Different Drummer: The Journey from Page to Stage

June 12, 2019 by Catherine Gigante-Brown

It started out as a college project and haunted me for more than 20 years. The story of a singing, female drummer in 1979 Brooklyn desperately trying to “make it” is the symphony of every underdog—everyone who was ever told they couldn’t, everyone who was ever told they weren’t good enough.

Catherine Gigante-Brown/ photo by Vinnie Corbo / Volossal Publishing

Book setup at Music Matters in Park Slope / photo by Catherine Gigante-Brown

A few years ago, I finally turned Different Drummer into a novel. In it, Cara Funk (née Finklestein), a not-so-nice Jewish girl from the County of Kings, is rapidly approaching 30. This is Cara’s self-imposed last chance and she’s willing to sacrifice almost everything—friendship, love, family, her ideals—to succeed.

This quintessential tale of musical fortitude resonated with people across the country and around the world. Even if they never set foot in a glitzy Emmons Avenue catering hall. Even if they never rehearsed in a dingy Shore Parkway basement or went to Nathan’s at 2 am in the dead of winter, after a gig.

At A Book Signing Event / Photo by Katy Clements

A few months after Different Drummer came out, a director approached me—“It sounds like your book wants to be a musical.” With Susan Einhorn’s help, I began transforming the novel into a tale for the stage. Hannah Hickok, an amazingly-talented composer, signed on to set Cara’s world to music. Vinnie Corbo, an awesome songwriter, created the hard-edged rock numbers. All we need is a producer to take on the project.

Hamilton took seven years to see the spotlight. The Different Drummer team has been at it for almost four. And we’ve got nothing if not Brooklyn tenacity. Stay tuned…

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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