Girls Rock Asheville (Photos by Sam Squared)
By Leah Shapiro
Have you ever wanted to feel like a rock star? Does the idea of learning an instrument, forming a band, writing a song, and then performing it onstage in concert fill you with excitement? If so, Asheville Ladies Rock Camp (LRC), March 11–13, offers the perfect opportunity for you.
An intensive three-day experience, LRC will give women ages 21 and older the chance to rock out in a supportive and fun environment while supporting Girls Rock Asheville, a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual summer camp for girls and trans youth ages 8–16. All proceeds benefit Girls Rock Asheville’s scholarship funds.
“(As) in our summer camp for kids and youth, campers form a band and become part of a team, using music as a tool for empowerment,” says Erin Kinard, president of Girls Rock Asheville. “And the best part is that no experience or equipment is required, so people who have always had the dream of becoming a rock star can make that dream a reality with others who have the same dream.”
Camp hours on Friday and Saturday are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The weekend culminates in a showcase at 5 p.m. at The Mothlight, 701 Haywood Road in West Asheville.
On Friday, campers begin to learn their instrument (drums, guitar, bass, vocals, or keyboard). They can bring their own or borrow equipment at no extra charge. After forming bands, members will write an original song or choose a cover song to perform on Sunday. In addition to receiving professional instrument instruction, campers will also attend a variety of empowering workshops, including songwriting, yoga, and self-care for performers, among others.
Lockie Hunter joined the executive board of Girls Rock Asheville after seeing the power such a girl-centered space had on her young teen daughter. She says, “Girls Rock Asheville has provided my daughter with not only an outlet to create music in a loving environment, but with the freedom to explore her spirit in a space that welcomes self-expression and nurtures the whole girl.” Consider attending Ladies Rock Camp and make music as well as friends.
Asheville Ladies Rock Camp will take place at The New Classical Academy, 671 Sand Hill Road in Asheville. Ladies Rock Camp slots are limited to 16 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tuition ($300) includes daily breakfast, coffee, snacks, and lunch, small group instrument instruction, workshops, hair and makeup services for the showcase, and admission to the showcase for two friends. For more details and to sign up, email Hannah James at girlsrockasheville@gmail.com. To learn more about Girls Rock Asheville, visit girlsrockasheville.org.
