#staffsat

[beyondrock]

Staff Saturdays: Sean Dolan

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm a Julliard-trained percussionist that is sometimes mistaken for a Julliard-trained singer :-)

Who are your biggest musical influences?

So many to list. Hmm, Sting would be my top musical influence, but the full list would include my HS and college mentors, Mike Lipsey and Gordon Gottlieb. Also, John Bonham, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stewart Copeland, Gustav Mahler, and Igor Stravinsky, just to name a few. 

How many years have you been involved with Beyond Rock?

Since 2007.

What do you love most about Beyond Rock?

Honestly, what excites me most is how much I learn from the kids at the camp. Music is such a shared experience. I try to share whatever I can with the campers so they will have a great time, but also have a great concert at the end of it all. I know the kids come to BR to have fun and learn how to rock out, but, through the process of rehearsing and just spending time with all these wonderful budding musicians, I end up learning so much about myself and my craft. I'm continually amazed at how rewarding an experience it is for me. 

Share a story about your favorite moment(s) at Beyond Rock.

My favorite moments are always the epiphanies. When I show a student something that they've never attempted before (and they're sure they'll fail at) and they nail it and give me that look of, "That just came out of ME???" Absolutely no better feeling on the planet. 

How has your time with Beyond Rock impacted you personally and/or professionally?

I think I've said it already, but I've become a better teacher, a better student, and a better overall musician through Beyond Rock. Personally and professionally, I have expanded my arsenal of great musicians/friends to work with throughout the years at the camp.

Where can we come see you play?

I play all over now with many different bands and ensembles, including Rockjunky, Jesus Christ Pose (A Soundgarden Tribute Band), The Kenny Ford Band, A Hank Lane Productions Band, among many others. I will also be playing some shows this summer with fellow Beyond Rock teacher, Steve Archdeacon! I'm also the drummer for Off-Broadway's Cougar: The Musical. 

Any YouTube videos you'd like to share? 

A cover of Rush's "Limelight" with fellow BR teacher, Steve Archdeacon.

A cover of Soundgarden's "Black Rain" with Jesus Christ Pose.

A cover of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" with Rockjunky.

A cover of Soundgarden's "The Day I Tried To Live" with Jesus Christ Pose.

[beyondrock]

Staff Saturdays: Steve Archdeacon

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm a singer/songwriter, guitarist, independent recording artist and performing musician based in Commack, NY. I'm currently the Coordinator of the Long Island Chapter of Songsalive, which is a worldwide songwriting community that supports and promotes original music. My main passion in life is music, and I strongly believe that if we all help each other out in life, we will all benefit in the long run. I enjoy motivating others to do their very best in life, as you only get back what you put into it. I also raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which is an organization that helps soldiers who were wounded in battle.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Dave Matthews, Pink Floyd, Clapton, Hendrix, and John Mayer

How many years have you been involved with Beyond Rock?

This will be my 4th year.

What do you love most about Beyond Rock?

Not only are there amazing teachers--who are all performing musicians like myself--but the main reason I love this camp is what it teaches beyond the music. We teach kids to have confidence in themselves, to keep an open mind, and to try new things that they would normally be scared of trying outside of camp. I've seen lives completely change for the better during my time with this camp, and it's truly amazing! I feel very honored to be a part of something bigger than myself, and to help the next generation grow as musicians and people. That is priceless to me.

Share a story about your favorite moment(s) at Beyond Rock.

One of my favorite moments at Beyond Rock was at the end of one of the sessions. The campers got the chance to speak on the mic, and one girl thanked me for helping her during a time when she was upset and almost crying. She said that I really helped her out and she didn't know what she would've done if I didn't take the time to help her through her problem. Experiences like that make my job worthwhile.

How has your time with Beyond Rock impacted you personally and/or professionally?

It has really taught me a lot, just teaching the kids what I have learned over the years of being a musician, and it's really inspired me to take my musical skills even further. My music is my therapy, especially after my father passed a little over 5 years ago. Whatever I can do to help someone out that also furthers my musical journey, I feel, is a win-win situation. I feel that it's just as important to teach kids life lessons that will help them outside of the music for years to come. I had a basketball coach, Stan Kellner (who coached Mitch Kupchak, General Manager for the LA Lakers, into the NBA). He taught me not only about the game of basketball, but about life. I use the lessons he taught me every day. I hope I can positively affect kids' lives through music, just like Mr. Kellner affected me.

Where can we come see you play?

We will be playing 6 shows down at Sunken Meadow Park (Sunken Meadow Parkway all the way south) on May 29, June 19, July 10, July 31, August 14, and August 28. I'm also currently booking shows for the upcoming season. Visit my website for show dates. 

Any YouTube videos you'd like to share?

This is a picture montage of my song "Paid the Price", dedicated to our troops.

This is a cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man" that we did at Beyond Rock 2012.

For more on Steve, check out his website, Facebook, and Youtube.