I sang with a band in college. Ok, it wasn’t exactly singing WITH a band, it was more like hanging out getting high and singing two or three songs in a late night jam session. But we had a name so that means we were a band right?

Anyway, I like to think I was in a band back in 1985 so when a friend of mine said his friend John needed a female singer for a band, I mentioned that I sang. I figured it would be the same thing, hang out (minus the drugs these days), have a few drinks, sing a song or two and just get out of the house. These were my motivators when I auditioned over Christmas. I figured, I’ll sing a few songs, have some fun and maybe entertain our friends a bit. No big deal right?

I sang “Hit me with your best shot” the classic Pat Benetar song that all women know and love. Personally, I hate the song but I’ve sung it so many times over the years, it was easy. Then I sang “You‘re the only one” by Melissa Ethridge. I did a fair job and they were pleased enough that they asked me to come back and play with them.

Who would have thought that they were actually a band. They played at Jersey Shore bars last summer and had recent lost their lead singer because she got a contract to sing on the west coast.

The band is made up of three guys and a non-existant lead guitarist who i’ve yet to meet. John is the head of the band. He’s almost 60, a psychologist by day and hippie by night. Joe is a 30 something drummer and Buddy the 40 something rythmn guitarist. They’ve been playing together for about six years.  

Going into this, I though they were looking for a chick to sing a few songs and they would be singing the rest. They sent me home with a set list of songs, guy songs and girl songs (so i thought). When i returned for band practice the next week, I had practiced up on the girl songs and was shocked to find out that they wanted me to sing all the songs. Holy crap, I was their new lead singer.

So over the past several weeks, I’ve been learning everything from Panama by Van Halen to Bad Romance by Lady Ga Ga. Can you imagine a 40 some year old woman singing “I want your psycho, you‘re verical stick?” Really? Well I am and our first gig is this weekend at a Superbowl party.

I’m so nervous. What if I screw up? what if the people there think I suck. I’ve made this decision to try new things and never pass up an opportunity to try new things and really experience this life. If I don’t do this I know i’ll regret and I feel like this is my last shot. Wish me luck on Sunday.