Ladies Rock Camp 2.0

February 19, 2013 in Female Bass Players, Female Drummers, Female Guitar Players, Uncategorized, Videos of the Week by Sky Disco

There’s almost nothing more satisfying than supporting people’s dreams and helping people work together to create music. I have heard countless times in my life how someone wishes they could quit their job to be an artist. Also, I frequently hear how some people wish they could learn to play an instrument or pick up their instrument again. Well the beautiful genius of Rock Camps are that they give adults the chance to live out their dreams in a loving and supportive environment. I’m addicted to the Rock Camp world and way. No matter what your musical background, you can truly make music NOW.

Here is a peek at a video from this weekend, captured and compiled by volunteer Melanie McLean. It also features music provided by one of my own projects, discoBAASSIK. Both Baassik and I were interviewed here too.

While working with other volunteers as band coaches, instrument instructors, workshop leaders and photographers — I witnessed 30 women enter Funkadelic Studios in NYC on Friday. Most of them barely knew many of the other participants. They were randomly grouped into bands with the mission of writing a song over the weekend and then performing it at Arelene’s Grocery, a venue the East Village. It is truly inspirational to be part of the process.

During lunchtime, the campers get to mingle and watch performances by notable female performers. During this particular session, there was an intimate and empowering performance by Tamar-Kali. The next Ladies Rock Camp will be held in July 2013.

Ganessa James: Guitarist and Bassist

November 25, 2012 in Female Bass Players, Female Guitar Players, Uncategorized by Sky Disco

After accepting a last minute invite from a friend to see Shelley Nicole’s blaKbüshe at Drom on Manhattan’s lower east side, I was overcome with gratitude for being among such a goldmine of talent. It was a fantastic show and I was glad to meet a couple of people in person that I had only previously communicated with through social media. The overall vibe was full of love, cooperation and creativity. Not only was the entire band incredibly impressive, but I got to groove to the smooth funky bass grooves of Ganessa James. I have heard chatter about Ganessa floating around the city musician circles but finally I can speak on her skill from a personal account. Aside from her effortless playing style, she has a glowing charisma that radiates through any performance. Passion showed through every bounce or step she made as she played. Then I decided to look her up online to see more. It turns out, she mostly plays guitar and even sings too.

 

She is an all around guitarist playing electric, acoustic and bass. Besides her acoustic/soul sound, she also rocks out.  If you get the chance to see her in action then you just might feel like ya won at Bingo or even a game of FoxyBingo. To find out more about Ganessa visit any of her links which can be found on her site: http://www.ganessajames.com/

Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls & Ladies

July 8, 2012 in Announcements, Female Bass Players, Female Drummers, Female Guitar Players, Videos of the Week by Sky Disco

Last week in Brooklyn, I had the opportunity to contribute at the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls.  It was such an exhilarating experience.  There were campers ranging from 8-18 years of age who got to learn skills that supported the creation of new songs, instrumentation, community and empowerment.

So far, my most rewarding  moments of Summer 2012 were had during this experience.  Seeing the campers blossom as people, teammates and musicians captivated my heart. It also reinvigorated my already vigorous passion for music and collabortation.

I played three roles at this session: guitar teacher, band coach and workshop facilitator (Teamwork Dreamwork).  This opportunity also gave me the privilege of working along side many other volunteers.  I met numerous open hearted, generous souls who further inspire my path.   I highly recommend this camp.

Though 2012 registration for “Girls Rock Camp is already closed, there is a “Ladies Rock Camp” for adults that I believe is still open.

Otherwise, I suggest getting on board for next year or checking out their site for ways to connect with the organization during the year.

Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls welcomes volunteers! Check out their Volunteer-A-Thon details.

 

Lots of Gigs = Good Times

June 22, 2012 in Announcements, Female Guitar Players by Sky Disco

Hey  everyone.  Since it’s been a while since I’ve posted on Guitar Dame, I figured I’d share why.  It’s all great news really.  Ya see, in December 2012, I transitioned out of my steady job of 4 years back into freelance life.  My goal has been to make a carreer out of playing guitar.  So far… so AWESOME!  The gigs are continuing to come and as a result, I’m having tons of fun and learning a lot.

I’ve had the opportunity to play with some really fantastic musicians.  I’ve both won and lost in the world of auditions but always came out with some great lessons.  I have encountered many character building experiences as well through learning how to work with people from many different social and musical backgrounds.

Here are some of the acts I’ve played with in 2012:

Women’s Music Summit – Grow Skills in the Catskills

March 15, 2012 in Announcements, Female Bass Players, Female Drummers, Female Guitar Players by Sky Disco

My eyes almost popped out of my head when I read the details for this event.  The Women’s Music Summit is offering the first all female music immersion week to date.  Attendees get to learn from pros, perform and network all day and all night for 5 days.

The camp counselors are the best of the best in music today.  Featuring Bibi McGill, Kaki King, Malina Moye, Marnie Stern, Melissa Auf der Maur, and Meshell Ndegeocello any woman is sure to walk away with twice the skills and quadruple the motivation! More counselors will be announced this spring!

All instruments will be covered including guitar, bass, voice, keyboards, drums, plus songwriting, business and promotional workshops, health and yoga for musicians, and more.   All levels are invited to attend and participate…from beginner to advanced!

More info on how you can register for the retreat can be found at www.womensmusicsummit.com

If you plan to attend. Leave us a comment below, so we can look out for you. Let’s  jam!

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