|
All news is attributed to the source from which it was received so that readers may judge the validity of the statements for themselves.
Have Joan Jett news to report? Email us at jettfc@aol.com, and please include the source of the information so it can be validated.
Mom sings her way into national finals
from: contracostatimes.com
by Susan Groshans
DID YOU EVER HAVE a "Risky Business" moment a la Tom Cruise, singing
into a hairbrush in the privacy of your own home?
Pleasanton's Rhonda Taylor had such a moment last October --
although hers took place in front of a video camera at a Laundromat.
Luckily, that was exactly what the "Snuggle Be A Singing
Scentsation Contest" judges were looking for, and they named her a
top-10 finalist in the nationwide search to create a five-mom band
called "The Snuggle Scentsations."
Rhonda began the journey in September with hundreds of other
laundry-loving moms competing in a karaoke contest. By Halloween, she
submitted her top-10 finalist video and from Dec. 1-15, the nation
voted online to narrow the field to five.
The five winners will be named within the next few weeks. They
will perform as "The Snuggle Scentsations" on Feb. 8 at the 48th Annual
Grammy Awards in a special show called "Backstage at the Grammy's with
Westwood 1 Radio."
Other than her skills as laundress of the household for husband
Ron and 4-year-old daughter Mackenzie, Rhonda is a bona fide singer and
performer, having appeared in Pleasanton Playhouse presentations of "My
Fair Lady," "Grease" and "Guys and Dolls" in the past few years.
"I've been doing comedy and drama. To supplement that, I'm
doing karaoke in the area," she said.
When not performing, she keeps her vocal chords in tune by
singing with her daughter.
"We love to sing and make up songs in car," says Rhonda. "She's
used to having a goofy mom."
Rhonda says making the video was the highlight of the process.
Directing the effort was Lewis Smith, a friend and videographer from
Walnut Creek.
"I thought if anyone can help me with this project, that has
the time, creativity and crazy comedic slant on it, this is the
person," said Rhonda.
In October, with the contest deadline just days away, they
decided to film in a real Laundromat. Home was not an option. "My
garage is where the washer and dryer is -- and it's a mess!" she said.
Cameras and costumes in hand, they went to an Alamo Laundromat
where Lewis said few people go.
"But there were people there," Rhonda recalled. "I had my
rocker costume on -- black, tight leather pants, wig and boots, all
under a robe.
"We sat in the car and I told (Lewis), 'Let's wait 10 minutes
to see if they dump their laundry and leave.'"
That never happened. Under a time limitation to film the video
and pick up her daughter from daycare, Rhonda realized she'd have to
film with an audience.
"I told people, 'If you need to go by us to the change machine,
feel free, don't mind us,'" Rhonda said.
She adapted the song "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," made famous
by JOAN JETT, for the video and let the choreography evolve on-site.
Though the voting is over, you can watch the video and those of the
other 10 finalists at www.snuggle.com.
Rhonda says the encouragement of friends and family has been
incredible. "My husband has been extremely supportive," she said. "It's
been a real, 'You go, girl!' chain reaction."
So, will Rhonda clean up the competition? Has the nation voted
her voice as smooth as an Egyptian cotton towel washed with Snuggle?
Stay tuned ...
|
| |
This Week:
No shows scheduled this week.
Click on the LIVE DATES link for upcoming shows |
Item Of The Month:
|
