A Girls Night Out with Holly Woods & Toronto

Last night was one of those nights that really will stand out. I stopped by a local pub to have dinner with my parents and fellow car club members who were there waiting to see a band; Toronto. I am always up for music, even music from the 80's. I wasn't planning on staying long, but once Holly Woods stood up to the mic, there was no leaving. Her voice reached every level of awesome. She could wail! That high pitch that could shatter glass, but still sounded unbelievable. She was funny, sweet, and could still rock after a hip replacement! Her sound is like Pat Benatar meets Heart, with a hint of Cyndie Lauper. Actually, her band disbanded in the mid 80's and she was excited and moved on with her solo career moving to Atlanta. One song of theirs had never been released anywhere; 'What about love?'. Holly said she was pulling out of her driveway one day and it came on the radio, she was amazed thinking it was Toronto! That was until it got to the chorus and realized it wasn't her, it was Heart. 'Oh my god, they stole my fucking song' is what she said. But she laughed about it, and told us she was happy and has spoken with the Wilson sisters and is proud. [I came home and read about her, and Wiki also compares her to P.Benatar and Heart.] The guitar player she had with her was the lead singer of Prism, Al Harlow, also a funny man. A friend of mine is really close with Prism, so he came and sat and chatted for a bit which was super cool. Her bass player Lisa Rae Simons was also incredible, not only on the bass but vocally as well. The keyboard player and drummer have been in the industry for years as well. One was with the band Zingo, which his fellow member moved on from to work with Bryan Adams. The talent and music history between all these musicians is incredible. I was in awe!

After a bit I went over and sat with Holly and L.Rae, got my picture taken, and chatted for a bit. Holly talked about how she came to be both from the US, and spent most of her growing years in Canada. She said she was from Durham, North Carolina, and that sparked even more in me. Being that I would really love to get there, not just to see, but UNCW is really where I want to be to start a film career. L.Rae said if there was anything I wanted to know about NC that I should sit and chat it up with Holly. I think we could have sat there all night, but they were getting ready to pack up.

Al on the guitar reminded me of how much I love that instrument, and how much I miss playing it. When he started playing a solo, I could focus only on the guitar, like it called to me, and nothing else was on stage. There wasnt even a stage, just music coming from the strings and his fingers. It makes me really want to pick up my Fender again.

They said it was great to see someone younger at one of their shows, my mom said that sometimes I still like to hang out with my parents, I told them that I just really enjoy good music. Thinking about NC and music and inspiration brings me to SGP. A lot of things that inspire me really came together last night in a round-about way. I am in full support of anyone, and anything that can reach to me, lift me, and inspire me. I purchased 3 cd's, two of which will probably never get played as they were signed, I just wanted to show them my appreciation. With SGP I did this with ordering a t-shirt. I just want to help these people, give them support, in any way, as they do so much for me! Its the next morning and Im still excited and feeling the vibe!