May 8, 2019
Media Contact:
Founder, Chief Executive Officer | Kristen Faith
Email: kristen@breakthesilencedv.org
Battle of the Bands: Summer Kick Off Benefit for Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence
Colorado Springs, Colorado – Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence is excited to announce the inaugural summer kick-off of the battle of the bands benefit at the Gold Room on Thursday, May 30 at 6 pm.
Members of the community and news media are welcome. Prodigal Child will be opening up the show with a fun performance alongside local musicians. There will be 3 different bands competing for the best band with judges to award the winner. One band will be selected as the Colorado Springs BOTB Crowd Favorite.
The performing bands at this event are:
● Juannah
● Cross Centered Records
● Stray Suns
Come enjoy local music from bands who have donated their time for this benefit. Local survivors will also be there sharing their stories in between performances.
Along with the music, there will be raffles to raise money for the cause. An autographed Luke Bryan guitar will be included in the raffle.
The mission of this event is to join music and domestic violence awareness together. Music has the power to bring the community together even through domestic violence. Everyone has the ability to make a difference. Music is is a meaningful way to combine the message with survivor stories. In February, Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence hosted the Grand Opening of their new office located inside Mt. Carmel Veterans Resource Center.
“We’re here to inspire while raising awareness for domestic violence with the community by intertwining stories from local survivors and musicians, come on out it is going to be the perfect way to kick off the summer,” said Kristen Faith, BTSADV Founder, and CEO.
Tickets are on sale now. Pre-sale tickets will be $10 and tickets will be $15 at the door. For tickets go to www.goldroomlive.com or Eventbrite.
Can’t come but would love to support? Become a monthly member for as low as $5 a month. Text BTS to 91999 from your smart device, donate online at www.btsadv.org, or give in-person at the Gold Room.
Meet our Emcee, Christina Wells
Christina is a Colorado Springs local currently pursuing her love of visual art through local murals, paintings, and graphic design. She has filled the walls of the St. Francis Medical center, private residences, the CSC, and now has a whole summer packed with commissioned paintings and murals all around the city. Graduating with her Bachelor in Fine Arts and Musical Theatre in St. Louis she has taken her talents to New York, Dubai, and now back here locally where she is teaching voice and dance at the CSC.
Christina also is currently recording her first album of original works and plans to have it out to the public by 2020 still while performing all around the city. She is thrilled to be a part of BTSADV and is humbled to be asked to Emcee the first Battle of the Bands in Colorado Springs.
Opener The Prodigal Child, JJ
Timeless music has the power to transform lives and bring hope for better days. Actor & singer/songwriter, JJ Sharpe redefines songwriting and musicianship. His craft has been highlighted at major community and cultural events in front of thousands of raging fans singing his lyrics. He is known for his inspirational single, “Better Days,” and is currently working on a new project: “Prodigal Child” – slated for a late 2019 release.
With so much already in the rearview for JJ Sharpe, his future looks as bright as any star on the rise.
Meet the Bands
Juannah
Juannah was born when Hannah Pinar, a dancer, and Colorado Springs native, met percussionist and Colombian, Juan Vargas while traveling in South America 3 years ago.
The two immediately bonded through their love of music and pushed each other to explore their talent and create together. Hannah’s sweet voice carries a jazzy pop vibe, and her lyrics are thoughtful, featuring a wide range of human emotion. Juan’s guitar and mix of instruments is interesting and never lacks a danceable rhythm.
This duo loves improvisation and has been known to break into spontaneous jam sessions during live performances.
Cross Centered Records
Cross Centered Records (CCR) is a Christian Hip-Hop record label based in Colorado Springs, CO. CCR was founded by Isaiah “Genesis” Seaborn in 2010, with a mission to bring unbelievers into a cross centered relationship with Christ, and encourage current believers to continue moving the gospel.
Starting out merely as a joke, Genesis (then calling himself I-Mac) made silly songs about high school life. Hearing the call on his life he incorporated the gospel in his music and released his first solo album entitled “Cross Centered.” This change paved the way for what is now Cross Centered Records. Genesis teamed up with Kim Seaborn, Moriah Seaborn, Outre’ The Unconventional and 2Tall to “Move The Gospel.”
Stray Suns
Stray Suns play songs to move people. Combining elements from funk, rock, jazz, and many more, Stray Suns creates a style that uniquely captures an audience and never lets go.
The “alt-rock” group based out of Colorado Springs, CO is comprised of Jake Oakey (vocals, rhythm guitar), Addison Slone (lead guitar), Tim Miller (bass), and Joe Della Penna (drums).
You can hear their different approach throughout the night -one song may be an up-tempo 70’s funk homage while the next tune might be a progressive jazz/R&B mashup. Stray Suns never disappoint with their musicianship and creativity on the stage.
While they are professional players, they make sure to not take themselves too seriously. You can often find them joking around, playing Mario Kart, or making fun of one another on stage (don’t worry, they’re not actually kicking Tim from the band). Their first album, “Until Further Notice”, is currently under production at Augminished Studios, and is scheduled to release January 19, 2019.
Meet the Judges
Sipho N’Jedi T’Challa
Poet, Photographer, Activist & Social Organizer; N’Jedi hailing from Savannah, Ga earned his spoken word chops on the open mic circuit of 7 cities Virginia.
First as a co-creator and event organizer of Poetic Expressions, an artist collective and community outreach organization; then later as a studious poet/spoken word artist. He and his cohorts have spread the word that poetry is still very alive and vibrant art.
Producing art showcases at numerous churches, universities, and business across America. A recent addition to the Colorado Springs NAACP Criminal Justice Division. Sipho has continued to be the voice for the voiceless, the historian of the forgotten.
Shelby Pywell
Shelby Pywell became the Director of Catering for The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel and Spa in November of 2011. After 8 months was named Director of Sales and then 3 months later became The General Manager, where she has stayed for the last 8 years.
She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and a minor in Organizational Management. She has truly fallen in love with Colorado Springs and the growing potential of the city and what it has to offer. She tries to lead by example and understand every job and perspective of her employees.
Shelby has over the last 8 years helped owner Perry Sanders transition many different projects and now holds along with her General Manager Title for Mining Exchange, the Title of CEO of Timeless Management; the management company that oversees all of the properties currently held by Mr. Sanders.
In her spare time, Shelby is very active in her community. She is an active Board Member of PPLA (Pikes Peak Lodging Association, Secretary of the Visit Colorado Springs board and a member of Reach Pikes Peak board as well. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts named her General Manager of The Year 2014 and the hotel itself has been recognized by several different outlets.
Lt. Col. Mark E. Cipolla
Lt Col Mark E. Cipolla enlisted in the Air Force in 1989 through the Basic Military Training School. After spending nearly 12 years enlisted in the Law Enforcement and Information Management career fields, he earned his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Wright State University. He’s had various assignments in the Personnel and Services career fields.
In his most recent assignment at the Pentagon, he was Military Advisor to Air Force Senior Career Civilian in the selectively manned Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. Lt Col Cipolla is the Deputy Director, 66th Force Support Squadron, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts.
He directs manpower, personnel and services support for 7,000+ military personnel and their dependents, 2,000 civilian personnel, 125,000 retirees, 3 Senior Raters & 34 Squadron Commanders and Directors.
He leads a diverse 366-member unit in Director’s absence and oversees the base’s 2nd largest unit w/5 flights and an annual budget of 18.2 million dollars. He provides strategic A1 guidance from AFMC & AFPC to Group and Squadron Commanders and Material Leaders. He serves as installation mortuary officer and develops, monitors, and analyzes statistical data and effectiveness for operational programs while meeting the AF strategic mission.
He has deployed to the 363rd Transportation Squadron, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, 821st Expeditionary Squadron, Camp Taji, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN, and the Combined Joint Task Force Paladin, Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Kay Collins Maloney
Kay Collins Maloney is director of the Space Superiority business area within Harris Corporation’s Space and Intelligence Systems segment. Space and Intelligence Systems offers complete Earth observation, weather, geospatial, space protection, and intelligence solutions from advanced sensors and payloads, ground processing, and information analytics.
Collins Maloney, who joined Harris in 2004, is responsible for the business
strategy, financial performance, and successful execution of all Harris Space Superiority programs. Harris provides the full spectrum of enterprise
architecture solutions needed to gain, maintain, and exploit space superiority. Collins Maloney received her Bachelor of Science degree in information technology from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Science degree in systems engineering from Florida Institute of Technology.
Jen Furda
Jen Furda is a true networker. Her passion for community engagement is inspiring for so many leaders here in Colorado Springs. Her passion for serving nonprofits has paved the way for social change for many. Jen’s professional background is incredibly diverse. She designs and leads programs associated with strategic business issues, partnerships and opportunities. Manages specific aspects of special programs within the organization. Leads midsize work streams of member retention and loyalty programs. Leads moderately complex work streams for the Southern Colorado Communities at Large.
