“To be inspired is great, but to inspire is an honor"- Stacey T. Hunt. Flame is a group of incredibly remarkable musicians who believe in power of music and inspiration. These gifted musicians have disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness and paralysis and their talents has very definite purpose. Flame is on a special mission to inspire people with disabilities and give hope to them and their families. They have won the hearts of people all over the world through their marvelous performances. Flame performs at over 70 venues annually across the Unites States and Europe and has performed at high profile venues such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio, New York’s Apollo Theater, Harvard Law School, the Parthenon in Athens, Greece and the 2009 Special Olympics. They have been featured in the Good Morning America show as well as in People magazine.

How and when did you all get the idea to start “Flame”? What do you love the most about your band?F: Flame formed in 2003 after Michelle won the Lexington Talent Show and expressed an interest in being in a band. We love sharing our music and talent with others the most.

How many songs have you recorded so far? Which song is everyone’s favorite and why?F: We have recorded 51 songs. We love them all!

Can you tell us about the Rock for Abilities” concert? What kind of message does the band want to spread via your music?F: This concert is part of the Lexington Gives Back initiative and all donated non-perishable food items will benefit local food pantries. Previous concerts have collected hundreds of pounds of non-perishable food items. Hundreds of Lexington employees, program participants and family members have helped make the projects such a success. Lexington participates in fundraising and food collection throughout the year to benefit a variety of community agencies. The event brings the community together and shows them what people can do when we focus on their abilities!

What sort of challenges does the band face with live performances? What kind of feedback are you getting from live audience?F: Flame has been very blessed with minimal concerns with live performances and the members are very flexible and just want to share their music. The response from live audiences are the best.

Which genre of music does the band like to play the most? How often and for how long do you practice?F: Flame performs mostly classic rock. We practice 1-4 times per week depending on our tour schedule.

Where do you see your band in next 10 years?F: Sharing our music!

Which celebrity musician would you like to be part of your band and why?F: We are all celebrities and we enjoy performing together. We have met Darius Rucker, Kenny G and Drake Bell they are people just like us.

Which musical instruments does the band currently play and which instrument would the band like to add?F: We have bass guitar, drums, guitar, tambourine and would like to add a keyboard and electric guitar someday.

What is the one thing that you all love to do together other than music?F: We enjoy spending time together and sharing stories.

Any special message for our community?F: Follow your dreams and focus on what you can do not what you can’t!