I wore a black-and-white dress, a cheap motorcycle jacket and my hair was in a cluster of vibrant purple braids. Our persona that night was to look like old timey preachers and we totally pulled it off. Our version of Creedence’s “Commotion” went off without a hitch, and by the time we ended with “My Baby’s Gone Away” I knew I was supposed to be right there doing exactly what we were doing, The reception from the audience was like being showered with kisses. That lit a fire under my ass and I knew I was ready to rock and roll but it would still be four more years before that would happen.

On June 2nd, 2023 Bon Von Wheelie, my hero, sent me a message asking me to sing a couple of duets with Girl Trouble at Bumbershoot, the annual music festival held in Seattle Center. I was over-the-moon elated.

Girl Trouble’s practice shed was a microstructure that fit exactly five humans and their instruments inside. It was a time capsule strewn with antique thrift store finery, religious icons, yellowing set lists, a Rod Stewart poster from the 80s and a bust of Mr. T.

Kurt P. Kendall is a character. He’s a tall, friendly man with a youthful glint in his eyes. He has a big personality and sharp wit, which is to be expected from the frontman of a veteran rock band. I was a little intimidated because I knew he would be my duet partner but I was soon reassured by his candor and instantly felt right at home. Kahuna, who I know as Bill, is a gentle and warm man with sharp cheekbones and kind eyes. He was so easy to work with and his guitar skills are ferocious. Dale is the strong and silent type, who doesn’t talk much unless he has something to say, which is usually hilarious. He has an unreasonably nice head of hair and an easy smile.

Bon is the leader. This is obvious from the moment you meet her. She’s kind, fair and self assured with her thick, wavy hair topped with a black beanie and her readers on top and wearing her trademark black Chuck Taylors. She has a style all her own and is a true inspiration to watch play drums.

I can’t say my performance with them on the Vera Project Stage at Bumbershoot was my finest but at the very least, it was entertaining. Bon said we were fun and that meant so much to me. Before you know it I joined them again in September at Spanish Ballroom opening for The Baseball Project, a supergroup (that you should probably Google). What a messy but gratifying time I had that night though privately I was freaking out because I knew Peter Buck was watching from the side stage. I truly hoped I played it off with professionalism. I relied heavily on Kurt that night and he didn’t fail me. Peter exclaimed, “Great Job!”as I crossed him to get back stage after the performance. That was the validation I needed.

Just when I thought it was over I joined Girl Trouble once again at New Frontier in October for another rendition of “Whose Gonna Take The Garbage Out” and I have to admit, I killed it this time. All that validation and acceptance from Girl Trouble had finally seeped in and I finally felt that I was worthy. I had truly come full circle.

Greg Rodriguez from Fucking Eagles, one of my favorite people, gave me the best compliment that night. He told me he was proud to watch my transition from spectator to becoming a performer able to share the stage and hold my own with Tacoma royalty, Girl Trouble. I nearly cried. I celebrated my success that night, announcing to KP that I was ready to write a duet for he and I to sing on my forthcoming Elegant Pleasures record. Let’s see if he remembers. And Bon, I’m available whenever you need me.