jaimes

This is Vicki Johnson. I met Vicki through Girls’ Rock Camp ATL, where we discovered we had two things in common: we were both new drummers and both moms to six-year-old girls. As you can imagine, this is a pretty rare combination to have in common. The motherhood community is not exactly flooded with drummers. But if Vicki and I can help it, it will be soon!

Vicki started playing drums at Ladies Rock Camp, a weekend camp for women to learn new instruments, form a band, and perform a show. The camp also acts as a fundraiser for Girls’ Rock Camp. The next Ladies Rock Camp Atlanta is February 18-20. Registration is still open, so if you want a chance to meet some amazing women and play music, sign up now!

You can read more about Vicki and her drumming adventures in my interview with her at Tom Tom Magazine. Head on over there. It’s worth the click.

Is it just me, or are the 90s making a comeback? Everywhere I turn, bands from the 90s are doing reunion tours. (In the case of The Pixies, reunion tours of reunion tours.) There’s a new book out by Sara Marcus called Girls to the Front: The True Story of the Riot Grrrl Revolution. And there’s even an entire television series dedicated to the 90s art and music scene, which is still alive and well in at least one American city. Hello, Portland.

Is this a sign that we’re discontent with the present time? Is the first decade (plus change) of the new millennium just not cuttin’ it? (more…)

Joni Mitchell
Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Artist, Mother of Kilauren

For those of us who are snowed in today or any day this winter, here’s a few ideas borrowed from Joni Mitchell on how to spend your time and unblock your creativity.

“At the point where I’m trying to force something and it’s not happening, and I’m getting frustrated with, say, writing a poem, I can go and pick up the brushes and start painting. At the point where the painting seems to not be going anywhere, I go and pick up the guitar.”

I’m SO excited to announce that I am now a contributing writer for Tom Tom Magazine, a magazine dedicated to female drummers. I’ll be doing a monthly online post about motherhood and musicianship and also profiling female drummers in the Atlanta area.

Tom Tom is an incredible magazine offering everything girls need for inspiration, know-how, and information on playing drums. As much as I appreciate the tips and talent that is showcased in mainstream musician magazines and websites, females are not typically represented. Tom Tom is working hard to fill that void for girls who play drums, and I am seriously honored to be included in the magazine.

Head on over to Tom Tom to read my first post on how I finally got the nerve to play drums.

Let’s see, this collaboration between Josh Homme and PJ Harvey is from the the Desert Sessions Volume 9 and 10circa 2003. At that time, I was pregnant with my first child and kind of ignoring music in order to obsess over pregnancy books. And, look at what I missed! Let this be a lesson to you pregnant ones out there: put down the scary pregnancy books and listen to music. It’s better for the baby.

Over 100 pieces of John Lennon’s artwork and lyrics will be displayed this weekend at the Westin Buckhead Atlanta. The exhibit, So This Is Christmas…A Tribute to John’s 70th Year, is open and free to the public, but donations are suggested. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Atlanta Children’s Shelter.

To read more about the event, check out these interviews with Yoko Ono on Creative Loafing and Access Atlanta.

Lennon’s traveling exhibitions are made possible by Yoko Ono and Legacy Productions.

The exhibit is December 3-5 at Westin Buckhead Atlanta, 3391 Peachtree Road N.E. Hours are Friday, 5-9; Saturday, 11-7, and Sunday, 11-6.