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Home , Aerosmith, Brad Whitford, Candlebox, David Fishof, Dokken, Far Behind

Photos and story by Janna Lopez

The Gift of Inspiration: ’n’ Roll a Rockfantasy “If no one is barfing or bleeding, it’s not rock ’n’ roll.” Wow. Maybe the perfect words, spoken by rock ’n’ roll musi- cian, Michael Gerbino (more on him later) to describe the magic of a particular time and place — when you’re 20. But what happens when you’re 40? Or 50? Or even older? Though your kids might be nearly full-grown, they might also still live at home, so maybe living ’n’ roll fantasy isn’t the best idea. After all, you’re an adult now. You have a job, a stack of bills to pay, a life insurance policy, kids’ sports schedules to adhere to. But then the “becoming a rock star” dream you once had rears its head again, as powerful as ever. For many dads, and even some moms, thankfully, there’s an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live November 28 to January 4 out the rock ’n’ roll dream, in real time, with real lights, a real stage, and a real rock star jamming beside you — all without the young- Closed December 10, 24 & 25 er-days aftermath of brawling, barf or blood. Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, home-based in Las Vegas, is most cer- tainly a mature-version, dream-like oasis for those who love music, once performed or dream of performing, or want to gain invaluable music technique education in a very short time. Though there are modified versions of this rock camp model, including day-long and business-style retreats, the most well-known format is the intensive four-day camp.

A better future for wildlife. DECEMBER 2014 | 21 This camp is about music . . . It’s about relationships between fathers and sons.

This story is shared because we all ing, recording and then performing take the spotlight. David Fishof, the ny-musical-trades. He’s performed Mark Cook, a dad camper from have those goals, inspirations inside with globally known rock stars such camp’s founder, does an incredible over 4,500 live shows and recorded Portland, Oregon, guitar player with us that sometimes remain dormant. as Roger Daltrey (), job of selecting counselors who or jammed with Rob Halford (Judas several local music projects and an For a lot of (dare I say) middle-aged (Guns n’ Roses), (Aero- are talented teachers and humble Priest), Vince Neil (Motley Crue) artist with creative aspirations, says, people, being connected to music smith) and (The Eagles). people — although it’s apparent the and the Pointer Sisters, to name a “Mikey really made sure we each is at the top of that list. We reach Throughout the four days, over a selections are a perfect fit at least few. He’s even held the illustrious were clear on our parts, but he also mile-markers in life where clues dozen camp counselors who are in part because Fishof is that same honor of fulfilling the role of Bill wanted us not to forget to enjoy the about time’s marching orders could also rock stars, such as Vinny Apice straight-shooting, passion-instilling Wyman in tribute experience.” He adds, “I can’t believe CAMP COUNSELOR PETER KLETT WORKS WITH 11-YEAR range from needing reading glasses (), Peter Klett (Candl- kind of guy himself. Satisfaction, which had a three- how incredibly patient he was, and OLD SEASONED CAMPER BEN BLUESTEIN to scan restaurant menus, to the box) and (Ozzy, Quiet As a result of Fishof’s past work, year, nearly-800-show schedule. how when we all jammed with loss of dear friends. Whether we gift Riot, White Snake) coach, guide, connections in the music business, For this particular camp, Gerbi- and someone with opportunities, or gift teach and encourage participants his multi-faceted wealth of industry no was the counselor of the band on stage, we could at least hold our them to ourselves, something like to write, play and perform. For a knowledge and his optimistic donned “Tattoo Zoo.” Band camp own. At the end of the four days, ev- Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is an much-reduced fee, spouses, partners outlook on making people’s dreams group members came from England, erything came together for a pretty absolute dream come true. or parents of children who are come true, over 3,000 people have Texas, Oregon and Northern decent performance. What Mikey The majority of camp attendees are campers can attend over the course had a part of the rock ’n’ roll fantasy. California. The skill level within this taught us was invaluable.” of four days and during non-instruc- GUEST PERFORMER STU HAMM men between the ages of 30 and 60, That’s 3,000 people with completely particular group varied from some Gerbino adds, “I totally enjoy con- tional hours, as “groupies.” although there were several women different lives, individual goals and musical band experience to a lot of necting with my counselor peers as participants at the session I attended, Several weeks before you arrive, unique roads leading to their time prior band experience, which meant well as the campers. We as counsel- and even older kids. People from Fantasy Camp staff work behind the and place onstage, jamming next to getting all the players to stylistically ors are here to help the campers. It’s all walks of life participate in rock scenes to coordinate with campers. a childhood hero. coalesce and be ready to perform as our job to give the campers the best camp, to celebrate life (there was You’re assigned a band based on skill When asked why he started the a band — a major task. Yet Gerbino rock star moments we can. They are one camper who’d been diagnosed level, and each band is provided a camp and continues to do this over was both patient and persistent. the total focus. Being a counselor ROCK ROYALTY – JANE’S ADDICTION DRUMMER STEPHEN and beaten cancer, another who counselor and three or four songs 15 years later, Fishof says, “There’s Strum by strum, note by note, drum here has been one of the most grati- PERKINS; FANTASY CAMP FOUNDER, DAVID FISHOF, had served in ); learn new beat by drum beat, he went over the MR. AND MRS. JERRY GREENBERG to learn. Once at fantasy camp nothing that makes me happier than fying things I’ve ever done.” skills (most were talented “closet” headquarters, you are immersed in assigned repertoire of ’s the happiest camper. It’s great that Seven-time camp counselor Vinny musicians); reinspire the creative fire all-day practices and training sessions “” and they can meet and mingle with child- Appice, legendary drummer for inside (they’d reached an emotional with your assigned band, led by a ’s “Just Got Lucky,” until the hood heroes, but make no mistake, Black Sabbath and Dio, agrees. “I like juncture and rather than run off to rock star counselor. It all culminates band could swiftly play the set. I want our campers to learn. I want the challenge and love the teaching Europe, they chose this); or even to in two separate live performances at them to gain insight, technical skills Part of the excitement at our part of it. There’s something cool bond with children and encourage the House of in Las Vegas. and knowledge they might not ever particular Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy about assessing someone’s skill level, their kids’ musical interest. There have access to. I want campers to What happens — the mutual Camp session was that guitarists watching them play music — and were four or five dads attending with have the full experience of getting a creativity, support and inspiration Brad Whitford from Aerosmith and sometimes, your music — then their sons and daughters (ages 11 to band put together, writing, rehears- — between the campers, counselors George Lynch, famed Dokken guitar figuring out how all the pieces of the 16). These multi-generation campers ing, recording and performing on and staff over the course of four player, came to jam with the camp- band will fit together.” share a love for music, or regularly stage. We can give people inspiration intense, non-stop, action-packed ers and perform songs with them on jam together as a family in their to go on and pursue their dreams Appice adds, “I’m a technical guy. I days is magical. Being able to interact the third day of camp. Also making respective hometowns. in music. The most important thing guest appearances were bassist Stu take apart cars and computers just one-on-one with people you once DOKKEN'S GEORGE LYNCH WITH CAMPER MARK COOK OF TATTOO ZOO is that the campers know that they so I have to put them back togeth- Mark, a guitar player and investment had posters of in your childhood Hamm, guitarist Warren Demartini are the total center of our attention. er. Here in this setting, I can help advisor from Denver, attended the room is amazing. () and drummer Stephen Perkins camp with his two sons, Max, 15 They are the rock stars when they (Jane’s Addiction). There was major everyone to make (bass), and Luke, 16 (drums). Mark Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is com- are here.” incentive for the campers to get it music. Plus, for a lot of these guys, I can give them advice about the says, “Luckily, we have similar music pletely designed for, and focused on, Part of a camper’s feeling of being tight. Can you imagine playing a hard work that goes into music and tastes. We play together at home in a the camper being the rock star. This the star derives from the effective- song with the very rock star who touring. Sometimes people think band. I thought being in this acceler- experience is for people whose soul ness of the teachers. The counsel- created it? is inspired by playing, singing and it’s all about the glamour, but there ated type of situation, learning from ors—there were 12 of them—all Gerbino made sure the players in writing music, no matter their skill is a lot of pressure, work, practice some of the best, would be a great had worldly, professional lessons his band were confident, technically level or professional experience. That and a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff way for us to improve together. I also to share, and were very patient as a on the mark and attentive to every is one of the many merits of Rock people can’t even imagine. I’m hap- want my boys to be encouraged that wide-ranging mix of musical ideas, detail of each member’s capacity and ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp. Everyone is py to share those insights if they’re with hard work, bigger dreams are skill levels and goals came together performance levels. Over the course treated equally — like a rock star. helpful.” obtainable.” He chuckled and added, with the 60 people from across the of four days, the campers built huge “The family that plays together … ” The counselors are not just famous country who attended our camp trust with their counselors, talked So while it may the coolest, most For four days, regular Joes (and people who have toured the world. session. rock shop, got tricks and tips to im- surreal thing you can imagine to be Janes) get the complete immersive They are all excellent teachers who Mikey “Bones” Gerbino is one such prove their skills and were immersed sitting at a lunch table eating pizza music experience, writing, rehears- have no issue with letting campers counselor. Gerbino is a jack-of-ma- in a high level of inspiration. with , Rudy Sarzo

22 | PORTLANDFAMILY.COM conversations with some of rock’s It’s a curious phenomenon, once biggest icons and a chance to feel the we truly begin implementing the heat of a spotlight. pursuit of a dream. Things happen. For the counselors, it’s a chance to The dream takes on a life of its own. give back in a way that touches the Do we seek to fulfill certain dreams hearts and lives of fans they may nev- when we reach midlife points be- er have come across; to share some cause we’re afraid it’s now or never, of their new music and ideas, so they and the big clock only ticks louder? can showcase that they’re evolving as Or are we wise enough, at last, to artists; a chance to mingle with other not care about justifications that icons they grew up listening to and have been holding us back? In other are excited about meeting; and an words, are we free to fly, to try, opportunity to impart insight about because it’s time and we can? the crazy business from the stage What are your dreams? Do they perspective. include a rock ’n’ roll fantasy? CAMP COUNSELORS RUDY SARZO, VINNY APPICE AND JOE VITALE SHARING STORIES OF THEIR ESTEEMED HISTORIES. and Peter Klett as your munchtime “The whole concept of Rock ’n’ Roll companions, talking about random Fantasy Camp is incredible. I’m a bits of life or music (this really firm believer that rock ’n’ roll will happened), two things are apparent: never die,” says Greenberg. “What the selected counselors are down-to- David Fishof is doing is remarkable. I earth people, and as far as oppor- witnessed some executives here who tunities to learn, it would be nearly play as a hobby, yet they’re talented impossible to find a better or more and in their everyday life, they’re fun speed-education in music. doing other things. And for a short time, they get the dream. They get to To solidify the education, Rock trade places.” ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp also gives campers access to music industry Greenberg adds, “This camp is about icons, such as Jerry Greenberg, the music, fans and maybe building TO INQUIRE youngest president of any major careers. It’s about relationships about day-long camps, four-day camps, songwrit- record company in the recording between fathers and sons. It’s great ing camps, vocalist camps, young rockers camp industry. In 1974, at 32 years old, to see a father and a son at the camp, for kids 12–16, and corporate retreat camps, visit Greenberg became president of both guitar players, to be able to play www.rockcamp.com. Upcoming camps feature Joe Atlantic Records. He was respon- with rock stars, and enjoy a hobby Perry (Aerosmith), Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Sammy Hagar, sible for signing ABBA, Genesis, with your son like that … this is (KISS), Blue Oyster Cult and . Foreigner, and Dr. Dre. incredible.” For great resource information about general business success He’s worked with AC/DC, Led Aside from the anecdotes, Green- drawn from the music industry, check out David Fishof’s Zeppelin, The Eagles, The Rolling berg also shared words about how extremely easy-to-read book, “Rock Your Business,” available at Stones, and Michael to be in the music business, how to .com. From amazon.com’s book description: “Would Jackson. connect with industry executives and you like your business to burst into public awareness like Lady Greenberg was invited to be a key- tangible words of wisdom about how Gaga? To have the long-lived success of ? To demon- note presenter at one of the camp to get your music heard. These were strate the creativity of ? We don’t normally think lunches. To hear behind-the-scenes invaluable insights that aspiring Joes of the music business as a source of entrepreneurial insight, stories about some of rock’s biggest and Janes might not have access to in but we should. The best bands have stars, including Robert Plant, John any other way—and they help make longevity, a depth of customer loyalty, Lennon and — Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp uniquely and a level of profitability that puts who they were in everyday life, complete. most businesses to shame. And what funny things they did backstage — For the campers, the experience is a they know — about marketing, part- was incredibly exciting. Even the refuge; a dream-like setting; a con- nerships, the power of bartering, counselors, who’ve had their own vergence of closeted talent; a pure, and overcoming obstacles — isn’t fame and success, were riveted by child-like love for the process of taught in any business school … ” Jerry’s tidbits and recollections. making music; a culmination of years In turn, Greenberg was honored of isolated practice and doubt; a to be in front of the campers and chance to have more than just passing counselors. Janna Lopez is the mother of a 14-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son.

24 | PORTLANDFAMILY.COM by Janna Lopez The ROAD FROM ROCK STAR to fatherhood The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Much of what we listened to growing up derived from our own Northwest backyard, includ- ing the rock band, . A radio dial couldn’t be touched without hearing one of their two major hits, “You” and “,” off their self-titled debut , “Candlebox,” released in 1993. While at Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, we were lucky to chat with Candlebox guitarist, 46-year-old Peter Klett from Bellevue, Wash- ington, who was one of the fea- tured camp counselors. Between classes, Peter could be found chatting online or Skyping with one of his “precious baby girls,” his wife Jessica or his daughter Averi. He’s still making music with Can- dlebox and his other group, Lotus Crush (featuring 2012 “The Voice” runner-up Terry McDermott). We thought it would be fitting for Portland Family readers to hear of Peter Klett. All photos courtesy his thoughts on rock stardom and of course, being a rock star daddy to his 20-month old daughter.

Janna: How long had you been playing guitar when you got your first record deal? Peter: Candlebox was signed to the record deal in 1992 when I was 23, so from some bass lines Bardi was playing the week lane going the other way!! What a way to wake up that would 12 years. he came to play with us, we knew it was gold. from a nap!! J: Did you ever imagine that J: Describe some aspects of your first J: When did the lure of the rock ’n’ roll Being a father Candlebox would get to be so world tour that people would be surprised lifestyle take hold? internationally recognized? to learn? P: I think it always had a hold on me once has made me P: I think we all knew Candlebox had P: How about the fact that we almost died in the I thought I could actually do something with my something special as soon as we started van on one of our first runs? We had a single-axle guitar playing. writing for the first record. I already trailer that when the brakes were applied at high a better man J: When and how did you meet your wife? had a few song ideas that became what speeds it started rocking back and forth. We were they are today (“Change,” “Arrow,” headed down I-5, passing a semi at about 75 mph, P: I met Jessica at the Showboat in by a “Cover Me,” “He Calls Me Home”) when the thing started rocking badly. Eventual- Atlantic City. Her brother is a fan of getting auto- when I joined up with Kevin and Scott. ly it swung the whole van around 180 degrees graphs. They went to the show together so she came When we wrote “Far Behind” and “You” across the medium. We ended up in the opposite through the line with him. Of course mile.

26 | PORTLANDFAMILY.COM DECEMBER 2014 | 27 P: Of course I cried. A man who says he didn’t cry at the birth of his child is not being truth- ful. I was also terrified! Me a father?! I still can’t believe I’m a dad some days. I look at her sometimes and panic. “How am I going to do this?” I ask myself. What a wonderful experience, though. Truly fulfilling J: What were some of the changes within yourself that resulted from having a child? P: I truly became more of a man and less the rock star boy I had been. Everything I do is for her and Jess. Video games and the like really don’t exist anymore for me. My mind is always think- ing about her future and how I will take care of my family. I’m much more patient than I used to be. It’s also made me a more empathetic person. J: What’s a typical day with your daughter like? P: Jess and I get up and brew some coffee. We get some milk for Averi and go get her from her crib. We like to sit in bed as a family in the morn- ing. She has her milk and we have our coffee. It’s awesome. After that we eat breakfast and start the day. What happens in the day really depends on whether I’m in the studio. Jess and Averi also go on play dates with other moms while I work. I’m currently mixing the Apollo Under Fire record, which is the band I’m in here in Florida. We love to take her to the park and run around with her. J: What are some of the things you like to do with her, teach her, show her? Flying Pie Pizza Salads • Fresh Fruit P: I like to play guitar for her while she sits in Want to learn how to become my lap. She loves to pluck the strings. Lately she’s Beer • Wine Organic juices a child care provider? been grabbing a microphone and singing. It’s so Sushi Soda cute. Jess and I sit and we say letters and numbers while she repeats them back. We like to go on I thought she was gorgeous and started flirt- little walks around the neighborhood. Anything ing with her. I thought she was gone for good we do with her is fun. when they moved on through the line. To J: What do you think kids have to teach my surprise, she plopped down her number adults? What are a few of the things she’s right there in front of me. We never stopped taught you? talking from then on. Now she’s my amazing P: Patience. You also know the true feeling of wife. She’s also an amazing mother to Averi. We offer: love when you have a child. She’s taught us to • Resources for starting or J: How did discovering you were going not sweat the little things and just enjoy our improving your child care business to be a father impact you? time together. The simple things can be so • Professional Development Services amazing through a child’s eyes P: I was elated. What a blessing. I thought for • Training classes sure I wanted a boy, but soon realized that I J: How is life on the road different as a Clackamas County LOVE having a daughter. Being a father has dad when you go touring now? Enjoy it all in the comfort of your seat. 503-675-4100 On-site baby sitting! made me a better man by a mile. My days are P: When she was really young it wasn’t as hard Let your kids enjoy our Daily family-friendly movies! Multnomah County never dark with Averi and Jessica in my life. to be away, although it was for my poor wife. childcare area while you 503-548-4400 Our renewed walk with God has lifted our But now that Averi’s older and aware of me being enjoy your movie! & Columbia lives up as well. gone, it’s tough. I don’t like to be a FaceTime Call for reservations: 503-252-1705 Counties J: What were some of the emotions father. Hopefully Lotus Crush or Apollo Under Birthday Party Packages available! 971-223-6100 or you experienced with the birth of your Fire will hit it big and I can bring my girls 800-624-9516 daughter? on the road. OregonChildCare.org 7818 SE Stark Street, PDX | academytheaterpdx.com | 503-252-0500 Janna Lopez is the mother of a 14-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son.

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