Jam at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp

Boomers, Seniors Travel Adventure -- Play Alongside Guitar Heroes

Mar 14, 2008 Grace Lichtenstein

Live and Perform for One Day Like a Rock Star With Legendary Artists In July at Unique Adventure Program Offered in 5 U.S.Cities Plus London -- Talent Not Required.

What boomer or senior could resist jamming onstage with pro musicians from real, famous bands at a Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp? During the summer of 2008, those who sign up for this cultural adventure will be able to learn to play an instrument and rehearse with "celebrity counselors" during the day. In the evening, campers jam with a band as the opening act for what promotional literature calls "a major touring artist."

Rock camp does not come cheap -- the one-day program is $1,999 per person. But David Fishof, the camp’s impresario, said in an interview that campers in previous years have experienced “a thrill of a lifetime." He emphasized that “you do not even need to have any skills on an instrument,” just a love of rock music.

Cream, Eagles, Beach Boys -- and You

In the past, genuine rock stars including Joe Walsh of the Eagles, Jack Bruce of Cream, and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys have been among the guests at the event.

This variation on fantasy sports camps is scheduled to take place in July in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland and New York City. Counselors scheduled to be on hand include Elliot Easton of The Cars, Earl Slick, who played with David Bowie, and Chris Slade, who played with AC/DC.

Campalooza

How does it work? Campers are assigned to bands according to their skill level and choice of celebrity counselor in the morning. For up to 10 hours, groups rehearse, with time out for lunch with celeb performers. All bands prepare for an 2-hour evening “battle of the bands” called “Campalooza” on stage. At the end one band from the tour will win an all-expense paid trip to a super camp in London in November. The winning group is promised a recording date at Abbey Road Studios.

The camp supplies all the instruments, although campers are welcome to bring their own. The organizers say there will be “plenty of opportunities for photos and autographs as guest stars walk through the camp.” And if one day is not enough, there is an “on tour” package that allows a camper to go on the road for five days with the counselors at a cost of only $9,999.

Rock Star VIP Package

Want something in between the basic 1-day camp and the road trip? For $2,499 you can choose the Rock Star VIP package, which includes one day in camp plus one guest pass and a "meet and greet" with the headline act for both camper and guest. In addition, you get 10 tickets to the concert and a dozen commemorative t-shirts.

The copyright of the article Jam at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp in Senior Travel is owned by Grace Lichtenstein. Permission to republish Jam at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Joe Walsh with camper

Vince Neil on stage with camper

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Jun 20, 2008 9:23 PM

Mike Diles :

Absolute scam! If you want to get on stage and look like an idiot this is the camp to do it at. They rush you through like cattle, treat you like a second class citizen and don't even think you're going to be buddy buddy with the rock stars. These guys could care less about you. All they want to do is collect their paycheck and get the hell out of there. I attended the Hollywood camp in Feb. 08 and Mickey Dolenz and I rode the elevator together. He didn't know I was a camper. He said to me "I don't really want to go down and mingle with the campers but I have to cause I get paid for it."

This camp sucks!

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