SPARTA “If you go, go all the way, don’t look back,” is advice that had been crooned by the quintet talent of Antigone Rising in their hit song, “Don’t Look Back.” Now their former lead singer and Sparta native, Cassidy, is doing just that as she embarks on a solo career, now known as The Cassidy Project. Cassidy kicks off her solo tour at Mexicali Live in Teaneck on August 23, introducing devout Antigone Rising Fans and new ears alike to Antigone classics with a new twist, as well as Cassidy’s latest songwriting works. The tour coordinates with the release of her solo album, “Rainbows and Unicorns.” Cassidy is backed up on her tour by the all-star lineup of Matt Beck (Matchbox 20 guitarist), Lee Nadel (guitarist who is currently touring with Geffen Artist Matt White), Rick Mercurio (drummer for Chris Whitley and Jewel) and Duke Mushroom (world beat musician and New York City producer). This is a new beginning for Cassidy after a decade-long odyssey of performances nationwide ranging from small establishments to famous theaters and stadiums. Antigone Rising had performed with legends like Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones and Rob Thomas (of Matchbox 20, Santana and solo fame). After being offered a major label record deal by then president of Lava/Atlantic Records, Jason Flom, Antigone Rising became Starbucks’ first artist in their “Hear Music Debut” series of CDs. “From The Ground Up,” released in May 2005, debuted at number 92 on Billboard’s Top 100, selling up to 15,000 copies a week through the summer of 2005. The success of “From The Ground Up” led to coverage of the band in Rolling Stone Magazine, as well as appearances in commercials and print ads in Cosmopolitan, Elle and Vanity Fair. The band snagged a spot in a national print and television campaign for the designer line, 7 Jeans. Antigone Rising appeared as guests on the Tonight Show, the Today Show, A&E’s Breakfast With The Arts, Emeril Live and radio stations throughout the country. Cassidy has been invited numerous times to sing the National Anthem at both Giants Stadium and the Philadelphia Eagles Veterans Stadium. She is also an accomplished songwriter, having written with Rob Thomas, Darrell Scott (songwriter for the Dixie Chicks and Garth Brooks), and Annie Roboff and Beth Nielson Chapman (songwriters for Faith Hill). She has penned, produced and performed the only song featured in the upcoming film, “The Skeptic,” a film in which she also makes her acting debut. “The Skeptic” is scheduled for release in 2009. She is managed by Stephen Weintraub of W. Management, who is also the manager for, multiple Grammy Award Winner Sheryl Crow, the band Citizen Cope and singer-songwriter Matt White. She is represented by the world renowned William Morris Agency for her music and acting talents. More information about the Cassidy Project and tickets for the August 23 show at Mexicali Live can be found on the Web site: www.akacassidy.com.