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"Nobody has lukewarm feelings about Athena Reich. When it comes to her brash and theatrical song stylings–an emotionally and politically-charged fusion of cabaret, pop, and folk–the Toronto-bred/New York-based performer figures, for some folks, she’s just too totally radical..." See Magazine "Pop in an Athena Reich disc, and expect talent, originality, a thought-provoking jolt here and there and possibly a touch of offense sprinkled in for good measure..." Red Deer ExpressBIOAthena Reich is a New York City based singer/songwriter and actress who has been performing in television, film, radio and theater since age twelve. Athena has done everything from sketch comedy, to playing a crack-head on TV to painting herself gold and standing still in Times Square for money. "Stranger Things Have Happened" is Athena's quirkiest, liveliest and most fully integrated project to date. Combining folk, punk, ska, pop and cabaret, Athena intertwines her exceptional musicianship into gorgeous and innovative melodies. Her lyrics speak intimately and insightfully about issues such as childhood sexual abuse, queer pride, and global peace. If you've heard her live, you won't be disappointed--she is as emotionally expressive on this CD as if you were seeing her in concert. The CD features a full band of amazing players from Montreal, and live string and horn arrangements by Greg Pliska, who has arranged for Carly Simon and James Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins. Athena began playing classical piano at age 4 and composed her first piece by age 8. At 12 her Improv Comedy Troupe won Best Comedy at the Youth Achievement Awards in 1989 (Host Jim Carrey & Judge Eugene Levy). At age 15, Athena taught herself guitar and soon began performing in cafes, restaurants, and clubs.Athena released her first album, “a sly sardonic grin” in 1998. “Sly” is a compilation of songs (guitar, voice & drums) and spoken word written between the ages of 16-20. From the beginning, her music and lyrics speak boldly about controversial issues such as queer pride, rape, and unrequited lust. She earned her BFA in Music from Concordia University in Montreal. In April 2000 Athena moved to New York City and has been performing ever since.Athena is constantly touring colleges, festivals and bars across the U.S. and Canada. Her sensitive treatment of social issues have attracted a cult following among queer, feminist and activist circles. She has just returned from a 5 month North American tour. Recent venues include Knitting Factory (NYC), Off-Broadway (St. Louis), Zen Sushi (L.A.), Neitzche’s (Buffalo), Herman’s Hideaway (Denver), Uncommon Ground (Chicago), LadyFest East, and LadyFest OHIO. She has shared the bill with Sarah McLachlan, Jim Carrey, The Grapes of Wrath, Tea Party, Veda Hille, Jack Hardy, and Evalyn Parry. Recently, Athena has been featured in numerous media outlets including Marie Claire Magazine, She Magazine, Breakfast Television (Winnipeg), See Magazine (Edmonton), New York Blade, GO NYC, The Toronto Star, XTRA! and CBC 1. She has performed on campus and public radio stations across the continent. In Sept. of 2002, Athena was commissioned by the Wildlife Conservation Society to write a poem for the New York Aquarium. Athena is constantly dazzling theater audiences with her rock opera “Athena Under Attack”. This edgy and emotional one-act sets itself on 9/11 and explores the connection between domestic and global violence. This show has been performed at The Producer’s Club, The 14th St. Y Theater, and LadyFest East and the Toronto Theatre Fringe Festival. In Toronto, “Athena Under Attack” received major media attention and the original cast recording was broadcast on CBC Radio Canada.Athena Reich is a rare new talent. Her music is unique, evocative, fun and wildly entertaining. If it’s not the poignant lyrics or haunting chord progressions that will floor you, then it’s her voice: untamed, virtuous and intensely powerful. Definitely one to watch!
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