Words You Can Use: The BAVC BLOG

by Robert Collins, Manager, BUMP Records

Our third day in NYC allowed us to recharge….a little. We didn’t have any screenings or performances scheduled, but we did have a little networking to do. Two of the “Going on 13” funders, Chicken & Egg Pictures and Working Films, held a reception for 3 films they produced that were part of the festival. The whole crew attended and got a chance to rub elbows with some big wigs. After dinner I had to make sure I kept my promise to Ryah to take her to Times Square. Lets just say she was on top of the world!

On the fourth day, we found ourselves back in the mix. We had a short screening and performance on the agenda. We were scheduled to visit the Lower East Side Girls Club(a very cool place BTW) and have Ryah participate in their weekly performance workshop with local female musicians. The LESGC also had a private screening of the movie trailer and film shorts that were produced by the some of the young ladies in the film.

The LESGC is an awesome space where the girls learn entrepreneurship by running a cafe, can work in a multi-media lab, and learn about environmental awareness and leadership. Ryah was asked to participate in a workshop where the girls would ask questions about her performance experience and background as an artist. Ryah was joined by Eagle Nebula and Erika Rose, both of whom are well regarded independent artists. Once the talk ended it was time to ‘Rock the Mic’ as they say. As the opening artist I wasn’t sure if Ryah was nervous about her first “show” in New York City. But, like the consummate professional that she is, she stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park.

Watch the video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=baoCi9YclcI

After Ryah received her applause it was time for the other performers to hit the stage. I could tell they were ‘nervous’ seeing as how Ryah lit the stage on fire and all. Eagle Nebula is an amazing MC originally from Los Angeles but currently residing in Brooklyn. Erika Rose is a singer/songwriter who lives in New York and actually co-wrote “A Woman’s Worth” along with the one and only Alicia Keys. After Erika’s performance Ryah took a picture with her and was given an incredible compliment. Erika asked Ryah if she would be interested in singing back-up for her when she comes to perform in California this summer. That’s pretty cool if I do say so myself.

To be continued…