Music, Mirth & Mojo: Play Like a Girl!

by Ali Kaufman / photos by Linda Wolf

Some of the world’s most powerful queens have been literally erased from history or their stories rewritten. Luckily we live in a time where technology can bridge the divide and share greatness from the past with a brand new audience. As is the case with one of the first all-girl rock bands signed to a major label, Reprise Records in 1969. Philippine-born sisters, June and Jean Millington, joined with Alice de Buhr and Nickey Barclay to form Fanny. This quartet out of Los Angeles would shatter every notion of what was expected of them. They released their first self titled album in 1970 to a public that had never seen anything like them before. Their performances were recorded on a German program called Beat Club in 1971 and have since come roaring back. Not only are they racking up views, but these pioneer musicians are gaining new fans. Not that they didn't have fans back in the day, they did! David Bowie was an ardent admirer who described them as extraordinary. "They were one of the most important bands of the decade," but added that he felt they came along at the wrong time. I agree with the former but beg to differ on the latter, perhaps it was precisely the right time to blaze a brand new trail for those who were to follow.

They have incredible musical experiences to their credit; The Sonny & Cher Show and the Tonight Show and they played the Fillmore and sang with the Staples Family. They backed up Barbara Streisand on two cuts off her album, "Barbara" and in 1971 recorded their own Rock Bottom Blues at the Beatles studio in London. They met Ringo and George on the first day! While their management team attempted to keep them insulated from the craziness of the business, they still had an inside view of a world that we can only dream about. They went on to release four albums in all with the original members, the last being Mother's Pride, produced by Todd Rundgren. After June left the band, Jean Millington continued with new members and put out a final record in 1975. Titled "Rock and Roll Survivors," it contained their most successful song, Butter Boy.

Though June bowed out of Fanny, her life's calling to create music continued to guide her through the years that followed. For the inside scoop on the ride June is on, I suggest checking out the comprehensive book she authored, Land of a Thousand Bridges: Island Girl in a Rock & Roll World. You will learn about the Svelts, the band that pre-dates Fanny, and so much more. Today June lives with her life partner, Ann Hackler, whom she met in 1984, and together they run The Institute for Musical Arts, or I.M.A., as it is known. Nestled away in the beautiful county side of Massachusetts, they have created a magical place that has the power to teach, soothe, challenge, and create bonds that last a lifetime. I.M.A. started in California where they worked with peers to help them get a leg up in songwrit- ing, performance, and recording. After moving to the East Coast in 2001, the foundation began to evolve when a Mom asked about bringing her troubled daughter. The answer was yes, and an incredible transformation took place for the 15-year-old. She connected with drums and "found her energy," June shared.

2002 was the first year of the Rock and Roll Camp and the talent poured in. Sonya Kitchell is just one example of a camperturned-artist with a record deal and a career in music that has now come full circle, returning to camp as a counselor. While the opportunity to spark a passion for making music clearly exists during the sessions, it is not the end goal. The truest takeaways are the "collaborative leadership skills," the ability to stand your ground, learning to like yourself and finding strength of character. With just 14 girls per session, three teachers and special drop-in guests like Connecticut's own Beehive Queen, Christine Ohlman, they have created a space where the campers feel safe to explore their talents but also share their hopes, dreams, and fears. Ann relayed that as directors of the camp they often have to shift gears depending on what the girls need, and always put a premium on transparency for the parents, as they help guide these young women to a "clarity of purpose." The campers bunk in the dorm like barn, or the traditional Yurts, just steps away from the state of the art recording studios, surrounded by a wealth of donated guitars, ukuleles. All the equipment is there at their disposal. Looking ahead, June shared that she envisions, "taking this concept on the road. It would be a dream to play with the bands that we have formed and also incorporate workshops into a multifaceted event." If my time spent with June and Ann taught me anything, it is that these women know how to turn dreams into reality….and have a damn fine time doing it!

For all the details on the sessions now forming, how you may support the foundation, sponsor a camper, or inquire about the recording studios please visit IMA.org. Sessions run from June through August.