Fresh New Music

By Beth Kille, Madison musician and Music Director of Girls Rock Camp Madison
 
Joan Jett....Ann and Nancy Wilson...Chrissie Hynde...Pat Benatar...Melissa Etheridge.
 
Women who rock.
 
They called them pioneers; rock n' roll was man's domain. And though things have changed since the days of the Runaways, if you scan the entertainment schedule in the Isthmus, you'll find that rock bands with women are still a considerable minority. I've got absolutely nothing against the boys, but if you ask me, the scene could use a little more estrogen.
 
There is a worldwide movement of Girls (and Ladies) Rock Camps, including one based right here in Madison, that seeks to empower girls through rock music. Here's the premise – campers don't need to have any prior musical experience, just a desire to rock! Local professional female musicians run the camp, providing instruments and instruction on drums, bass, guitar, keys and vocals. Campers form bands with their peers and write a song under the guidance of some of Madison's best performers. At the end of the week (or long weekend in the case of Ladies Rock Camp) they perform in front of hundreds of screaming fans. Sound crazy? Yeah, it is, but every single time we've had a camp and with every single band that was formed, it's worked. And one of the coolest things to come of this is that many of our campers are still performing to this day with musicians they met at camp. They say a journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step and we're giving these girls some rockin' running shoes.
 

Girls Rock Camp Madison is open to any girls between the ages of 8 and 18. Women ages 19-190 are eligible for Ladies Rock Camp. Here's our upcoming schedule:
 
Ladies Rock Camp: April 27-29th. -showcase April 29th
Girls Rock Camp Madison Session I: June 25-29th -showcase on July 1
Girls Rock Camp Madison Session II: July16-20th-showcase July 22
 
 
Both of our summer sessions are filling fast!! You can learn more and register online at www.grcmadison.org. Financial aid is available. We do not turn anyone away as long as space is available. Because of our all-inclusive policy, we are also seeking sponsors for campers. Any and all donation help.
 
One last thing on the topic of women who rock. Our instructors come from awesome local bands like Little Red Wolf, Sexy Ester, Venus in Furs, and The Getaway Drivers, to name a few – all bands you should check out soon!
 
Thanks to 105.5 MMM for supporting women who rock!