McRock skool for TEENS.

This link will take you to the Vancouver Courier, where I am featured in an article that describes a FREE McRockSkool seminar for TEENS, taking place THIS Tuesday March 31st.

McRockSkool, is a band bootcamp for teens, and I am so excited to see this thing finally taking off because I have been dreaming about something like this happening in Marpole, since 2007, when the area was plagued by a rash of mini garbage can fires which were started by bored teenagers.

It all started to take shape with the creation of a very cool "clubhouse" which was customized especially for teenagers, by designer Ami McKay from the Makeover Wish television show on HGTV. Back in the Fall of 2007, Ami Mckay and host Erin Cebula (and crew), spent several days transforming a drab classroom portable, into a cool hang out for youths, complete with a stage full of gear and music equipment.

It is truly an amazing place to hang out (even without the stage, guitars and drum-kit) and it also boasts an air hockey/pool table, books, games/game tables, an ipod dock, and even big comfy couches surrounding a large flat screen with a Wii video game.

The space is called Safe Base, and it belongs to the Spare Time Fun Centre, a 35 year, non-profit, out of school care organization which I have been a part of ever since its doors opened.


I was enrolled in STFC when I was 5, and now, 35 years later, my children go there today. I have been teaching dance classes, skits, and musical numbers to the children who attend the centre, on and off, ever since I turned 12 and was too old to be enrolled in the centre myself.

So here we are today, and we have Safe Base, which is something we are all very proud of. The 120 plus children in the daycare respect it, and they take care of it, it is simply gorgeous, and we are all extremely protective of it.

Which is why it took me nearly a year and a half to invite someone to use the space. Not only did I want to find an excellent program that would engage teens and distract them away from trouble, I wanted a self contained program (which the McRock Skool is), facilitated by an instructor whom I felt comfortable trusting with the space. Someone who would lead by example, and require the kids to respect the space and the opportunity to be there. Someone who would make the teens cognizant of the fact that using the facility and its equipment is a privilege, not a right.


Enter Mick Dalla Vee, who is the man behind the McRock Skool, Mick is an excellent multi- instrumentalist, performer and producer who is extremely well respected in this city. He is a long time member of Randy Bachman's band, and when Mick is not on the road rocking out to sold out shows with Randy, he is likely playing with one of his incredible corporate bands (Cease and Desist/Atlantic Crossing) which tour worldwide.

In studio sessions one day at Mick's, I learned that he had been spending most of his time staying in Richmond where his lovely better half lives. As he told me this, I think I heard a "PING" go off in my head, because Richmond, is a mere hop skip away from Safe Base. Knowing that Mick had a McRock Skool ( which was previously run in Abbotsford ) I ventured to ask if he would be willing to offer his course in Marpole, and I invited Mick to come and have a look at Safe Base. Immediately Mick saw the value in it. In fact, he must have had his own "Ping" moment because as soon as he saw the facility, he started talking about also using the space for a different music program he is involved with, which is geared towards enriching the life of people with Down Syndrome.

I knew at that point, I had asked the right guy.

Anyhow, back to it, I see great value in a music program like the McRock Skool, where a professional artist draws from his life experiences on the road, and shares what he has learned from working in and putting together bands over a lifetime career. No questions in my mind this is win, win.

Mick and the McRock Skool, is just the first of a few professional working artists I will eventually be inviting to use the space. Once the Rock School is going, dance classes will be the next addition to the centre.

Next door to the Safe Base, we have another fabulously decked out portable, complete with dance floor, small stages, lights, and a wall of mirrors.
It is an incredible dance room and I already know an amazing professional dancer whom I hope will be able to teach some classes in between her regular schedule of live shows (wink, wink Alecia). She performs with and choreographs for Mooncoin Productions ( the company who produces the Abba show I sub for).

I still have to learn songs, perform, write, play guitar, shoot and edit videos, as well as work online and hang out in blogland in a basic workday, so everything does take time. But for now, I introduce and welcome you to the McRock Skool, its just starting to nudge itself off the ground and now is really the time to get in, because I know it will eventually get to waiting list status. If you would like to know more about it, please come down to the Seminar on Tuesday night (March 31st), its free, and parents are encouraged to come and see the space and meet Mick for themselves. If you are reading this after March 31st please do visit the website to find out more, and contact Mick for enrollment info.


I will leave you with this request folks, If any one of you reading, knows a family with a musical teen (singer/guitar player/bassist/drummer) who lives in/near the Vancouver/Richmond area. I would sure love for you to pass on the link and information.


http://www2.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/story.html?id=60ff928e-fb79-400e-be5f-bb644d10d601

Warmly, I thank you, Rach.

(PHOTO of Mick/Rachael courtesy- Dan Toulgoet Vancouver Courier)

Puppy update video..........the babies are growing so fast!

well I did it bloggers!! my first solo acoustic gig.........see how it went......

You all know that I have been gearing up to add a solo gig into my bag of trix right?

Well, on Friday night I played a solo gig on a Paddlewheel boat for a private party..................

The full video, showing the Paddleboat, singalongs and more of the party can be viewed here!

my 10 Tshirts video...... on Breakfast Television today....

Recently, I was challenged to make a video, where I was supposed to film myself wearing random T-shirts. It looked like a great idea and I decided quite immediately that I would do one, however, I was not content to just wear random T-shirts and be done with it.....


I have so many great shirts that represent some of my favorite things and/or mark memories from the cool experiences I have had! So, to make the most of this little project, I made good use of them..............




One of my favorite morning shows is Breakfast Television, so I just had to include a BT Tshirt in my video, however, I couldn't track one down. So, I sent an email to BT host Dawn Chubai, who kindly messaged me back, suggesting I try to make one, which I did ( actually my 9 year old son made it with me ).



When the video was finished, I sent it to BT, and they showed it on air today. I was thrilled, and also thrilled to find that Dawn posted the video to her BT blog!

Also represented, my home team the Vancouver Canucks! And speaking of favorites, and the Canucks, check out Rebecca Bollwitt's Crazy Canucks Podcast.

Our football team, the B.C. Lions!

Of course I am a big fan of Larry and Willy and the fine folks at Jack FM ! If you haven't seen their commercial yet, please watch it, you will understand why I did what I did with the Jack FM Tshirt..... ; )




If you have been reading my blog, then you will recall I sang background vocals on the Mainstage at the Merrit Mountain Music Festival for Kelly Brock last year! This year, we have managed to arrange a full media pass, which will grant me permission to wander around and capture all the behind the scenes fun, All Access Pass style. So if you are going to Merrit this year, watch for me to be filming in front of the stage, and make sure to come and say hi! I'll probably do a video of the fans too, so let me know if you want to be in it and I will film you, it'll be fun!

Coming out soon, is the new CD by the Other Side of Five. I love their rock n roll style, the have great songs, and they are all really nice fellows. I was honored that they asked me to lend some background harmonies to one of their tracks! So do stay tuned on that news story, as I'll be sure to post about their CD when it is finished and available for purchase.

And of course, who can forget Blondie, one of the highlights of my year so far......Did I ever come back and tell you all that the band added my picture, and added my blog link, to their official website? Check out the NEWS page, on the official BLONDIE site.....




Love you all, enjoy the video......

taken too early.........Schrader Heizer

Yesterday I was at a Memorial for an old High School chum, Schrader Heizer, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Feb 21, 2009.

It was a strange day. He was too young, too full of life, nothing about this sits well with me, it doesn't feel right. How does someone so vibrant and healthy, leave us so early? He would have been 40 in April. This summer I will be turning 40. It hit close to home.



The event took place at the Jericho Sailing Club, in the Rugby room. Schrader was passionate about rugby and much of the day was spent remembering his skill and determination on the field, reminiscing about rugby wins and honors, as well as sharing stories about his love of the sport. Shred ( as he was affectionately known by many), was also a a World Cup speed skier, and in Vars, France, 21 Jan 2009, at the Speed Skiing, World Ski Championships he clocked 175.781KPH, his personal best.

It was a powerful day, the second of three memorials planned in and around BC. I made two videos for his family and friends who were not able to be there. Part one is a video of the speeches given by his dear close friends, and part two (below) was a snapshot of the music and mingle afterwords, led by yours truly. I was delighted that fellow Byng student Chris Frye made the trip over from the islands. (like most everyone from Byng, I had not seen Chris in over 20 years, but I had heard he would be there, and knew he was a player, so I brought an extra guitar, hopeful I could get him up to jam....... and here is what happened...)







Chris, you rock my friend! Thanks for letting me twist your arm. I listened to your music, Let Go, had me within a few bars, bravo!

I need to digress here for a moment, because I don't do a solo gig very often, and part of the reason I am sharing this story here, is because if you read my blog, you will know that it has been one of my New Years goals, to continue to work towards being capable of doing a solo gig (if the need arises), and yesterday, was a pivotal day for me, because I managed to sort of, well, pull it off. :)



I don't really do this gig alone, er, ever, really, and I am motivated to keep working on completing a full night of music, solo, and being comfortable while doing it. As it happened, after their games, the rugby teams wandered into the clubhouse we had taken over from them ( which they so graciously shared in honor of their past member), and the room was filled to capacity. I wound up doing my whole set again. I have already been asked back to play after another home game, so something must have worked. I have to say that playing for a room full of big strong boys is quite a lovely thing for a lady, hehe, and as an added bonus, my gear and music equipment ( which I usually lug around myself), magically transported itself to my car when I was finished and ready to go. I could get terrifically spoiled .



I found it flattering and charming that both teams enjoyed the music enough to want me to come back and be the 'home game' girl, I jokingly wondered aloud if I should pick a side, however they assure me they are all good buddies and that I can be shared.....ha!........here is a snapshot of me with Rick Bourne (UBCOB Ravens RFC) and Spence McTavish (UBC Thunderbirds RFC). Spence, was my old PE teacher, and Lord Byng's rugby coach (my old high school). Spence McTavish was an enormous influence on Schrader's life and rugby career. I remember watching our HS team winning no less than 3 rugby championships back in the day, many of those boys went on to long and successful rugby careers. I personally did not follow their rugby adventures after grad year, but those boys were hero's to us when they wandered the school halls.

Which brings us right back to high school, and Schrader, and yesterday. It was Erica and Jody who really put the memorial together, along with Danny Nikas doing the lions share of the promotions. There were lots of helpers, and people who came from all over the province, but Jody, Erica, and Danny (seen in the speeches video) were really the core group, and they really deserve a shout out for their efforts. Surely Shred was there, smiling down on them, and I'll bet he was laughing along with all of us as we celebrated his life.

My Life in song........a game for you.......

My Life In Song

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, answer these questions.

This was fun, so please do participate if it looks like a decent waste of time, and let me know when you have posted yours please, so I can go and read it!!!!

Pick Your Artist: Pink Floyd

Are you male or female: Mother

Describe yourself: Learning to Fly

How do you feel about yourself: Comfortably Numb

Describe where you currently live: Crumbling Land

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Point me at the Sky

Your best friend is: One of the Few

Your favorite color is: Any Color you Like

You know that: The show must go on

What's the weather like?: Goodbye Blue Sky

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called?: Shine on You Crazy Diamond

What is life to you?: Give birth to a smile

What is the best advice you have to give?: Let there be more Light

If you could change your name, what would it be?: Hey You

Your favorite food is: Young Lust

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sherry St Germain at the farm studios

The latest from Kelly & Rachaels All Access Pass channel on You Tube..... this was so much fun, SO much fun, I spent the evening chilling at the Farm Studios, with Sherry St Germain last week, while she and producer Ben Kaplan worked on the final mix of Starving Artist, a single on her soon to be released CD. I love the song, I love the girl..........I captured some of the evening, and I share it with you.......


On March 28th Sherry will be performing in Vancouver BC, at 'the Royal', on Granville Street, for the 2009 Junofest

From the Junofest website:

**Produced in association with Vancouver-based Donnelly & Associates Event Marketing Inc., JunoFest is a two-night music extravaganza that showcases the talents of over 100 local, regional and national artists representing the diverse spectrum of Canadian music.

Nearly half of the participating line-up has been chosen locally to highlight Vancouver’s rich and diverse music scene, in addition to performances from 2009 JUNO Award nominees and some of Canada’s national touring acts.***

For more info on Junofest, please click underlined link.