Lisa Ruth
Lisa Ruth Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Programming
Matt Sommers Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Programming
Active: 1996 - present
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Notes: Just a gal on the go; an art teacher and freelance artist. Have worked on several independent film shorts in Chicago, a few music videos, produced independent pieces for gallery exhibits at Walsh Gallery & Flatfile in Chicago and The Apollo Theatre. I was involved on Cartoon Network's 'Long Hair and Double Dome' project as a film assistant, and an art assistant on the indie film 'Jeff Farnsworth' which aired on HBO. I've put together some documentary work through DRiP Films w/ Prof. James Duignan for DePaul University, blues legend Buddy Guy (Live At Legends), The Albany Park Artwalk and various pieces supporting arts in education. Worked as a storyboard artist/creative director/graphics artist/editor/cinematographer with Dreaming Tree Films and collaborated w/ Jillian Pendell on 'Find Your Future', an education orientation video through DTF & After School Matters, which won the Silver Plaque from the Chicago Int'l Film Festival in 2003. Have also worked on several web-based ads and info pieces for travel and visitors bureaus in the Chicagoland area, Mayor Daley's office and Kellogg School of Management. Produced 'One Body' for ICC, a video documenting the persecution of Christians in Cuba, Vietnam, Indonesia & Saudi Arabia - of all the work I have done, this piece is truly the nearest to my heart. Since moving to Tucson, I've produced and edited a segment of 'Bad Mattress Matinee' and a school orientation video for a local charter school. Bad Mattress Matinee will be returning to production - everything has been on hold over the last year thanks to a little spill which had me down for a long time. But all is well now, and I'm getting my groove back. A big thank you and lots of hugs to everyone who has inquired about BMM and sent such encouraging and very thoughtful messages. I truly appreciate it. I also use to perform with bands in Indianapolis and Chicago. My buddy Matt and I formed Grapefrute in 1992 which is one of my fondest moments and memories. You can access the music archive at www.mattsommers.com. Matt and I have also collaborated on several independent projects including my 1998 cd 'Nitecrawlers' and 1999's 'Coffee, Cigarettes and A Few Other Vices'. We've worked in recent years on film and gallery exhibit soundtracks. Aside from all that, I love to write and have written for UR Chicago and contributed to The Chicago Times. Co-authored the Howard Area ARTSLAB curriculum and manual with DePaul University Visual Arts Education colleagues and am working on a graphic novel as well as a collaborative book on education. They will get done someday. In my spare time, I'd like to get my PhD and focus on writing more. Hopefully, I'll have more opportunities to be involved w/ documentaries and writings regarding world events and promoting a complete overhaul in the current education system - trust me, it's beyond a mess! Travelling is on my agenda, too, when I get that extra 5 minutes added to my spare time. I'd also like another drink, please.
