Lighting a FLAME

FLAME, a group from upstate New York made up of 10 people with developmental/physical disabilities, including autism, Down’s syndrome, and blindness, is capturing the world’s attention but their message remains the same. The band from Lexington Center, Fulton County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc., wants to change the world through music. They are a phenomenon that inspires people and changes the way the general public view people with disabilities.

People of all ages and backgrounds connect with this special rock band, especially those who have a disability. Parents are often overcome with emotion watching FLAME, seeing that it’s possible to have their child achieve great things and, even more importantly, have a fun, fulfilling life.

Lyrics for Call This Home by FLAME

I hear the leaves crack under my feet
Black tires rollin' down this old street
So many years ago, promises we both know
Time just moved by so fast, can I rewind the past?

It feels so good to see
I'm makin' life the best that it can be
Stayin' close to home, I miss that part
As for me it's a colorful story
I think I'm doin' fine
I've traveled a road on a new day alone
it's been a long hard ride
I've been tryin' to find my way all this time
Now I'm ready to call this home
Call this home



So much the same
So much has changed
I'll never forget the holidays
Your folks invited me to stay

I know that it all goes so far
It's hard to express my gratitude
You've done so much for me
And my broken family

A hard lesson to learn sometimes
Is to go out in the world and find
A better life that we've heard of
Sometimes it scars the ones we love

When I hear about what's left back home
It might be gone, I just don't know
I'm not sure where we go today
But I'm here to say....

It feels so good to see
I'm makin' life the best that it can be
Stayin' close to home, I miss that part
As for me it's a colorful story
I think I'm doin' fine
I've traveled a road on a new day alone
it's been a long hard ride
I've been tryin' to find my way all this time
Now I'm ready to call this home
Call this home

FLAME began in 2003 from a recreation program at Lexington www.lexingtoncenter.org. The plan was to have the band play at the agency and around town. However the profound effect they have on their audiences made it impossible to keep FLAME within the confines of Fulton County. Word spread and requests for hire began pouring in and FLAME now averages over 70 paid performances per year, including concerts in 15 different states (NY, NJ, PA, CO, DC, ID, MA, ME, VT, RI, IN, CT, TX, OH) and in Europe. They perform for national and statewide conventions, corporate conferences, civic events, school functions, dances, and private parties. Their song list contains over 100 classic hit rock, country and blues songs from the past five decades.

FLAME is now an international touring band in high demand. They have released 3 CDs, travel on a custom tour bus, and working on releasing a 4th CD....

Recent events has catapulted Flame into the national spotlight. Performances at Manhattan's Gracie Mansion for NYC Mayor Bloomberg, being in "People" magazine and being featured on ABC TV's "Good Morning America" has positioned Flame to greatly expand their scope of influence.

As FLAME continues their quest to change the world, their following of adoring fans and grateful parents continues to grow. If you would like more information or would like to book FLAME contact Tim Fiori, PR Director or Maria Nestle, Manager at Lexington Center at 518-762-0024.

Source: flametheband.com/bio
CD's available for purchase here.
A few songs are available for free download here (on the right under Audio).


There is a great article by People magazine here, if you want more information.