Big white letters against a black background banner read “CRUELTY ISN’T CHIC.” Below this sign musicians crowded onto the stage of New York City’s Palladium.  Among this group were 5 members of Aleka’s Attic, River Phoenix’s band.  River came on stage, exuberantly joining the ensemble song, “I Don’t Wear Fur.”  Dressed in jeans, a brown jacket over an open flannel shirt, t-shirt and sneakers, River danced and sang, showing his support for the animal rights movement.  This “Rock Against Fur” concert could sure count on River to devote his time and band to the cause!  And there he was, his blond hair still long, and parted down the center, wearing glasses, just being himself!

The rock’n’rollers left the stage, but later Martha Plimpton walked to the mike and said: “I came here for 2 reasons.  To show support for this awesome cause.  And...3 years ago a friend said to me, ‘you can change the world.’”  That friend was River Jude Phoenix and in no time the 18-year-old hunk was on stage, with sister Rainbow who did vocals and tambourine.  River played guitar and did lead vocals.  There was another guitarist, a drummer and someone playing a violin-type instrument.  Rio once said of his music, “I want to be original, not average.”  Well, he was anything but average that night! His singing voice is ethereal, not one you’d clump with anyone else you might hear on the radio.  And his tunes and lyrics are just as unique and great! River’s songs are ‘80s rock, influenced by a ‘60s sound and unlike anything you’ve ever listened to! Through music River expresses meaning and his hopes for the world.  In one song River sang of a “mythical place where there’s no worrying.”

The audience was entranced, clapping furiously at the end of each song.  In total Aleka’s Attic performed 6 songs.  River said few words, preferring to let his music speak.  He strummed his guitar and sang with passion.  Rio closed simply: “Thank you so much.”

River Phoenix truly wants to become a successful musician in his own right, without capitalizing on his acting fame.  Before this show, benefitting PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), River and band played at smaller clubs in the area.  Ads for CBGB’s in New York and Maxwell’s in New Jersey read Aleka’s Attic,” no mention of River Phoenix. Certainly fans would flock to these shows if they saw his given name.  But Rio sees it as a band of equals.  And not only is River determined to make it on his talent, but he doesn’t need to abuse star status because River’s stuff is incredible!  He used to sing with Rainbow on the streets for money to live and now he’s wowing everybody with original material in clubs and a record can’t be too far behind.  In fact River admits, “I’d like to get into music full time one day.”  We’re all looking forward to it, too!

                                                                                     By Ilene Froom