JAM WITH THE ROCK STARS

Rock Camp Artist:

Nancy Wilson

Associated Acts: Heart

Primary Instrument: Vocals, Guitar

Nancy Wilson is celebrated as one of the seminal musicians in the history of Rock n' Roll. A guitar virtuoso from the age of 10, Nancy, and her sister Ann, led the multi-platinum rock group, Heart. Together they have gone on to sell 35 million records. Nancy is revered as an ingenious guitar player and a gifted vocalist. As a songwriter, Nancy has co-written a collection of indelible songs that have earned their way into the classic rock canon including, "Magic Man," "Crazy on You," "Barracuda," and "Straight On."

During an era when females in rock n' roll were scarce, Nancy helped carve out a place for women to front a band and dominate a rock stage. Her icon status was cemented when Heart was inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. That same year, she and her sister received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Wilson sisters celebrated another career milestone in 2013 when they performed Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven" at the Kennedy Center Honors. Their note-perfect performance was met with rowdy cheers and a standing ovation in the staid hall and brought members of Led Zeppelin to tears.

Nancy has also built a successful career as a film composer. Her composing credits include scores for the following films:

• 2005 Elizabethtown
• 2001 Vanilla Sky
• 2000 Almost Famous
• 1995 Jerry Maguire (main theme)
• 1989 Say Anything

In 2017, Nancy stands at the starting line of exciting new co-writing/performance opportunities with her powerhouse band ROADCASE ROYALE, revitalized, as she pushes forward into a fresh artistic world.

Rock Camp Artist:

Sheila E.

Associated Acts: PRINCE

Primary Instrument: Drums

Sheila Cecelia Escovedo, better known by her stage name Sheila E., was born into a musical family in Oakland, California. She was the first child born to her French Creole mother, Juanita, and her father, Pete Escovedo, a well-known Mexican American jazz percussionist. Her four paternal uncles were also well-known musicians, as was her godfather, Tito Puente. Sheila E. played several instruments as a child. She eventually picked up the drums and has continued with percussion throughout her career.

Sheila E.’s career began when, at 15-years old, she filled in on the congas for her father’s Latin-rock-funk band Azteca during their opening slot for the Temptations in San Francisco. Following that performance, she continued to tour with Azteca.

After playing for musicians Herbie Hancock and George Duke among others, Sheila E. met Prince backstage at a show. The two embarked on a musical and occasionally romantic partnership. In 1984, Sheila E. and Prince collaborated on the single, synth funk track “Erotic City.” That same year, Sheila E. released her critically acclaimed first solo album, The Glamorous Life, which she and Prince compiled over the course of a week of jam sessions. The album garnered multiple Grammy and American Music Award nominations and won MTV's Best Video Award. She opened for Prince’s Purple Rain Tour and played for European and American audiences on her own as her solo career flourished.

Rock Camp Artist:

Nita Strauss

Associated Acts: Alice Cooper

Primary Instrument: Guitar

Los Angeles born guitarist Nita Strauss has become a force to be reckoned with in the music world, dazzling audiences across the US, UK, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa, and sharing the stage with a diverse range of artists including rock legend Alice Cooper, R&B star Jermaine Jackson, early MTV darlings Femme Fatale, video game supergroup Critical Hit and popular tribute band The Iron Maidens.

Her skill, exuberant stage presence and love for all things about her instrument have earned her a stellar reputation and endorsements from many top companies.Nita has been featured in many worldwide print magazines and on dozens of albums, trailers, and soundtracks, including Heroes Of The Storm (Blizzard) and Grammy-nominated Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (Konami/ Platinum Games); and is the author of the Premier Guitar column "Drop Dead Shred". Nita was also the official in-house guitarist for the LA KISS, the arena football team owned by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS. She is one of the most sought after clinicians in the industry and has done extensive clinic tours across multiple continents. Her consistent touring schedule has led her to play in front of over a million audience members in both 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Nita is currently playing guitar for Alice Cooper and working on original solo material.

Rock Camp Artist:

Lita Ford

Associated Acts: The Runaways

Primary Instrument: Guitar, Vocals

In 1975 at the age of 17 she joined the all female rock band The Runaways, for whom she played lead guitar. After the group split in 1979, she began a solo career. Her most commercially successful album was 1988's Lita. With Sharon Osbourne as her manager, and produced by herself, the album featured the hits, "Kiss Me Deadly", and "Close My Eyes Forever". She has been honored with seven Metal Edge Readers Choice Awards and an installation into the Circus magazine Hall of Fame, in which she is the only female inductee. Ford appears in the 1992 film, "Highway to Hell" as 'The Hitchhiker'.

Rock Camp Artist:

BRITT LIGHTNING

Associated Acts: Vixen

Primary Instrument: Guitar

Britt Lightning is the lead guitarist for the legendary 80's rock band Vixen. From 2015 to 2016 Britt played guitar for Rachel Platten, performing live at festivals and on national TV shows promoting the single "Fight Song", which charted at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Britt performed live on Good Morning America, the Today Show, Live with Kelly and Michael, VH1, the Teen Choice Awards, Nickelodeon, and performed on the 2016 finale of America's Got Talent, which took place at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall. Britt also performed on Live with Kelly and Michael with Jason Derulo to promote his new album “Tattoos”.  

 From 2012-2015 Britt performed for 18-time Grammy Award winning artist Alejandro Sanz in his stadium / arena-level world tour. Britt is featured in Sanz’s "La Musica No Se Toca – En Vivo" CD / DVD. Britt joined Sanz at the 2013 Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas performing the single “No Me Compares”, and performed with the band at prestigious festivals, venues and international TV specials. 

 Recently Britt recorded with Alejandra Guzman, an iconic Latin artist who has sold over 30 million records, on her latest live album and DVD, "Live at the Roxy", due to be released later this year. 

 Labeled the “Closer” by Lady Gaga, Britt has followed her dreams by striving to grow and evolve as a musician and simultaneously earned a degree in Music Business from Northeastern University graduating Summa Cum Laude, and continued her education at Berklee School of Music. 

 Britt continues to tour with Vixen while working on their upcoming studio album. Catch her on the road this summer, tour dates can be found at www.brittlightning.com.

Rock Camp Artist:

Rhonda Smith

Associated Acts: Jeff Beck

Primary Instrument: Bass Guitar

Rhonda Smith is a dynamic and innovative musician whose career has been marked by extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication. Born into a musical family and raised in Montreal, Smith's early exposure to piano and rock and roll laid the foundation for her future success. Her formal training at McGill University, coupled with her experience in the male-dominated rock scene, honed her skills and prepared her for the challenges ahead.

Smith's career reached new heights when she joined Prince's band, showcasing her exceptional bass playing and captivating stage presence to a global audience. Collaborations with iconic artists like Chaka Khan, Beyoncé, and Erykah Badu further solidified her reputation as a versatile and in-demand musician. Beyond her musical accomplishments, Smith has also made significant contributions to the entertainment industry through television appearances and magazine features.

With a passion for songwriting and a desire to share her own artistic vision, Smith embarked on a successful solo career. Her albums, "Intellipop" and "RS2," showcased her range as a vocalist and instrumentalist, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. As a founding member of the all-female supergroup C.O.E.D., Smith continues to inspire and empower women in music.

Rhonda Smith's impact on the music industry is undeniable. Her innovative approach, coupled with her soulful performances, has earned her a place among the most respected and influential musicians of her generation. With her continued dedication to her craft, Smith is poised to leave an enduring legacy.

Rock Camp Artist:

Roxy Petrucci

Associated Acts: Vixen

Primary Instrument: Drums

Looking back Roxy Petrucci may not have known the Rock Gods were feeling frisky the day she was born in the City of Detroit well before the ‘Blue Ribbon’ generation. As an Italian American brought up in humble beginnings it was very clear at an early age she’d better be great at something.

Petrucci was raised within a family of talented musicians. A first chair clarinetist in high school then onto college she decided drumsticks and black leather seemed a better fit, thus forming the all-female band Pantagruel later to be known as Black Lace. Inspiration then rocked Petrucci when Bonham & Moon still rolled and her proverbial cup began to overflow. “Music was in my heart but metal was in my veins” and the road would soon call. Madam X proved to be her next outlet and born unto the cast of characters; molten-lava guitarist and sister Maxine Petrucci, bassist Chris ‘Godzilla’ Doliber and vocalist Bret Kaiser. Visually stunning, their performances were a brilliant blend of 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' with 'Spinal Tap' moments. The outrageous Madam X attained cult status as Petrucci paid her dues on an infamous 4-year tour.

Fueled by Madam X, Petrucci continued to make noise of her own on the West Coast scene when she auditioned for David Lee Roth. The Roth opportunity was a near miss as master drummer Greg Bissonette edged her out for the prized gig.

For Petrucci the black leather got even hotter when 1986 proved to be the year of the Vixen. MTV and Vixen would be a match made in heaven and the engine of the most successful all female rock band revved. Worldwide tours opening for Ozzy, Scorpions, Deep Purple and Kiss caused the flames of success to burn too hot so eventually Petrucci and Vixen parted ways in 1991 with occasional performances up to 2001.

Side projects such as Hell’s Belles and Titania never caught fire but in 2004 VH1 came courting Vixen when “Bands Reunited” found Petrucci hiding out in Germantown, WI. Leaving the fans wanting more, Vixen only performed a one-off show and then Petrucci retreated back to her side project Roktopuss featuring Lorraine Lewis of Femme Fatale and face melting guitarist Jeff Young (Megadeth).

“It wasn’t until 2010 that inspiration struck me once again like a bolt of lightning. While in Nova Scotia I was presented with the prestigious Cape Breton International Drum Festival Legends Award along with drum greats Carmine Appice, Alan White, Jerry Mercer and Virgil Donati.” “It was at that specific time and place, in the presence of so much extraordinary talent when my circle closed on my destiny in music. Awards and accolades may look impressive on the wall but to inspire other potential rock legends is an unparalleled achievement and along with rock n’ roll, will live forever.”

“So they say lightning never strikes twice and you never know what the future may bring. It might be a Detroit thing but I will only speak for myself when I say; "Who the hell are they and what do they know?" "Ultimately they will find me slumped over my drum kit still grasping my sticks in my cold dead hands… but I’m not dead yet!”

Rock Camp Artist:

Eva Gardner

Associated Acts: P!nk

Primary Instrument: Bass

Eva Gardner began performing with live bands in her hometown of Los Angeles at the age of 14. Deciding to further her musical studies, she attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, studying under trumpet player Bobby Rodriguez. Gardner continued her studies at UCLA, graduating with honors (Cum Laude), and earning a degree in Ethnomusicology. Her professional career began when she toured and recorded as the original bassist in The Mars Volta in 2001 and 2002. Since then, Gardner has performed and toured with numerous artists worldwide, including P!nk, with whom Gardner toured Europe and South Africa in 2007.

In 2008, Gardner continued playing bass for P!nk on the Funhouse Tour, spanning Europe, Australia, and the United States. The tour broke records, with Gardner playing for over 1.5 million fans in 151 shows. Gardner also performed in P!nk’s Truth About Love Tour and Beautiful Trauma World Tour, as well as for P!nk’s performance at the 56th Grammy Awards in 2014. Gardner also performed with Cher in 2014 for the Dressed To Kill Tour and in 2017 on the Classic Cher residency show with dates in Las Vegas, NV and Washington, D.C. Additional artists Gardner has worked with include Gwen Stefani, Tegan & Sara, Moby, and Veruca Salt, and Gardner appeared on an episode of Transparent with the Indigo Girls.

Rock Camp Artist:

Julia Lage

Associated Acts: Vixen

Primary Instrument: Bass

Julia Lage is a Brazilian bass player, singer songwriter. Inspired by bands like Rush, Aerosmith and Guns N Roses, she began learning the Bass Guitar at the age of thirteen. At the age of seventeen Julia had become a full time member of the critically acclaimed Latin Grammy nominated Brazilian band Barra Da Saia. After her thirteen year tenure with the band which included major network television appearances, International festivals and domestic arena tours plus 3 full albums and 1 live DVD, Julia left the band and relocated to Los Angels California. With a BA in music and arts as well as extensive studio and touring experience, Julia has found herself performing and recording with a vast array of A list artists and musicians such as Pat Travers, Elliot Easton (The Cars), Richie Kotzen, Adam Lambert (Queen) as well as performing along side Pop Star Janelle Monáe and rapper Jidenna at the American Idol Finals.

Julia also worked with Grammy winner iconic Latin artist Alejandra Gusmán, recording a live cd/dvd called 'Live at The Roxy'. In 2022 Julia was the touring bassist with Smith/Kotzen, a rock blues band formed by Adrian Smith ( Iron Maiden ) and Richie Kotzen ( The Winery Dogs ).

She is also on the live recording of the EP 'Better days and Nights'. In the same year she was invited to join the all female platinum selling rock band Vixen and performed on their latest single 'Red' released in 2023. Julia also has her own projects which include her solo music and her band The Sister Knot. Julia’s prolific nature as a writer has found her compositions and performances featured in various American films and television shows. She is currently working on finishing her first solo album and continues to tour with Vixen as they work on their new music.

Rock Camp Artist:

Jennie Vee

Associated Acts: Eagles of Death Metal

Primary Instrument: Bass, Guitar

Jennie Vee is a songwriter, guitarist and bassist from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Vee grew up listening to Hole, The Cure and Jane's Addiction and taught herself guitar. She quit high school and relocated to Southsea, England, where she recorded her first demo with her musical mentor Jim Shaw from the band Cranes. She returned to Canada and formed a band, Tuuli, who released an EP on Sympathy for the Record Industry, an LP on Linus and her songs were featured on Comedy Central and Degrassi: The Next Generation.

She released her solo EP Die Alone in 2014 and was subsequently discovered by Love who recruited her to play bass for the Endless Summer tour with Lana Del Rey. Her first full-length album, Spying, was released the following year. She lives in Los Angeles, California and is a touring member of Eagles of Death Metal. She has also played bass with Courtney Love, supported Echo and The Bunnymen and the Manic Street Preachers and played with Tamaryn. She has described herself as a "recovering goth", and she has cited New Order's Peter Hook as an influence on her playing, adding "I love adding a texture... rather than sticking with the root note."