Projects

Cinderella Falling

Cinderella Falling is Margaret Bernstein's new hit single from the upcoming album Distant Thunder due out in 2010. More information here. Available for purchase through CD Baby.

VIEW THE CINDERELLA FALLING MUSIC VIDEO ON YOUTUBE!: Here

The Bricks In The Wall Projects

The aim of the “Bricks in the Wall“ project, which consists of an audio CD, a music video, and performances with a live band is to bring healing, awareness and education of domestic violence through music to the public. The performances consist of original songs from Margaret Bernstein's “Bricks in the Wall” album performed by a live five-piece band in addition to original instrumental compositions and a showing of the “Bricks in the Wall” music video. Our goal is to have the concerts free to the public in order to accommodate the greatest number of people possible. Another objective of Azalea Blossom Inc and the “Bricks" project is to join resources with other organizations who are working on behalf of domestic violence. The “Bricks in the Wall” tour will be modeled after the three initial concerts that took place in New York State in March 2007, which were held in conjunction with domestic violence programs in Long Island, NY (Nassau Coalition against Domestic Violence), Greene County, NY (Columbia-Greene County Domestic Violence Program sponsored by Community Action of Greene County), and Troy, NY (the Troy YWCA's Women in Transition program).

As the songs from “Bricks” are based on personal stories of women who survived domestic violence relationships, a focus of the concerts is to heal and inspire women who are undergoing abuse in their relationships and to provide them with ongoing resources and support. The “Bricks in the Wall” album is a chronological journey of a woman in an abusive situation, beginning with the recognition that there is something amiss in the relationship, to getting through the pain and experiencing the “Light at the End of the Tunnel”. It encompasses the many emotions that a woman may endure in her journey to emancipate herself from the abuse including fear, anger and sadness. In addition, it embraces experiences that women in similar situations may endure, including acknowledging the violence and seeking help, obtaining custody, and having the courage to make a life change. “Bricks” provides comfort while offering encouragement, compassion and hope.

As with the “Bricks in the Wall” album and music video, the “Bricks in the Wall,” concerts aim at increasing general awareness of domestic violence and educating the public on the more subtle implications and misunderstood concepts of the problem, including verbal and emotional abuse, while providing audience attendees means of obtaining help. We believe that music is a powerful vehicle through which to convey an important message and provide information and options.

An important component of the “Bricks” project is to involve the domestic violence program and/or shelter from the city or district in which the concert is taking place, by inviting and encouraging clients and staff workers to come to the concerts. The organization or shelter will be promoted during the concert and will be encouraged to provide a table of pamphlets and other information in addition to being listed on the Azalea Blossom website. Another important component of the “Bricks” tour project is to involve youth. This is especially important, as they are part of our target audience. High school students from local Girl Scout or 4H groups will be asked to volunteer to help distribute information and act as ushers during the concerts.

Watch the "Bricks in the Wall" video:

The Bricks In the Wall Band is...
From left to right: Iris Ornig, Marla Bracco, Margaret Bernstein, Sue Taylor and Julian Augier

Azalea Blossom Inc. - SAFE through the Arts Program

Azalea Blossom Incorporated, a not for profit 501 c3 organization based in Rensselaerville, NY is sponsoring the SAFE through the Arts program, an educational program for middle school students on the awareness and prevention of domestic violence. The program, which is targeted for seventh graders, is based upon three key components: Self Affirmation, Financial independence, and Education of non-violence.

To learn more about Azalea Blossom, SAFE through the Arts, and the "Bricks" project, please visit www.azaleablossom.com