I disappeared from “regular life” all weekend and was a vocal instructor at Ladies Rock Camp. I’ve volunteered at Rock Camp for Girls L.A. the last 2 years. Ladies Rock Camp is a shortened version of that, with grown-ups. And all the Lady Rockers’ tuition goes to scholarships for girls in the summer. Win-win! I believe in this organization, so I volunteered for the adult version.

 

We had 30 Lady campers this session. They came from all over the globe. There isn’t a lot of time, so it’s pretty intense. These women arrived at lunchtime on Friday. They then formed a band, wrote an original song, learned their instruments and performed live on-stage Sunday night. If you’re not completely agog, you should be. Some of these ladies had never so much as touched a guitar, bass, drumstick or microphone! But I’m getting ahead of myself.

 

Friday’s session began at 11 am and ran until around 8:45 that evening. The day included not only instrument instruction and band practice, but also workshops on songwriting, vocals, guitar/bass set-up, drum set-up/tuning, PA system set-up, pedals & looping and a short history of women in rock. Lunch and dinner were squeezed in there, too. By the end of the night, most everyone was dragging. A few hearty souls did end up going out for some extra socializing. Alas, I was not among them. I got home around 9:30 and hit the hay.

 

 

 

Saturday’s session kicked off at 9 am. There was more instrument instruction and band practice. The day also featured workshops on self defense, band name/logo design and screen-printing t-shirts. Before dinner, there was a showcase run-through. The ladies got to practice their songs on a real stage. These run-throughs are truly beneficial and help everyone involved. Kinks are worked out. Fears are recognized. Strengths are honored. And it’s the first time the entire group hears all the band songs. It’s pretty freaking exciting!

 

 

By around 8:35, most of us were again too tuckered out to do much more than get some sleep. But since this is Rock & Roll, some did fight the bear and braved the night. I think you probably know into which group I fell. That’s right – slumberzzzzzz….

 

Sunday morning began at 9. The day was workshop light (with only 1 – recording) and there was no dedicated instrument instruction. Most of the time was spent in band practice, as the showcase was that night. The Ladies did have band photos taken, and they looked amazing!

 

By 5 pm, we all gathered for a closing assembly. Each attendee and volunteer was asked to share what they were taking away from the experience. It was such a love-fest. And such a tear-fest. (We are chicks, after all.) We all circled up, had one last “Rock!” yell and then the campers headed to The Satellite in Silver Lake for the night’s showcase. Several volunteers stayed behind to pack up everything at our weekend’s location and then we all made our way to the club.

 

Everyone was exhausted, but too excited to care. Nervous energy floated through the club, from performer to volunteer, to friends, family and back again. At the appointed time, the stage lights dimmed and the first band was introduced…

 

 

 

To be continued…

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