biographical info
Athena Reich is a singer/songwriter, actress, TV Host/Personality, and
Songwriting Teacher. She has performed and taught in schools,
performance halls, colleges, and on radio & TV across North
America. Athena is originally from Toronto, but is currently based out
of New York City.
Most recently, Athena appeared on the Food Network as host and
contestant in a new Cooking/Dating Reality Show called $12 Challenge.
In the show, Athena hosted her segment, created her storyline,
competed, and won! Also recently, Athena booked an ADVIL commercial in
which she talked about pursuing her dreams, and sang one of her
original songs, LITTLE GIRL DREAMS.
In January 2009, Athena released her 5th CD, LITTLE GIRL DREAMS,
produced by the Emmy/Grammy Winning Cynthia Daniels (Melissa Etheridge,
Dave Mathews Band, “Producers” on Broadway, etc.) Athena’s music is
storytelling pop, and can be compared to Annie Lennox, Sarah
McLaughlin, and Regina Spektor.
This past fall, Athena was hired to write the theme song for LIVING IN
CAPTIVITY, a TV pilot currently being shopped to networks. The theme
song was animated by Emily Hubley (who did the animation for Hedwig and
the Angry Inch). LIVING IN CAPTIVITY was an Official Selection of the
New York Television Festival and is currently represented by KTA,
Kolstien Literary and Talent Agency.
Earlier this year, Athena produced a documentary entitled ‘LISA LOEB
SONGWRITING’ in which Athena and Lisa Loeb taught songwriting to a
group of girls at a public school in Brooklyn. Lisa Loeb had no
experience in teaching, so Athena’s role was to teach Lisa how to work
with kids, and to guide the songwriting workshop. The documentary
premiered at Tribeca Cinemas.
Athena has been teaching songwriting, music and drama since the age of
19. She has worked for the Manhattan New Music Project, The Brooklyn
Museum, Oregon State University, Lincoln Center, and dozens upon dozens
of public schools, organizations and workshops across the tri-state
area. She has taught songwriting to every age level (4 to adult),
ability level (autistic to gifted), socio-economic background (Bronx to
Manhattan Private schools), and ability level (beginner to
professional). Athena’s ability to connect with children of all
backgrounds, encourage them to open up about their thoughts and
feelings, and translate them into song has moved countless teachers,
parents, and community members to laughter and tears.
As a host and arts correspondent, Athena has worked for PBS, Air
America Radio, 103.9 FM in Toronto, and Here! TV. Her ‘How To’ videos
on Songwriting and Acting on ExpertVillage.com and YouTube.com have
garnered over 100,000 hits.
As an actress, Athena has appeared in numerous commercials, Film, TV
and Off-Broadway productions including Love Sucks at the New York
Musical Theater Festival (which was adored by the NY press), Fran in
The Day They Shot John Lennon and principle roles on the History
Channel, CNN, etc. She won Best Comedy at Canada's YTV Achievement
Awards (Judge Eugene Levy). In 2002, she was commissioned by WCS to
write a poem for the new NY Aquarium. Her poetry and music is currently
displayed at the Museum for Peace in Uzbekistan.
Athena has thousands of fans across North America. She has toured
across the continent 3 times, released 4 CDs (not including the
upcoming LITTLE GIRL DREAMS), performed on countless TV & Radio
shows, and been featured in dozens of newspaper articles. She has
shared the stage with Jim Carrey and Sarah McLaughlin, and is set to
appear with Jeannine Garofalo in the new year.
Athena’s sense of humor, insight, ability to connect with children, and
overflowing talent continues to touch lives across North America.
lineup
Athena Reich Singer/Songwriter
influences
Dresden Dolls
Jonathan Larson (RENT)
Laurie Anderson
Emily Haines
Fiona Apple
Sarah Bareilles
Regina Spektor
Annie Lennox
Sarah McLaclan