I’ve been singing all of my life. I remember standing up in the back of the big conversion van that we had, belting out Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for my whole family while on vacation. I’m sure they would have loved for me to just sit down and be quiet! I was constantly recording songs from the radio onto a cassette so I could sing them over and over. Then came my first karaoke machine…I am sure my parents regretted that purchase at the time, because I was positive that if my bedroom door was closed, no one else could hear me. My first few karaoke tapes were Gloria Estefan, Tricia Yearwood and Reba McEntire. I am happy to say none of those creations are anywhere to be found, and if they ever surface I will deny, deny, deny!
I really got into singing for others in middle/high school. You know that show “Glee”? Yeah. That was me. Well, maybe not the random singing in the hallways and internal turmoil. But it definitely gave me the confidence to stand on stage…and maybe sometimes use jazz hands. Oh yeah. Jazz hands a-plenty.
I first started singing in a band when I first turned 21. Discovered singing (what else) karaoke. I spent a couple of years with Excelerator, learning the wonders of hauling equipment, setting up, sound check and tearing it all down. They were the best group of guys to learn from. I also met my husband while playing with those guys, something I will be eternally grateful for. When I left Excelerator, I joined up with my brother-in-law, Wade, a long time drummer in the local music circuit. We went through a few different bands, searching for the right fit. Always tons of fun but never finding “it”.
I decided to take up an offer to be a backup vocalist for a former local band called Sin City Revival. These guys were amazing, I loved every single original song those boys turned out. Playing with musicians Dean Berry, Brian Fones, and Ryan Underhill was a privelage, even if it was short-lived. During my short time with Sin City, I became pregnant with my twins and took an 18 month hiatus from the live music scene. After 18 months of being away I was itching for the stage again…enter the Brockwell Brothers…
Bruce and Barry have known my husband Jason since he was a teenager. When I met them about 10 years ago I had no clue that they even played an instrument, let alone that they played them rather well. I just thought they were major goofballs who liked to play golf, drink and dance poorly to Brick House (ahem….Barry…) In 2008, when I was thinking of getting back into music, I heard a rumor that they had started a little band, and I immediately thought “Those guys would be so fun to play with!” I was invited into The Garage for a practice and have never looked back. We have so much fun wherever we go. We have been blessed with some amazing opportunities. We’ll keep on going until someone makes us stop. Or until one of these old boys needs a hip or knee replacement.