On December 5th, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the kick-off event for the Rock n’ Roll Fantasy Camp: Women’s Rock Camp at the iconic Gibson Showroom in Los Angeles. This isn’t just an event—it’s a transformative experience where women from across the country come together to live their rockstar dreams. Guided by some of the most legendary women in the music industry, this camp is a celebration of music, empowerment, and community.
A Lineup of Legends
The mentors were nothing short of rock royalty. Nancy Wilson of Heart, Sheila E., Nita Strauss, Lita Ford, Rhonda Smith, Eva Gardner, and more shared their wisdom and artistry, inspiring campers of all skill levels. Whether it was shredding guitar solos with Nita, diving into rhythm with Sheila, or mastering stage presence with Lita, every session felt like a masterclass in confidence and creativity.
Rocking Beyond the Music
But the Women’s Rock Camp goes beyond music. The programming was packed with exciting and practical sessions designed to inspire every aspect of a performer’s journey. Highlights included a stagewear fashion show from the incredibly talented Jennie Vee, who showed us how to merge style with rockstar attitude; a stage makeup tutorial from MAC Cosmetics that turned faces into show-ready canvases; and a nutrition masterclass led by Ilana Muhlstein, designed to keep touring musicians healthy and energized on the road.
The Billboard panel was another standout, offering an insider’s look at the business side of music. Heavy hitters like Melinda Newman, Melinda Colaizzi, and Shira Yevin dropped gems of wisdom, showing how women can succeed and thrive in an ever-evolving industry. It was an inspiring reminder that the music business needs more fearless women breaking boundaries.
The Magic of Sisterhood
What struck me most was the atmosphere of genuine support and collaboration. Whether it was chats about jam sessions, organizing masterclasses, or casual conversations, the room buzzed with encouragement and solidarity. Rock Camp producer David Fishof summed it up perfectly when he said, “The Women’s Rock Camps have been some of the most supportive and uplifting camps I’ve seen.”
From aspiring musicians to seasoned professionals, every woman in attendance shared their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Rock Camp producer David Fishof said it best: these camps are some of the most supportive and uplifting events in his 28 years of producing. You could feel it in the air—a community of women lifting each other up, proving that there’s nothing more powerful than women empowering women.
The camp culminated with a live performance on the Sunset Strip at the legendary Viper Room, where these incredible women showed the world what they’d been working on. There’s something extraordinary about seeing women from all walks of life step into the spotlight, supported by their rockstar mentors. The energy was electric, the performances were unforgettable, and the crowd was left in awe.
Breaking Barriers, Making History
This event wasn’t just about music—it was about smashing stereotypes and rewriting the narrative for women in rock. Nancy Wilson captured it beautifully when she said, “Encouraging women to wield their power outside confining gender expectations is always a happy task for me.”
Attending the Women’s Rock Camp was an unforgettable experience. It reminded me why music is such a powerful force for change and connection. This camp is about more than learning riffs and harmonies—it’s about finding your voice, building a community, and proving that women belong on every stage and in every corner of the music industry.
If you’re a woman who’s ever dreamed of rocking out with legends, don’t sleep on the Women’s Rock Camp. It’s more than an event—it’s a movement that’s shaping the future of rock ‘n’ roll.. one chord at a time!
PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Giumenti
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