Rock'n'Roll Fantasy Camp Summer Tour 2008

[David]

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FANTASY CAMP PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO NEW ORLEANS MUSICIAN’S RELIEF FUND

Quote:

Local Musicians To Jam With Famous Rock Stars When Camp Rolls Into Town Monday Rock Star “Counselors” To Tour Rebuilding Efforts With Legendary New Orleans Musicians Cosimo Matassa, Smoky Johnson and Bob French Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp – the world-famous music camp that allows everyday men and women to live out their musical dreams live, on-stage with famous musicians – is coming to New Orleans for the first time this Monday, August 18. In a show of support for the city of New Orleans and its people as the third anniversary of Katrina approaches, the Camp is working with the New Orleans Musician’s Relief Fund to donate full “scholarships” to five local musicians so that they can experience the Camp firsthand. (Regular campers pay $1999 for the experience.) The idea for the scholarships came through Mark Sleeper, a Los Angeles-based Real Estate Developer (he has helped to rebuild 500 apartments in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina) who is a friend of both Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp and the New Orleans Musician’s Relief Fund. Each local musician will be put into a band with New Orleans residents who have already signed up for the camp as well as Rock Star Counselors which include: Gilby Clarke (Guns n’ Roses), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Earl Slick (David Bowie/John Lennon), Dave Ellefson (former Megadeth bassist), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), Chris Slade (AC/DC), Mark Hudson (Grammy® Award-winning writer/producer, Aerosmith), Kip Winger (Winger). During the day, the bands will rehearse at Touro Synagogue and then they will all hit the stage as the opening act for EXTREME at House of Blues that evening. “As the third anniversary of Katrina approaches, people are still rebuilding their lives – especially the many talented musicians who live in the New Orleans area,” said David Fishof, Founder of Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp. “During our Camp’s stop in New Orleans we wanted to give something back to those musicians with an exciting and uplifting experience as only Rock Camp can provide.” While in New Orleans – on Sunday, August 17 – the Rock Star Counselors will tour the rebuilding efforts with legendary New Orleans musicians Cosimo Matassa, Smoky Johnson, and Bob French. Some of their stops will include viewing the efforts of Furnishing our Neighbors, Habitat for Humanity, Global Green and Make It Right. “We are honored that these three musical legends are taking time out of their schedules to provide us with an up close and personal look at the rebuilding efforts,” said Emmy® Award-winning producer Mark Hudson and one of the tour’s counselors. “We can’t wait to speak with them – musicians to musicians – about their experiences playing in New Orleans before and now after Katrina. They are inspirations.”

www.neworleansmagazine.com/a/news/announcements-community-4309.html

[David]

Here's a cool shot of all the RRFC USA Summer Tour Counselors


Picture Courtesy: Rock'n'Roll Fantasy Camp

At the Las Vegas gig taking place this weekend at The Joint in the Hard Rock, they will be playing a 2 hour set of their own hits, following their students performances, earlier that same evening.

[David]

Here's an article from today's Orlando Sentinel heavily featuring Glenn and his band from the gig last Friday night,
Five Blokes and a Birdie, at the House of Blues in Orlando, Florida.

Quote:

They break bread, then jam Jim Abbott | Sentinel Pop Music Critic August 20, 2008 Leon Pollard isn't a musician and didn't even buy an instrument until after he signed up for rock fantasy camp. That's where the fantasy comes in. "I started taking lessons after I signed up for this," Pollard, 47, said last week in a rehearsal break at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, which puts baby-boomer wannabes in glorified garage bands, assisted by real rock stars. Now in its 10th year, the camp is in the midst of a national "tour," providing one-day wish-fulfillment in 14 cities including Orlando. For $2,000, the Orlando campers jammed all day on the 18th floor of the Best Western Lake Buena Vista, then debuted in an opening-act slot that night for Extreme at House of Blues. The expert advice came from stars such as Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Dave Ellefson (Megadeth) and Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple). Beginners. Hughes was working with Pollard's band, Five Blokes and a Birdie, which also included another member who had only been playing for a few weeks. Early versions of "American Woman" and "You Really Got Me" were shaky. "Someone's playing the wrong note," Hughes says. Pollard sheepishly raises his hand. "I know it's difficult for you," Hughes responds, "but I chose this song because it's easy. There's not much easier than this." A serious goal. Across the hall, Easton and rock star Mark Slaughter work on Beatles songs with their band, Life Support. One member, Jim Aardema, 46 of Tampa, has a more serious goal amid the fun. "It's a confidence-builder more than anything else," he says. "I've always had a terrible time with stage fright, so I'm hoping I can overcome this natural history of being really nervous onstage." What about the ladies? Rock fantasy camp is mostly a guy thing. There are only a handful of women among the nearly three dozen campers. Raven Gaston, of Titusville, is attending the camp as a 16th birthday present. Hanging out with old dudes? "I like adults," she says, "because there's more to learn from them." Along that line, Five Blokes and Birdie have finally learned "You Really Got Me." "I'm very proud of you guys," Hughes says. "Give me a hug."

www.orlandosentinel.com/community/news/lakebuenavista/orl-fantasy2008aug20,0,646529.story

[David]

Here's Glenn and his RRFC band from the New York City gig at The Fillmore playing "Smoke On The Water"...no doubt filmed by a mate of the lead guitarist, as you'll see

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[David]

...and here is "Superstition" from the RRFC gig in New York City...

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[David]

Former Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes has been breaking out his Epiphone Elitist '63 335 Dot during stops along the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Tour.

www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/ArtistsAndEvents/Stories/glenn-hughes-turns-to-his-epi

[David]

An interview Glenn had with NBC Channel 12 in Phoenix, Arizona today will air locally today at 4:30PM and later will be found on their website:

www.azcentral.com/12news/

Meanwhile, here's a feature on the RRFC from Channel 12's website:

www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/2008/08/20/20080820rockcamp.html

[David]

Here's the brief segment as featured on NBC Channel 12 in Phoenix, Arizona

www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2008/08/22/20080822rockfantasycamp08222008-CR.html

[Chip]

As Glenn eluded to yesterday in his twitter message...it was hot as hell here in Phoenix. Thankfully, no rattlesnakes, scorpions, or Gila monsters made an appearance. It was even hotter on stage, when Glenn's band went on. They rocked out to excellent versions of Superstition and Summertime Blues. Glenn sang all lead vocals and played his new guitar, which by the way, sounds excellent.

To close out the RRFC part of the evening, the all-stars hit the stage. Due to travel arrangements, Glenn had to open the finale and not close as usual, with a rousing version of SOTW.

Watching the campers get up there and give it their all was worth the price of admission. They all were quite good actually.

Will post some photos later today. Having issues downloading images from my memory card lately.

Only a few more of these RRFC shows, then it's time for part two of the FUNK tour

Thanks again Glenn for an awesome evening

Chip

[Chip]

I forgot to mention that Glenn's band also did Cream's "White Room".

Here are a few photos. If I had known I would end up having a pass and backstage access, I would have taken my good camera. I don't get into any venues carrying that camera.

Chip

[amygdala]

I guess this is my way of introduction, as I'm new here. I'm very pleased to be here.

Last week at Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp was one of the highlights of my life. I was just a fly on the wall, as my son was actually the one coached by Mr. Hughes and Mr. Mark Hudson. My son spent the better part of the day learning, jamming and hanging out with two of the masters of rock n roll. Pinch me - I still can't believe it.

Extreme is one of my favorite bands, and the show with Kings X would have been awesome by itself. My boy always liked Extreme, but has recently learned to play many of their tunes on the guitar. (I'm so jealous!)

My son's first live performance, first time really playing with a band was with Glenn Hughes playing bass and Mark Hudson on guitar. There were three other campers in their band. I was so touched, I cried like I was in church. My boy hadn't even ever heard the song they played first! They were on stage opening for Kings X and Extreme. It was truly a fantasy/dream come true.

My kid can play guitar, but how do you tell Glenn Hughes you can play guitar? My son did a great job and I was so proud and thankful and overwhelmed.

What an honor that Mr. Hughes made sure to meet me - even though it was time to entertain his guests. He signed all the memorabilia I brought, and gave me a hug, and let my boy take pictures of us. He was very gracious, patient and kind.

Trapeze was always one of my top favorite bands, since I was a young girl. I was so excited to see Mr. Hughes' name on the list, I called rockcamp.com and signed my boy up.

Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp was worth every penny. I'm deeply grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity for my son (and me.) I'm going to be sure he can go again sometime if he wants to. He got an extra shot of motivation and inspiration. The event was unlike any other either of us had been to.

I'm still smiling.

I really enjoyed the video message elsewhere on this site. Thank you for a wonderful fan site! Bravo!

With pleasure,
amygdala (proud mom)

[chrisloeb]

That message is so sweet!
What a great first posting!

Welcome!

Oh... and pictures, please!

Christian

[Chip]

Welcome to the site. Thanks for the great story

Chip

[Chip]

Here's a link for an article in today's paper by one of the campers here in Phoenix.

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/2008/08/25/20080825fantasycamp.html

Chip

[purplemusic]

i just wanted to make sure i welcomed amy to the site. what a wonderful time that must have been for you and your son. a great story to tell now and always. you have now learned what we here at GH.com have known for a long time; glenn hughes is the real deal a class act in every way and on every day. just take a look around this site, and you will find so many examples of glenn's graciousness to his family of fans here. i have to throw in the time that glenn got sick and had to change a concert date. it cost/caused me money and heartache. knowing this (as i made it clear w/ my posts ) glenn got my phone # and personally called me at home and at work just to tell me how sorry he was (for being sick!!). it made it that much more special when i did see him and met w/ him backstage. he remembered me from being at another concert the previous year that i had brought my daughter to.
i don't know if it's a line in one of his songs or not, but that could easily be a good title for his upcomming book..."the real deal"
luv ya G.
bart

[David]

Glenn will be featured along with the Rock'n'Roll Fantasy Camp on Los Angeles FOX News Channel 11 locally
in Los Angeles.

It should also appear later on their website

www.myfoxla.com/

[Shirl]

Great story amygdala and welcome to all things GH.

How old is your son? And imagine - when he's famous and is asked 'who was your first gig with?'

Would be lovely to see some of your photos some time.

[David]

Here is a link to an interview featuring Glenn on a local FOX News affiliate TV station last night in Los Angeles at the House Of Blues for the final night of the 2008 Rock'n'Roll Fantasy Camp tour of the USA.

www.myfoxla.com

[tony g]

still digging the fact that i got to see glenn-the voice and the bass playing right in front of me!!!!!!!! i can still hear it

[purplemusic]

glad you had a chance to make it tony. there's nothing like seeing papa G. playing live . i can't wait until my next time seeing G. . hopefully , we here in the states will have that privalage again soon as the inevitable leg of the U.S. tour will be kicking in. ( there REALLY is going to be such a thing, isn't there? ) we certainly understand that it's a big world out there, and everyone wants to (and deserves) a chance to see big daddy, but we are (very respectfully) way over due for what is going to be the best, most successfull glenn hughes tour the states have ever seen.
if you play it, they ( we ) will come.
peas & luv

[David]

Here's a link to a blog posting from Todd Skaggs - turns out he's the lucky guy who won the RRFC "5 day Platinum Rock Star Tour Package", so he got to attend 5 of the camps, all expenses paid!

He reports on his time at the various camps he attended, that included the final night in Los Angeles. Of interest, he was in Glenn's bands for the San Francisco and Los Angeles camps

http://randomtzp.blogspot.com/2008/08/rrfc-los-angeles-aug-26th.html

[Filmdude71]

I just thought I'd reply to this thread (since my blog is the one that's referenced). Yes, I did win the grand prize and was lucky enough to have Glenn as my camp counselor for both San Francisco and L.A.

Although the sets were the same in both cities, I was surprised at the different type of energy Glenn brought to each camp.

It was truly an honor and gift to be able to work with such a talented musician and amazing man.

-Todd

[David]

Todd (Filmdude71) has just added a bunch of pix from his time at the RRFC over at Flickr

www.flickr.com/photos/twistedzen/sets/72157607086383486/

[David]

Here's "I Wanna Take You Higher" and "Smoke On The Water" from the Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville all-star counselor jam featuring Glenn on lead vocal and bass

YouTube - Glen hughes - I Want to Take You Higher

YouTube - Glen hughes - I Want to Take You Higher

YouTube - Glen hughes - Smoke on the Water

YouTube - Glen hughes - Smoke on the Water

[trapezoid]

Wow! So stoked that someone there was able to capture this on video. Thanks for posting!

[Grace]

Originally Posted by amygdala

What an honor that Mr. Hughes made sure to meet me - even though it was time to entertain his guests. He signed all the memorabilia I brought, and gave me a hug, and let my boy take pictures of us. He was very gracious, patient and kind.

Yep Amy, that's our boy.
On stage (in my opinion) there's nobody else like Glenn Hughes.
The man owns the building, and can easily blow the roof off.
Offstage, during the "meet and greet"........you get Joe Normal.
Polite, patient with the fans, and very funny.

~~~
Welcome to the fun house.
It won't take you too long to figure out why we're called ~
The Glenn Hughes Crazy People.




*

[trapezoid]

That's a Peavey Scorpio bass that Glenn is playing in the videos posted from the Nashville show. I believe it's Dave Ellefson's bass as he was also performing that night. The sound in person was awesome.