A CELEBRATED SUMMER: PART III – WE ROCK L.A., THE CAMPER SHOWCASE
On Monday, you learned about what went into putting together the first Annual Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles in Part I of this III Part series (click here to read Part I). On Tuesday, you learned more about the actual camp week and activities that occurred during each camp day in Part II of this III Part series (click here to read Part II). Today, in this final Part (III of III), you will learn about the first Annual Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Showcase and a little about what comes next for this organization.
As the clock marked the not so rock ‘n’ roll noon-time hour, an eclectic group of women– outfitted in easily identifiable bright teal official 2010 Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles t-shirts, began to trickle into the Troubadour on Santa Monica Blvd. A music venue that has housed many musical performances from a who’s who of legendary rock outfits as well as singer/songwriters that include most of today’s hottest indie bands to rock ‘n’ roll royalty such as Elton John, Joni Mitchell, and Bruce Springsteen to name a few. These women were all camp and showcase volunteers who in just a few hours would be witnesses and participants in the history that once again was about to be made in this venue, in the form of the first ever Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles Camper Showcase.
About an hour later, excited campers would be arriving. Each of them ready to rock, and to show the local community what it was that they’d been learning and working on all week. Decked out in their screen printed t-shirts, with their band names emblazoned on the fronts and customized to fit each of their personalities, they were a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Upon arrival, each band of campers was met by their volunteer band coaches and counselors, who were at the ready to help calm their nerves, psych them up, and prepare them for their performances.
For many of the volunteers and campers alike this was what they’d all been waiting for. The much anticipated moment where the campers would take the stage and show what they’d learned in just a week.
A veteran four-time (by way of the Portland Camp) Camp Volunteer, April Buker, intimated, “My favorite part of camp is the showcase. It is the culmination of the week’s activities. You get to see everyone showing off what they’ve learned, and everyone supporting the camp as a whole.”
As the volunteers continued to set-up for the showcase and prep the venue. They excitedly tried to predict how the showcase would go
Reflecting on the first days of the camp, Silverlake-based Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Coordinator and Volunteer Band Coach, Natasha Tavakoli shared, “The campers were initially nervous and shy, but as the week progressed they bloomed into energetic, unafraid, supportive, and empowered young girls. It was inspirational for the volunteers to see this transformation and we were positively affected by the camp as much as the campers.”
As show time approached, the volunteers continued to think about how they themselves had been affected by the camp and by the campers.
Volunteer Keyboard Instructor and Band Coach for the camper band Trouble in Training, singer/songwriter Melineh Kurian commented on both her transformation during the week, her fellow volunteers, and regarding the campers she instructed as they worked towards getting ready for the showcase, “I knew that it would be a transformative experience for me as a female musician, and that I would be profoundly touched. However, the connections I made as a mentor and volunteer were far beyond what I could have imagined. I also wondered at first how easy or difficult it would be to teach keyboards to a group of girls with varying skill levels. My fellow teachers made it so easy to both have fun with our students, and to show them the skills they needed to be a powerful addition to their rock band.”
The time had come to see if the campers would be able to bring together everything they’d learned throughout the week to their performances on the Troubadour stage that afternoon. This was the opportunity for the parents and relatives of the campers as well as the local community to show up to see what the camp was all about firsthand—and show up they did, packing the Troubadour on that Saturday afternoon for a chance to witness history in the making.
Quite atypical of the usual jaded “too-cool-for-school” L.A. concert-goer crowd, the parents as well as relatives of the campers along with the general audience members vied for the optimum show watching positions in the front rows as the local news station cameras set up on stage.
Anticipating the camper’s musical debuts, Jodie Schell (singer for L.A. based band The Shakers), recalled her first experience performing in front of a crowd, “I vividly remember what it was like to step in front of an audience for the first time. I was 9, and I sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (dedicating it to my uncle who at that time was in the Persian Gulf war). Singing was something I LOVED to do, but I was so scared that I stared at the weaving of the microphone the whole time,” laughing Schell continued, “I think I sang the verses out of order. Those first steps as a musician are so scary and awkward, but they’re so important. We’ve all been there. It takes so much courage just to step under those lights and try, and that alone deserves a standing ovation.”
The volunteers and the courageous campers stood near the stage ready to support their “camp week comrade’s” performances, waiting for their own turns to shine.
They didn’t have to wait long as emcee (and Camp co-founder) Mona Tavakoli took the stage ready to get the show underway.
The showcase opened up with the camp volunteer led Punk Rock Aerobics, not unlike how the campers would start off each camp morning, which was promptly followed by the camp theme song “We Rock L.A.” performed by the campers.
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(click on images to enlarge) Punk Rock Aerobics (pictured left) and Camp Theme Song Performance (pictured right)
photos provided by Beth Schore and Becky Gebhardt
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Here is footage taken by a showcase audience member of the campers’ initial “We Rock L.A.” camp theme song:
Without missing a beat and with the professionalism and confidence that comes with having played at the very least a dozen shows and several months spent rehearsing together, the campers took the stage. One band after the other, with only one full showcase rehearsal under their belts, catching the audience off guard with their performances after being announced onto the stage by the highly-energetic Tavakoli (pictured right – photo provided by Bella Monge) with formidable introductions such as “This band goes way back, they’ve been together since Monday!” or crowd favorites like “This band has been touring all week– from the drum room to the guitar room to the bass guitar room!”
Undaunted by the flashes of the cameras going off and the video cameras in their faces (more…)
A CELEBRATED SUMMER: PART II of III – “LEARNING HOW TO ROCK THE RIGHT WAY”
Yesterday you learned about what went into putting together the first Annual Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles in Part I of this III Part series (click here to read Part I). Today, we will be learning more about the actual camp week and activities that occurred during each camp day.
“Are you ready to rock out? Welcome to Rock Camp! Follow the signs up the stairs to the registration table”
That was one of the many greetings that first met the campers and their parents in the midst of a blur of activities and getting acquainted with the (almost fifty, in quantity) campers that made up the camp on that first day of the first week of the first ever annual Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles. A high energy morning that set the tone for the rest of the week of camp. Each day would start with Punk Rock Aerobics and lead into a variety of weeklong daily classes which included: musical instrument/vocal instruction, screen printing, self-defense, songwriting, and zine making, etc.
Here is a video by official Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles videographer team Britt Ringer and Donovan Vim Crony, which shows some of the excitement of the first day of camp:
Early on some of the volunteers set their own desires and goals for the week. Volunteer Band Counselor Alli Bohl shared hers, “I hope the campers will leave knowing a little more about themselves. I want them to walk away strong and confident in the fact that they are female and they can accomplish anything they want to. Whether it be learning how to play guitar or becoming the first female president.”
To help get a jumpstart on the day and as previously mentioned, each morning started off with Punk Rock Aerobics (pictured left – photo by Becky Gebhardt) led by volunteer Chaska Potter, to help get the campers loosened up and ready for a full day (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) of learning and fun.
During each lunch hour the campers were treated to special lunchtime performances from various singer/songwriters, local bands, and performers (among them Ali Handal, Byata, DJ Automaton, Janet Robin, Lucy Schwartz, Mel Kurdian, Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums, Raining Jane, and Spare Parts for Broken Hearts).
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from left to right: Lunchtime performances by Spare Parts for Broken Hearts (photo by Beth Schore) and Raining Jane (photo by April Buker)
(Click on images to enlarge)
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The campers also enjoyed the daily skits depicting many situations and scenarios the campers might encounter in years to come, put on by the volunteer-comprised “Famous Rock Camp Skit Time Players,” (pictured left – photo by Beth Schore) who would perform during each morning assembly.
When away from the campers each day, the volunteers involved with the camp would share stories with each other about the day’s activities or the growth they’d see campers experiencing while grabbing something to eat or drink in the faculty lounge, speaking in an almost awestruck fashion.
“I had no idea that the girls would be so eager to learn and would embrace every aspect of this camp. Additionally, all the workshops that the girls attended were so interesting. I wish I had those when I was a kid,” stated Volunteer Band Coach and Guitar Instructor Taneashia R. Morell
As the campers formed their bands and selected their band names (more…)
‘PIONEER TO THE FALLS’ – MEET MICHELLE MARINI (PART II of II)
(photo by Jessy Plume for TRAFFIK)
“If you’re going Downtown, I may as well be on your way“
– “Downtown” by Tegan and Sara
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In Part One of our feature on nightlife proprietor Michelle Marini, we discussed a little bit of her personal history with “tinseltown” and the City of Angels (if you missed it you can click here to read it). In Part Two, we will be learning a little more about her influences, current project, and what she hopes to accomplish with this new venture.
In January of 2009 we asked Michelle Marini, what she would like to tackle next. She responded with, “I’m angling to open a small bar in Gallery Row Downtown. It’s a super artsy, fashion-minded community that’s in the making.”
Intrigued, our conversation continued.
Why Downtown? What made the idea of opening something up Downtown first pop into your head?
Marini enthusiastically replied, “During Artwalk. Fall ‘08 I believe. I felt like I was in Manhattan, and loved it!”
Ultimately, this decision and idea eventually evolved into the newest addition to the already popular Spring Street area Downtown, The Falls (interior pictured below, photo originally published here) –a lounge that boasts a delectable drink menu concocted by Marini and her partner Al Ameida, replete with cocktails featuring natural juices as one of the ingredients is located in the City Lofts Building (626 S. Spring St. L.A, CA 90014). The LA Times described it as “kind of like if the ’70s and the ’40s mated and had a casually stylish baby.”
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Recently, we decided to pick back up with the questions to give everyone more insight into what went into the Falls and what to expect when you set foot into it.
TRAffIK: On any given night you could be found mixing with the Downtown locals (and now neighbors of the Falls) whether it was taking in the nightlife at places like the Association or taking in the Art during the monthly Downtown Artwalks, do you think this has helped you to gain an understanding of the folks that currently make up the Downtown scene?
MM: No! Now that we’re open I realized I didn’t have a clue. The folks that have been coming in have been awesome, as I expected. And we’re gaining new locals day by day. I have noticed, however, that people are very loyal to their blocks. Some friends came over from Spring and 4th. I joked, wow, you traveled ALL that way?! And they answered that they usually go to The Must, which is right where they live. And coming down to The Falls was a trek. So it’s been a bit of a challenge being the new bar. Plus I suspect since I had Lava Lounge and now The Woods we might be considered “Hollywood,” which we really are not.
TRAffIK: What do you hope your patrons feel when they step into the Falls and what kind of experience should they expect?
MM: The bar is cozy, but a bit glamorous at the same time. I hope they feel at home, but clever that they have discovered this cool little spot.
TRAffIK: We mentioned how supportive you have been of the Downtown businesses, in general when you go out for the evening what does that consist of and what type of service do you expect?
MM: I feel like my trips out are always research for future projects. I try to make it at least once to as many new spots as best I can. I’m particularly interested in the new boutique bars that custom mix drinks to your current whim, and even chip ice the texture that suits the concoction.
TRAffIK: Do you have any favorite places in LA that you frequent and why?
MM: For months I really haven’t had much time to go out, and I suppose I frequent the bars that I am personally involved in (invested financially) most. I do not have a favorite bar other than my very own yet– but, I really admire my neighbor [downtown] bars like Varnish, the Association, Las Perlas. I also love Roger Room or Lubitsch for drinks, and admire the concept of La Descarga. I also used to like the Chalet in Eagle Rock when it was around, but it was so damn far.
‘PIONEER TO THE FALLS’ – MEET MICHELLE MARINI (PART I of II)
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(photos of Michelle Marini inside of the Woods by Jessy Plume for TRAffIK- click on images to enlarge)
Fresh from the grand opening of her new Downtown Los Angeles lounge, The Falls (626 S. Spring St. L.A, CA 90014), eternally youthful and fashion savvy Michelle Marini (co-owner of the Woods 1533 N. La Brea Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028) has demonstrated time and time again to the “City of Angels” that she has staying power.
In a city where good-looking people can be found on every corner, it’s just as easy to write them off as it is to notice them. Why should we? They’ll be replaced by at least dozens more in just a few months or even weeks. San Francisco Bay area native Marini, is an exception to that rule. Possessing both good looks along with business savvy and an inclination towards the arts and creative expression (which she’s incorporated in some form or another into all of her ventures), Marini is anything but dismissible and has demonstrated that she can hang with the big boys without giving up her high-heeled shoes.
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Fashion is a “manifestation of my mood, changing every day, likely three times a day.”–Michelle Marini
On the surface, Marini may appear as just another typical Hollywood socialite type as she could rival many of those that appear on the covers, pages, and segments of “those” magazines and shows that plague the city with paparazzi. One of the first things you’ll notice about her is her fashion-forward attire. Although we would definitely agree that Marini, hands down has a much better fashion sense than most of those socialites (who more often than not count on the aide of stylists). Citing Rachel Zoe as someone whose style she admires, “I’d watch her show, Rachel Zoe Project, over and over, just drooling. Her vintage pieces captivated me the most.” Marini describes her fashion style as, “seeing fashion as a manifestation of my mood, changing every day, likely three times a day. I love the 60’s and 70’s eras most.”
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Her love for those eras was further exemplified after revealing that she would love it if moustaches (which she describes as so “70’s cheesy/sexy”) on men and big huge top hat sized bee hive fall type wigs (“60’s glam at it’s height”) made a comeback.
When asked if she felt there was anything lacking in the world of fashion this day in age, Marini stated, “The only thing I miss is that it’s impossible to make a defining statement with fashion. I was a teenage punker, really put some people off, which is exactly what I set out to do. You can’t accomplish that easily now, everything is accepted by the mainstream.”
Although a trendsetter from the womb and yet despite that “young punker” desire to be an individual, even her “How I Got to L.A.” story is actually quite relatable and typical of many of those that make up this city’s population. “[I] was at UCB [as] a Biology major, changed to Art and transferred to UCLA. Plus, I was dating the guitar player from SoCal Punk band TSOL, so that was a bit of the draw,” states Marini.
It was the following that solidified Marini as a rare individual, who walked the walk and not just talked the talk.
“I used to hang out at Three Clubs Bar an inordinate amount of time. Then, in 1992, there was hardly anywhere else to go. I figured Hollywood needed another bar and I’d be the gal to do it. And, no, I did not have an inch of experience at the time.”
A short time later the Lava Lounge was born (which a few years ago she turned into the Woods, but we’ll get to that), the friendly little tiki bar, which most Angelenos and visitors to the city will know this unassuming blonde from best.
Initially, the Lava Lounge was to be a haven for Marini’s expansive circle of friends, or as Marini describes “an 
intimate clubhouse,” however, due to it’s prime location in Hollywood (located off of Sunset Blvd. and La Brea Blvd.) “later, when it caught on, we had to have Gold Cards made with people’s names on them to make sure they could get in front of the throng,” Marini revealed.
Lava Lounge was an oddity among the surrounding establishments that made up the pretentious Hollywood nightlife, which inadvertently at times did become a “haven” to Hollywood celebrities who wanted to go somewhere where they could fly under the radar and have a drink. (more…)
VICTORIOUS LIVING – Zip Your Lips: Keeping a Confidence Part I
Victoria Walton, M.S. is TRAffIK’s resident Life Coach and will be helping us tackle the issues that hold us back from becoming the “TRAffIK Stoppers” we all can be. Look for her column Victorious Living the first Monday of every month. Victoria Walton may be contacted at victoria@intraffik.com.
Do you know how to keep a confidence? 
When someone asks you to keep a secret, do you tuck it away in a private corner of your mind or do you take the first opportunity to tell someone else? Keeping a confidence is a fundamental requirement for a good relationship, yet there are many of us who regularly fail in this endeavor. Why do we do this? Why do we receive someone else’s trust in the form of a confidence and then tell someone else their business?
There are many possible reasons for this breach. For example, some people have poor personal boundaries or just don’t have respect for another person’s privacy. Other possibilities include: the enjoyment of gossip, the urge for attention from having something interesting to say, the pleasure of doing something bad or rebellious, the feeling of needing to vent one’s feelings about the secret or even the desire to help the divulger by getting another person’s opinion on their issue or situation. Whatever the reason, conscience tells us that none of these rationales offer sufficient support for violating someone’s trust. Even getting an opinion from a 3rd party with the intent to help can get sketchy once we’ve either agreed to “not tell a soul” or been imparted the kind of information that implicitly lets us know we should keep it to ourselves.
Yet, is keeping every secret really that important? What if the person telling the secret never finds out we told or we leave their name out of the conversation? What about telling someone who doesn’t even know the person who confided in us?
Clearly, if keeping a secret could lead to harm, one is morally obligated to break the confidence by informing the appropriate party(ies) that can best ensure safety. As far as the attempted covert disclosure of another person’s affairs…that is a tenuous risk at best. We can never really guarantee that the secret we retell to a 3rd party is absolutely secure, no matter what the condition. Moreover, when we start to conditionally draw our own lines about how to share another person’s personal information, the boundaries become increasingly delicate and will predictably give way. Thus, if someone has entrusted us with facts about their personal matters, the most reliable way to protect their privacy is to keep the information to ourselves.
To be continued in next month’s installment…
Disclaimer: Life Coaching is for “healthy” people; it is not intended for use as a replacement or substitute for medical advice, professional psychotherapy, or any other therapeutic intervention.
VICTORIOUS LIVING – Looking Out for Numero Uno: Self-Care
Victoria Walton, M.S. is TRAffIK’s resident Life Coach and will be helping us tackle the issues that hold us back from becoming the “TRAffIK Stoppers” we all can be. Look for her column Victorious Living the first Monday of every month. Victoria Walton may be contacted at victoria@intraffik.com.
One of the most overlooked aspects of achieving success in life involves how we care for ourselves. In our day-to-day strivings to manage work, family and other personal obligations, it is an easy thing to put aside the regular participation in behaviors that in essence say, “this time is about taking care of me.“ However, if we are to be truly successful in life and not only accomplish our goals but also effectively contribute to others, taking care of ourselves should be a priority found in balance with our other tasks of the day.
The term self-care (“S-C”) seems to almost define itself, so let’s first look at what it is not. Notably, S-C is not the neglectful avoidance of your responsibilities in pursuit of a selfish desire. Rather, S-C involves engaging in habits that enhance your life – emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually – by eliciting an increased sense of balance and restoration. These S-C activities are determined by you and though they can involve interacting with others, they are created specific to your needs alone. Sound good? It gets better.
The benefits of S-C are numerous. Some of the plusses include: increased relaxation and ability to manage stress, improved health, more energy, enhanced creativity, added enjoyment of life, better problem-solving ability, increased ability to care for others and decreased chance of burn-out. Clearly the benefits of self-care illuminate it as one of the best gifts you can give yourself as well as those around you.
In order to determine the most beneficial S-C activities, you must have a high level of awareness of your needs as well as a commitment to meeting them. Do you need a girls/guys night out, a foot massage, a day of no “have tos”, a nature walk, a vacation without email, a nap, prayer time? The steps below will assist you in creating your “go to” list of behaviors/activities that will enrich you in body, mind and spirit.
Action Steps:
Action step 1: Examine yourself throughout the next several days. What kinds of activities can you think of that will help refresh you and bring you more in balance on an emotional, mental, physical and/or spiritual level? (more…)