the Lexington staff (who live and work with their clients 24 hours a day); and the entire community of Gloversville, NY - all hoping FLAME reaches National stardom.
In 2009, FLAME will record its first professional original album with an acclaimed music producer/writer and perform in a live performance on a professional tour in front of thousands of people. Each step will be a brand new experience for the band members, as they redefine disabilities and reach for the stars.
The Band
Michelle King - Lead Vocals, Guitar
By the age of 3 Michelle's mother knew her daughter had a special talent. Michelle would run up on stage where her Mom worked and sing into a microphone. At that time Michelle didn't converse except to repeat words. A doctor told her Mom that she was autistic and intellectually disabled and would probably never be able to have conversations. Michelle has since become one of the most expressive, outgoing stage performers around, connecting with audiences like no one else.
In 1993 Michelle and her mother moved to Gloversville from NYC. In 2003 Michelle won a Lexington talent show, which led to the creation of FLAME. Michelle amazes and inspires people of all ages with her incredible voice and guitar playing. She has a great ability to understand and quickly figure out musical instruments and songs. Recently she has added harmonica to her talents and incorporates it into many FLAME songs. Music is a big part of Michelle’s life. She performs for people at Lexington, gives guitar lessons and enjoys listening to music and going to concerts. Her beautiful voice and tremendous range allow her to sing rock, blues, country, and pop classics.
David LaGrange - Drummer, Vocals
David was born in Gloversville, living at home until the age of three, then in foster care throughout Fulton County. At 14, he entered the New York School for the Blind in Batavia, NY, where he learned to play drums. David graduated and returned to Fulton County, moving into a Lexington home in Gloversville. He always dreamed of being in a band. In addition to his amazing drumming skills David is a natural vocalist, immediately creating masterful harmonies for any song he hears. He was a key player in the creation of FLAME and came up with their name to honor the Special Olympic Torch. In addition to his love for music David is a devout Catholic who loves to share his faith. His extraordinary ability to play drums despite being blind and having an intellectual disability, is a gift that he loves to share with others.
Nick Robinson – Bass Guitar
Nick is originally from Los Angeles and has two children, Jessie age 27 and Cortina age 30. Nick played in several Los Angeles bands, honing his skills in the club scene. Nick was a paramedic, providing medical and emergency care in Fulton County, prior to being stricken with an illness that left his legs paralyzed in the 1990’s. He also had to retrain his brain to play the bass after his illness. FLAME has allowed him to do what he loves, playing music. Nick was originally inspired to play by the Beatles. In addition to the bass he plays the mandolin, banjo and guitar.
Falon McBride - Percussion, Vocals
Falon lives in Jonhstown and is the youngest member of FLAME. In 2005 she graduated from High School while touring with FLAME. Falon comes from a family of musicians, including her grandfather who played the drums. She loves to perform for children and is an important part of the background vocals for FLAME. Despite her disabilities she only focuses on her abilities and living the life of a diva rock star.
Scott Stuart - Percussion, Vocals
Scott originally from Gloversville, lived at home until he was enrolled at the Commission of the Blind School in New York City where he lived and attended classes from age 7 –12. In 2004 Scott moved in to a Lexington home in Gloversville, where you can hear the sounds of Scott singing from his room. Scott is a huge country music fan and loves to create his owns songs. Being a part of FLAME has allowed Scott to fulfill his dream of being in a band and entertaining people. Scott doesn't let Cerebral palsy or blindness keep him from doing what he loves. Scott’s big country voice is only surpassed by his big loveable personality.
The Acts
Act One: No Place Like Home
The story’s first act will take viewers back in time, to the place where FLAME was born- the Lexington Center and the community of Johnstown, NY.
While getting to know the talented members of the band, audiences will experience the early days of FLAME, playing in group homes, sister facilities and high schools. We will see how the band came together and galvanized this community, with not only their music, but their spirit.
We will meet Paul Nigra, Lexington Center’s Executive Director and Band groupie. Even with 1500 employees and hundreds of clients housed and cared for in his center, he never misses a band performance. Paul sees the impact the band can have on the world of disabilities, and he will let nothing keep them from showing the world their talents. Along with Paul, there are many care givers, counselors and employees who see FLAME as their family, and we will be able to feel the pride, fear and hard work that formed the backdrop to every performance.
Act Two: Climb A Higher Mountain
In 2008 and 2009, the band began to break through from Gloversville local band to National and International hit in the disability community. Due to Paul and Tim Fiori’s (Lexington Communications Director) endless work, FLAME began to make a name for themselves, invited to perform in Greece, in Central Park, NYC and during the Opening Ceremonies at the Special Olympics. Only the band and its Lexington supporters ever thought these performances were possible, but with a national hit on their hands, where do they go from here?
So in the summer of 2009, the film will document FLAME recording their first professional original album with renowned music producer Chris Johnson. As Chris helps the band achieve a higher level of creative expression and public awareness, the band gives Chris a sense of purpose to his own career. Chris has his own deep personal history with the disabled community. Chris’ mother was a nurse and administrator at many facilities similar to the Lexington Center. She dedicated her life to serving the disabled. As a boy, Chris grew up in the hands-on environment with his mothers’ patients, and was raised to recognize disabled people as equals deserving the respect and dignity we all take for granted. Chris even launched his music career playing concerts for the disabled, and saw first hand the transformative power of music for such an audience.
After decades of surviving the music industry, with all its excesses and absurdities, Chris found himself searching for a new course where he could apply his formidable music talents in a more meaningful direction than just pumping out more records. So perhaps FLAME will help him, as much as Chris will help FLAME.
A major point of tension through out the second act of the film is whether this collaboration will gain traction. The obstacles are formidable. Are the dreams and goals of the band and Chris even achievable, or are they just asking too much of themselves and each other?
The growth of their relationship is the keystone to the documentary and will be developed as the band moves from the security of the Lexington Center, all the way to the spotlights of a major concert venue.
We will follow this remarkable journey from several perspectives: the band members themselves, Chris, the staff who live with them 24/7 and the entire community of Gloversville. Where will their journey take them?
Act Three: Change The World
Act three will be the culmination of all their hard work, a live performance on a tour in front of thousands of people. It will be the most memorable night in the lives of the band. They get the celebrity treatment- green room, autograph signing, and a visit from the headliner artist, and other famous performers. After completing their album, this is their shining moment to celebrate all they have accomplished, to prove to themselves that nothing is impossible… and to take a giant step toward their mission: to change the world through their music!
Throughout the recording phase, Chris will bring into the musical fold his community of artists, engineers and songwriters who all have a stake in this project, either because of a common respect and interest in aiding causes of developmental disabilities or who have direct personal experience with them. Some of these celebrities might include Toni Braxton, Neil Young, Colin Farrell, Jim Carrey, Jenny McCarthy, Aidan Quinn, Joe Mantegna, Dan Marino and Dough Glutie – all of whom are parents of autistic children and frequent spokespersons for autism awareness campaigns.
Summary
This documentary is not only about how FLAME inspires people, but also how an entire community has supported them and made the band's journey possible. We will trace their humble beginnings within the walls of the disabled community residence of Lexington Center to the as-yet-unknown heights of inspiring millions across the country and the world. It is a story about people helping people to realize their dreams, and takes audiences to the frontlines, battling against stereotypes that keep people from attaining them.