Rock and roll fantasy: Musician creates camps for adults to learn to create music

Unleash your inner rock star at a unique adult rock and roll music camp experience in downtown Lafayette.

Presented by Grammy-nominated drummer Danny Devillier who designed the Good Time Rock Retreat as a "transformative rock camp specifically designed for adults."

Devillier has worked as a professional musician for more than 20 years and owns The Music Room teaching studio. He believes the Good Time Rock Retreat is a way for adults to have fun.

"This camp is tailored for adults aged 21 and over," Devillier said. "Kids have so many outlets to express themselves, but it’s rare to find something for grown folks to just really let loose. The retreat gives people time to just focus on themselves, make music and have fun without the daily interruptions of regular life.”

Emily Borgen participated in last year's camp.

"Attending this camp was something that I am so happy to have done," she said. "I never considered it, but Danny, who I take piano lessons with, suggested I try out this camp he's doing for the first time. The experience was incredibly fun."

During the retreat, participants are divided into bands, play any instrument of their choosing, learn songs and perform for adoring fans at a gig on the last night of camp. Rehearsals are scheduled during evenings and weekends to fit around work and family commitments.

"This camp is something the community needed," Borgen said. "As an adult who is constantly busy, it’s rare to do something like this and actually have an outlet as someone with a job and a family. Having done something and tried something new with so many welcoming people made me feel so whole."

Participants can choose any instrument of their choice – guitar, drums, keyboard, vocals, French horn, or bagpipes. Instruments are provided for rockers who do not have their own.

Set in the vibrant atmosphere of Cite’ des Arts in downtown Lafayette, this weeklong adventure kicks off on the evening of July 5 and culminates with two live shows on July 13, where bands will perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

“The energy at the finale performance last year was unreal," Devillier said. "There was so much love and joy in the room, emanating from the crowd watching their loved one’s rock out on stage, and from the rockers getting to live out a dream. It was really a proud moment for me and for the other instructors.”

“Lafayette is such a community that support the arts, and especially performing arts," Borgen said. "A warm, supportive crowd at the last performance was truly a gratifying, joyous experience. To imagine we did all this in just a week, wow."

Along with Devillier, this year’s instructors are well-known local musicians Dave Trainer, Maegan Berard Rankin, David Crochet, Jessie Lalonde Devillier, and Chad Viator as a guest instructor.

“The instructor lineup is probably the biggest selling point for the retreat," Devillier said. "Getting the chance to learn from this incredibly talented group of people is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Spots are limited to 25, with at least 17 participants already registered. Devillier said participants from last year are not allowed to register again to give opportunities to new participants.

Those interested can fill out a form to register and will receive an email with payment options. Sign up at www.goodtimerockretreat.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Lafayette musician offers rock and roll camp for adults