Not your mama’s band camp: Registration is open for DIY-styled Girls Rock Asheville

Photo courtesy of Girls Rock North Carolina

There are camps (s’mores, “Kumbayah”), there are band camps (field formations, show songs) and then there are band camps (electric guitars, amps, penning the next “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll”). The last is just part of the curriculum at Girls Rock Camp. The international movement, which has been building leadership skills and self-esteem since the initiative began in Portland, Ore., in 2007, has finally made its way to Asheville. Registration for the three-day band camp is open through Monday, June 30. The summer experience for girls and trans-youth — meaning anyone who identifies as a girl — is held Thursday-Saturday, July 10-12, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily at The Mothlight. The camp culminates with a Sunday, July 13 performance at The Orange Peel.

Girls Rock Asheville vice president, songwriter Chelsea LaBate, says the all-female volunteer mentors are mostly working musicians who hope to inspire the next generation. “We’re living, breathing artists going through it all now,” LaBate says. Girls Rock Asheville founder Erin Kinard discovered the movement when she volunteered at the chapter in Charleston, S.C. Returning to Asheville, Kinard began looking for women to help get a local chapter started. LaBate was one of the first responders, and now more than 40 women are involved.

Each day, campers will learn to play instruments, team up to form bands, write original tunes and be coached on performance. Lunchtime concerts feature local all-girl bands followed by question-and-answer sessions. This is a rare opportunity for girls ages 8-16 not only to see a rock show up close and personal, but also to get a glimpse behind the scenes. The lineup includes punk act Zombie Queen, soul artist Lyric and the duo of Laura Blackley and Nancy Asch.

Although it’s called Girls Rock, it’s not just about rock ’n’ roll. Country, R&B, electronica and rap are all represented. Workshops topics include songwriting, media literacy and mechanics of sound. There’s also “Gender Identity in Music/‘Your body is an instrument,’” and “Music HERstory” — an exploration of successful female musicians spanning all races, economic levels and sexual identities.

There is even a course in self-defense, but according to LaBate it’s not about fighting off crowds of future fans. It’s all about empowerment. “When you have a voice, know your instrument, have access to the stage and feel the strength of your own body, you’re not a victim,” she says.

No previous musical experience is required. Tuition is on a slide scale from free to $250. Also, Girls Rock Asheville is accepting donations of instruments and musical equipment, which can be dropped off at the Odditorium, 1045 Haywood Road. Info at girlsrockasheville.org

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Toni Sherwood
Toni Sherwood is an award-winning filmmaker who enjoys writing articles, screenplays, and fiction. She appreciates the dog-friendly, artistic community of Asheville.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.