John Keane – pedal steel, acoustic and electric guitars, vocals, bass, percussion, organ (all songs but 8, 12)
Caroline Aiken has released 8 albums in her multifarious career, but 2015 marks a first for the seasoned songbird. Broken Wings Heal, the 9th release from Caroline Aiken; has a story like no other, bearing the soul of the songwriter like the metaphor contained in the album’s artwork, a bird being released from a cage.
The inspiration for Broken Wings Heal was sparked 29 years ago, when Caroline welcomed her daughter to the world. But while attending college (4.0 full scholarship), her daughter lost direction, straying into the world of illegal drugs, was arrested. Though no one was hurt, she received a devastating ten-year prison sentence. But this story doesn’t end up a sad one, as the experience and all it has entailed bears a new beauty that shines over the lives of both mother and daughter. It brings them closer. It allows time for reflection, connection and a new direction, and when Caroline’s daughter breaks free from her cage, she will be able to soar to the highest peak, empowered to sing her own song. Broken Wings Heal, is a tribute to her daughter’s strength, love and determination. It’s a heart-on-the-table, hopeful and joyful album, and that’s just the beginning.
Engineered/Produced by Grammy nominated, John Keane (Widespread Panic, REM, Indigo Girls), Broken Wings Heal is a lush and intricate exploration of folk/rock with funk and jazz between the layers. Aiken’s own guitar and piano skills showcase her pure, bluesy vocals, complimented by John’s powerful electric guitar, pedal steel and Randall Bramblett’s horn solos. The title track was written by Boo Ray, and its message echoed Caroline’s own hopes for her daughter, and raises the spirits of all who hear it. “Razor Wire” is a bird’s eye view and positive message of visiting her daughter in prison. “Mysterious Wonder” changes everything up with sultry jazz and vivacious lyrics, originally written in a group of 40 students and staff during Aiken’s time teaching children at a music camp in North Carolina. “Cry Wolf” makes no apologies in amping up the rock ‘n roll edge factor, while “Everything Can Change” (lyrics written by Caroline’s daughter at the age of 12) and finds its place among the rest as a stripped down piano number. Start to finish, Broken Wings Heal is brimming with stories, inspiring messages, and lush, beautiful music that provokes joy, hope and honest to the bone introspection.
Since 1969, I have toured, promoted, booked, managed, recorded, manufactured eight CDs and performed on many other artists’ recordings. I’ve participated in many benefit recordings and performances and raised thousands of dollars for children at risk, breast cancer, safe houses, veterans, many more worthy causes. I currently play national and international festivals, college and community radio, theaters, house concerts and concert series in the USA, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Central and South America and Europe. It’s an honor to be entrusted with people’s homes and to be invited into their circle of friends and family while touring and teaching.
I began mentoring the Indigo Girls in 1980, beginning my love of helping people get to the stage with a positive experience. I give workshops called Zen and the Art of Performance, Songwriting In Your Sleep, and Guerilla Guitarsworks. I am president of the Athens Clark County chapter of non profit 501-c-3 “Guitars Not Guns and Guitars Players Against Gun Violence” (www.guitarsnotguns.org). Raising money in order to buy starter guitars for at risk kids, teaching them lessons and telling them that they get to keep their guitars at graduation is a labor of love that fills my heart with joy watching their eager faces. I also teach grownups how to be kids again on the mic, on stage, and in front of an audience. It is a great pleasure to help someone find their voice and release their message.
I was the Entertainment Director of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Atlanta, Ga for 12 years; ’93-’05. As a musician for so many years, I then learned what it was like to be a talent buyer. I vowed to take good care of my artists, stage hands, and volunteers. I booked Dave Mason, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones, Allman Bros, Eric Clapton), Randall Bramblett, members of B52s (Cindy Wilson), Mavis Staples, Sugarland, Jennifer Nettles, Shawn Mullins, and so many others. Each year, I managed a $150,000 budget, booked and contracted over 100 acts, built and staffed 8 stages (sound, lights, art, signage, logistics of each stage) hired 50 workers, and found in-kind sponsorships of food, hotel rooms, a million dollar tour bus for the green room. I brought in a world class promotions team, reintroduced the high school art competition, and in 2003, raised $600,000 at the stages so that the ADF could buy their office space outright, never having to pay another rent check.
Being a truly independent artist means I have full responsibility of whether something gets done or not. I knew I had to crowdfund or I wouldn’t be able to record. Asking for money and support was awkward and scary, but I knew I must if I was going to put out this next CD with John Keane.
The title song, “Broken Wings Heal” is by Boo Ray, a Nashville songwriter who I first met in Athens, GA in 2008, and fell in love with the vernacular and spirit of this song, which cuts right to the bone, and says everything I need it to say and more. It is a beautiful centerpiece to this recording, which centers around and explores the fall and rise of a loved one.
I’m learning to appreciate every moment, every nuance of life. These songs are stirred and born from that appreciation and from the yearning to be in the moment and deal with life on life’s terms. I’m healing in front of you and I feel naked and exposed. I am creating a new path with every step.
You have reaffirmed my belief that we could all come together on a cosmic level to make a difference. You helped create a new platform that gives us a common language, a compass with which to gauge life, creating a code book in which to communicate. Your contributions have been a life line and have enabled these songs to reach out into the world. Thank you!
Michael Pierce is a beloved artist based in Athens GA with an international reach. I’ve known Michael and his inspired artwork since 1977 in Macon, Georgia. Michael’s art for BROKEN WINGS HEAL focuses on a beautiful golden gilded cage that I found on the side of the road while on tour in Austin Texas, April 2014. It was calling to me, waiting for me. How did it not get picked up before I got there?! With this cage, Michael has created the perfect image depicting the human desire for freedom. His vision has given this CD the beauty and grace that I see every time I look into my daughter’s gorgeous, hopeful, bright and clear eyes.
This CD is dedicated to my daughter, Sarah Page. As an honor student with the highest GPA in her class, she was on a full HOPE scholarship to Georgia State University when she became addicted to heroin. She has been incarcerated for the past seven and a half years for acting out in desperation during the withdrawals. Fortunately no one was hurt and prison saved her life, and my beautiful, smart and sensitive girl returned to me. She has not only recovered but she is thriving. She has taught over 300 women, helping them to obtain their GEDs. Presently, she works hard for her 4.0 GPA in her accredited college courses. She is singing and playing guitar in the traveling choir and participating in the dog program that rehabs pound pups and teaches inmates to be vet assistants. She has begun the Theology program with the prison’s chaplain and in 2017 she will come home. Rising out of the ashes, she flies towards the sun. Broken Wings Heal.
Born in Atlanta, she began performing live in 1968 in a rock band called Fathertime, based in Long Island. It wasn't long before she was busking around the country, honing her craft as a songwriter and developing a remarkable fingerpicking style on her guitar. Bonnie Raitt graced her 1988 LP “Line of Vision” and she's played on stages worldwide with Doc Watson, Jesse Colin Young, John Hartford, David Bromberg, Muddy Waters, Arlo Guthrie, Richie Havens and many more. After re-locating back home to Atlanta in 1986, she's become the heart of the singer/songwriter scene there, inspiring artists like the Indigo Girls and Shawn Mullins, and thrilling audiences everywhere with her riveting stage presence.
On her 9th LP release “Broken Wings Heal,” she continues her streak of superb albums featuring music that ranges in style from folk to rhythm and blues, from ballads to rockers. The album boasts a cast of guest musicians that would turn any artist green with envy, including John Keane (who also produced), Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls), Randall Bramblett (Steve Winwood, Sea Level, Bonnie Raitt), Ike Stubblefield (Motown B3 master), Michelle Malone, Michael Steele (Bangles), Gerry Hansen (Shawn Mullins, Levon Helm), Charlie Wooten (Royal Southern Brotherhood) and others. The album opens with the lovely and inspirational “Mission of Angels,” followed by the tender “Fragile,” and then Aiken kicks it in with the title track, a bluesy number co-written with Atlanta bluesman Boo Ray and Steve Ferrone, formerly of Average White Band and currently drummer for Tom Petty's Heartbreakers. Her R&B sensibilities shine on “Mysterious Wonder” and “Cry Wolf,” destined to become a funk classic. The album wraps with the beautiful “Butler Field,” a moving acoustic piece featuring the aforementioned Emily Saliers providing lovely harmonies both vocally and on guitar.
We all need a helping hand from time to time. As members of the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters, you can apply for assistance through our Member Assistance Program (MAP). Under this program, members can qualify for assistance with dues or costs incurred as a result of a catastrophic event. Learn More
"Walkable neighborhoods with access to public transit, better commutes, and proximity to the people and places you love are the key to a happier, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle." -- the Walk Score site
The website Walk Score assigns a walkability score to a neighborhood and assesses proximity to transit and schools, travel times on foot or by bike, and whether errands require a car.
Many residents approach the town with concerns about speeding in neighborhoods.The Residential Traffic Management Plan represents a commitment by the Town of Carrboro to promote the safety and liveablility of residential neighborhoods. The Residential Traffic Management Plan provides a process for identifying and addressing existing problems related to speeding, excessive volumes, and safety on town-maintained residential streets. Actions taken are based on this policy.
Pedbikeinfo.org is a website run by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) with resources, guidance, case studies, and links on pedestrian safety, education, enforcement, and infrastructure.
The Federal Highway Administration puts out A Resident's Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities.
Regardless of body style, the 2013 BMW 3 Series is an impressively well-rounded and highly desirable entry-level luxury car.
The 2013 BMW 3 Series wagon is fully redesigned, aligning it with the next-generation sedan that debuted last year. Both benefit from now-standard power front seats and a new M Sport equipment line, while "xDrive" all-wheel drive makes its return to the sedan lineup. Meanwhile, the ActiveHybrid3 makes its debut for 2013, offering 28 mpg combined and an eye-popping price.
Last year's introduction of the new BMW 3 Series was a very big deal. In Germany, we imagine parades being held in its honor with blue-and-white checkered flags flapping from windows as men in lederhosen clang steins of Franziskaner together in a foamy exclamation of celebratory revelry. In America, the new 3 Series represents the reinvention of not only the best-selling luxury car in this country but also the most heralded sport sedan of all time. No Bavarian parade, perhaps, but still very much noteworthy.
However, last year's redesign only applied to the 328i and 335i sedan. For the 2013 BMW 3 Series, the wagon model gets the same changes as its conventionally trunked sibling; the coupe and convertible are still unchanged. The new-generation sedan and wagon are larger, but weigh less. The steering is now electrically assisted in an effort to improve fuel efficiency, and unfortunately it's lost a bit of that trademark BMW steering feel in the process. Like all recently introduced BMW models, the 3 Series sedan and wagon get Driving Dynamics Control, which allows the driver to select among four modes that alter throttle response, steering effort and shift patterns of the automatic transmission.
The most noteworthy difference between the newer four-door body styles and the carryover two-doors is under the hood of the 328i. Whereas the coupe and convertible maintain the traditional, naturally aspirated inline-6 engine, the sedan and wagon get a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces more horsepower and achieves 5 mpg more on the EPA combined driving cycle. That's what you call a win-win. Meanwhile, the 335i's turbocharged inline-6 is the same regardless of body style or generation, and it's one of the most invigorating engines in the luxury segment even while nearly matching the four-cylinder's fuel economy.
Unique changes for the 2013 BMW 3 Series Wagon are restricted to the cargo area. The split two-piece liftgate continues, only now the top piece is power-operated. Plus an optional feature allows you to open it simply by swiping a foot under the bumper, which is handy when your hands are full with luggage, groceries, or children.
Less impressive is the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid3 sedan that also debuts for 2013. As the name suggests, it features a gasoline-electric powertrain to improve both fuel economy and performance. However, based on current fuel costs, it would take about 62 years to pay back the ActiveHybrid's price premium over a similarly equipped 328i. Plus, the hybrid is only a half-second quicker from zero to 60 mph than its turbo-4 sibling, which is hardly what we'd call bang for your buck.
Yet even if the ActiveHybrid3 represents a questionable purchase, every other 2013 BMW 3 Series is worth serious consideration. Strong competitors like the Audi A4 and A5, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti G and Mercedes-Benz C-Class should make your decision much harder. None, however, has the overwhelming variety of the BMW 3 Series.
Every body style starts off as the 328i. The sedan comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, cruise control, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, the iDrive electronics interface and a premium sound system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The wagon, which is only offered as the 328i, differs only in that it adds a power liftgate that allows you to open it simply by swiping your foot under the bumper (keyless entry/ignition is required).
The coupe differs with a sport-tuned suspension and manually adjustable front seats (power-adjustable is an option), while the convertible gets a power-retractable hardtop and 10-way power front seats with memory functions. Both two-door body styles add adaptive xenon headlights and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat.
The 335i sedan and ActiveHybrid3 get unique powertrains, although both come equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive and auto-leveling xenon headlights, automatic high beams and a sunroof. The coupe and convertible are similarly equipped, but feature 17-inch wheels instead and lack standard iDrive, the LED running lights and automatic high beams. The convertible adds heat-reflective leather upholstery.
Most of the extra items on certain body styles and trims are available as options on the others. There are many other options available as well, most of which are available both within packages and as stand-alone options. These include larger wheels, an automatic parking system (sedan and wagon only), headlight washers, parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry, an active steering system, heated front seats, heated rear seats (sedan and wagon only), a heated steering wheel, a power rear sunshade (coupe only), the BMW Assist emergency communications system, a navigation system (adds iDrive on coupe and convertible), a head-up display (sedan and wagon only), satellite radio and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.
Finally, the sedan and wagon can be equipped with four optional equipment lines -- Luxury, Modern, Sport and M Sport -- that include different wheel designs, color schemes, trim types, seats, steering wheels and even suspension tuning.
The 328i sedan and wagon are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while xDrive all-wheel drive is optional. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; an eight-speed automatic is optional on the sedan and standard on the wagon. Both transmissions come with an auto stop-start function that turns off the engine when the car stops in order to save fuel. In Edmunds performance testing, a manual-equipped 328i sedan went from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds -- quicker than all its four-cylinder competitors. EPA-estimated fuel economy with the automatic is 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined, while the manual is similar at 22/34/26 mpg. Both are exceptional for the class.
The 328i coupe and convertible get a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual are standard; a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are optional. BMW estimates a manual-equipped coupe will go from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds -- other body style and drivetrain combinations will take a second longer than that. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18/28/22 mpg for the rear-drive coupe regardless of transmission. The convertible and/or all-wheel drive achieves 1 or 2 mpg less in each EPA driving cycle.
All 335i models regardless of body style get a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Each body style gets the same transmission and drivetrain choices as their respective 328i versions. BMW estimates a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds for the sedan, and in Edmunds performance testing the coupe was a little quicker than that. Fuel economy estimates for the 335i sedan are outstanding at 23/33/26 mpg with the automatic and 20/30/23 mpg with the manual. The coupe gets a still solid 19/28/22 mpg with rear-wheel drive and the manual. The automatic and all-wheel drive drop those estimates by 1 or 2 mpg depending on body style.
The 335is has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder good for 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. There is also a temporary overboost function that bumps max torque up to 370 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed automated dual-clutch manual known as DCT is optional. In Edmunds performance testing, a manual-equipped 335is coupe went from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. Fuel economy with the manual is 18/26/21 mpg and 17/24/19 mpg with DCT.
And finally, there's the ActiveHybrid3. It pairs the 335i's engine to the eight-speed automatic, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. All together, it produces 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Despite this, BMW says it will hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds -- barely quicker than its cheaper, less powerful sedan siblings. Fuel economy is disappointing, too, returning 25/33/28 mpg. Better than the others, but not by much.
Every 2013 BMW 3 Series comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The sedan and wagon get front knee airbags. The convertible lacks the side curtain airbags, but the regular front-seat side airbags extend up to head level and there are also pop-up rollover hoops.
The stability control system integrates several features designed to improve braking performance, such as periodically wiping the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are in use and automatically snugging the pads to the rotors when the driver abruptly lifts off the throttle. BMW Assist emergency communications is optional and includes automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery and on-demand roadside assistance.
In Edmunds brake testing, a 328i sedan with 18-inch summer tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 115 feet, an average distance for this type of car with summer tires.
In government crash testing, the sedan received five out of five stars for overall crash protection, plus four stars for frontal protection and five for side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the sedan the highest possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests. It received the second-worst rating of "Marginal" in the Institute's new small overlap front crash test, but few cars have been subjected to this test, and a majority received a similar rating or worse.
The cabins of the redesigned 3 Series sedan and wagon get a more contemporary update compared to the two-door body styles, especially around the dash, doors and center console. The newer four-door models come with four choices of equipment lines -- Luxury, Modern, Sport and M Sport. Among other things, these choices change the color scheme and trim type in the cabin. It's a nice touch that allows a greater amount of customization.
BMW's iDrive remains a somewhat complicated electronics interface (it's standard on every four-door and included on two-doors with navigation). At times it can take too many clicks, twists and turns of the control knob to perform certain tasks, but it does provide a wide range of vehicle customization that'll reward an owner willing to park for a bit and learn the ropes.
The base-model seats are comfortable and supportive, while the purpose-built seats of the sport packages are even more so. Materials and build quality within the cabin are exceptional; even the standard leatherette (vinyl) upholstery looks and feels better than one would expect. The convertible's available heat-reflective leather does a wonderful job of keeping posteriors cool.
The backseat of the 3 Series is one of the more spacious in the entry-level luxury segment regardless of body style, and the added overall length of the new four-door models adds even a little more legroom front and rear. Trunk space is average in the coupe, while the wagon offers a maximum cargo capacity of 53 cubic feet -- more than BMW's X1 and basically equal to the Audi Allroad. The convertible offers a reasonable cargo hold when the hardtop is up, but predictably shrinks considerably when the top is lowered. Still, it's possible to store a standard roller suitcase back there or two smaller bags.
With its new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, electrically driven steering, multiple drive settings and all-new chassis, the 2013 BMW 3 Series sedan and wagon provide a slightly different driving experience than that of the carryover two-door cars. The four-doors have a smoother ride, making them superior long-distance cruisers. And while the sedan and wagon still have sharp reflexes, their new steering doesn't offer quite as much feedback as what's provided by the older coupe and convertible. In terms of being exceptionally fun to drive, the BMW 3 Series is no longer a runaway leader for the sport sedan class.
Still, we have no complaints about the 328i sedan's new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It provides quick acceleration and a healthy boost to fuel economy. Most shoppers will be pretty happy with this engine. But should you want the traditional inline-6 experience, the 335i adds a huge wallop of turbo torque that's always on tap, while the 335is goes a bit further and sounds especially delectable to boot.