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In This Issue...
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Arts & Entertainment
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Jackie Rocks – and Cares
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The Mid-County Post > Arts & Entertainment
Jackie Rocks – and Cares
By Linda Fridy
At just 16, Jackie Pertida and her Jackie Rocks Band have already logged 300 shows. The band won a national competition and will be returning to play at Great America this summer, but recent gigs closer to home have a special place in her heart.
This summer the band will perform at all three of the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life events in Santa Cruz County. The teens started with the new-this-year Scotts Valley Relay on July 10, and will make an encore appearance at Cabrillo College for the Santa Cruz version July 17 and finish Aug. 1 in Watsonville.
Jackie was involved in Relay even before she took to the stage.
"When I was 10 I lost my great uncle to cancer," she said, and when her mother's co-workers asked them to join a team, they became part of the many volunteers who raise money and take turns walking during a 24-hour-event to support cancer services and research.
These days her original hard rock accompanies the walkers and entertains the crowd of cancer survivors, friends and families enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Doing What She Loves
Jackie has been fronting a band since she was 12. Jackie Rocks consists of bassist De'Andre Warren – a friend since preschool days – plus rhythm guitarist Caroline Rotherham and drummer Greg Brock.
Jackie handles vocals and lead guitar. She's also the group's songwriter.
"I write all the songs first and take them to band practice, and the other members figure out their parts," she explained.
The rock bug bit early, with encouragement from parents who took her to see bands such as the Rolling Stones and Kiss as a preschooler. She says she can still remember the band's shredding solos and an exploding guitar from those early experiences.
"I always wanted to be a singer and guitarist. The songwriting came after," she said. She lists Sheryl Crow, Heart and Linda Ronstadt as inspirations.
In October 2008, the band won a trip to Philadelphia and the chance to play at a fashion show in the "She's a Star" competition sponsored by Seventeen magazine and Converse shoes. The teens have played for several events for the San Francisco 49ers and held their own against older, more experienced bands in various Battle of the Bands contests. "Usually its friendly competition," she said, praising the support of the music community.
Two of her current band members are from San Jose, and she met drummer Greg when he subbed for the group before joining.
Staying Busy
The other support comes from their parents. While the band members handle their own bookings and competition entries, they still need rides.
"Our parents help fund us and get us places," she said gratefully.
The band makes the most of summer opportunities to perform when the members don't have to work around school. Jackie attends Pacific Collegiate School and De'Andre goes to Soquel High.
And as serious as the group is about its music, it is just as sincere in its commitment to the fight against cancer.
"We've all lost someone who is close to us, a sibling, parent, family member or friend. It really affects us and makes it personal. We'll always want to be a part of [Relay For Life]" she said.
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