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.
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