MISSION STATEMENT

We are on the forefront of a new era. The world around us, both globally and locally, is changing. With change comes inevitable challenges, but more importantly, with challenge comes boundless opportunity. It is my belief that the merit of each generation lies in its ability to adapt to the changes that occur, to rise to the challenges that are presented, and to seize the opportunity to use change as a tool to create a better world for the next generation to come.


Much like the revolutionists of the 1960’s, our generation is marked by a wave of creative individuals who have fought hard against the oppressive hands of the social and political institutions that have sent the false message that power and success lie only in the form of monetary wealth, three-piece suits, and corporate overtaking. Such beliefs have created an “us vs. them” mentality that has built walls between art and commerce, and created a false sense of mutual exclusivity lending to the notion that power lies only in major corporations and government institutions.


Now, as we watch those walls crumble quickly to the ground, we are faced with our generation’s call to power, and the emergence of the creative class. More than ever, the voice of the creative community is resonating with the needs of our global and local societies, and is becoming the forum for the new generation of leadership. Artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, activists, and creative minds of every medium and caliber are becoming increasingly empowered as creativity has become not just a cultural garnish, but a necessary mentality for progress to occur.


It is with this firm belief that I have created A Crack In The Wall, a non-exclusive and ever-expanding network of creative individuals who seek to use their talents as a means for progress. A Crack In The Wall was founded upon the following four principles:

UNITY: Above all, this is a community. Power lies not in money, but in numbers, not in exclusivity, but in inclusive collaboration. A Crack In The Wall seeks to bring together a network of creative minds of every medium, race, gender, and economic and social background, with the intention of nourishing the individual and collective talents of every member to create an interconnected system of support. By supporting and promoting the voices and projects of every creative mind, we make the creative community as a whole even stronger.


CREATIVITY: While the long-term vision of A Crack In The Wall is to build a community of artists to work together for greater causes, the root of our strength lies in the creative output of its members. We are, after all, artists. To create is our means of survival. To express, in whatever infinite number of ways one chooses, is our contribution to the world. And while we will continue to create whether or not anyone cares to acknowledge our creations, we know that having the eyes and ears of a supportive community is what empowers us as artists, and encourages us to continue creating. A Crack In The Wall is that supportive community. By recording and promoting creative movements throughout the community (art shows, concerts, publications, events, etc.), A Crack In The Wall aims to empower the many creative voices that make up our network.


SERVICE: Every artist needs a vision. While the road that leads to fulfilling that vision will undoubtedly present an array of detours along the way, a vision is what keeps us moving forward. The vision behind A Crack In The Wall is to cultivate a pool of individuals who believe in the power of action and the need for progress. We are facing an era of desperate need for action. War, poverty, climate change, disease and hunger are all blatant realities of our generation, and there is no excuse for apathy. Artists are familiar with their notoriety for being self-indulgent, for turning inward, away from society, so that they may refine and authenticate their unique creative expression. While this is a very real part of the individual creative process, it is also what gives artists the unique sensitivity to see what is wrong with the world around them, and to use that to create beauty. It is this sensitivity that arms the creative community with the power to create massive change. As a group of artists, we will work together to raise awareness of the demanding issues with which we are faced, and to use our collective talents to fundraise, promote and contribute to those causes we seek to nurture.


DIALOGUE: The world around us is constantly changing, and our views and beliefs are constantly evolving with our accumulation of experiences, information, and contact with those whose ideas may clash with our own. Whether these views are targeted toward art, music, film, literature, or the social and political climate, it is vital that we remain in dialogue with one another so that we can expand and build upon the ideas within our own comfort zone, and transcend the barriers that divide us in order to build a stronger, more informed community. A Crack In The Wall seeks to provide this forum. I encourage you to contribute to the “forum” section of the website so that we may keep a constant stream of information flowing throughout our network. Please feel free to post questions, comments, discussions, as well as news of any emerging artists or upcoming events you feel should be represented. There are no qualifications. There are no wrong answers, or for that matter, wrong questions. Let your voice be heard.

The time has come for the creative movement to take center stage as the unifying force in our communities, and to seize the opportunity we have been given to make our voices heard. This is our chance to use our talents as our tools for progress and positive change within our communities both here and abroad, and most importantly, to have fun and explore the limitless realm of creativity.

Welcome to A Crack In The Wall. Make yourself comfortable, and then make yourself known. All are welcome.


--Cassie

Chiara Angelicola "Masquerade" CD Release Party @ Bottom of the Hill

(painting by Cassie Tregellas)

One of San Francisco’s rising young musical stars, Chiara Angelicola will be releasing her sophomore album, “Masquerade,” on a tri-city release tour:

Monday, Nov 17 in Los Angeles:
Industry Showcase @ The Derby in Los Feliz

Tuesday, Nov 18 in San Francisco:
CD Release party @ Bottom of the Hill

Tuesday, Nov 25 in Santa Cruz:
CD Release party @ The Crepe Place

www..myspace.com/chiaramusic

www.chiara-angelicola.com

Jaguar Love w/ Polysics @ Bottom of the Hill

In case you haven’t heard...Johnny Whitney & Cody Votolato (Blood Brothers) have teamed up with drummer Jay Clark (Pretty Girls Make Graves) to form Jaguar Love, an indie/dancerock team guaranteed to satisfy your need for ear-piercing vocals and solid grooves. Touring with Head Automatica’s Craig Bonich (bass) and Jessie Nelson (keys), Jag Love is a band you don’t want to miss...and not just because they all look so good in tight white pants and matching vests.

Check them out at the Bottom of the Hill in SF, Thurs Nov. 13th!

www.myspace.com/jaguarloveband

Everybody Else @ The Phoenix

LA-based Indie Rock/Pop trio, Everybody Else, will be performing at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma on Monday, November 10th @ 7pm.

Yes...yes, it’s true...they have been touring with the late 90’s pop sensations, Hanson (yes...the Mmmmbops)...but aside from being friends of mine, EBE is a band well-worth enduring the squeals of young teenage girls for. Lead singer, Carrick Moore Garety (of the Push Kings), Bassist, Austin James Williams, and Drummer, Mikey McCormack...they’re talented, they’re hot, and I promise you they’ll have you dancing...no matter how old you are.

Check out their music @ www.myspace.com/everybodyelse