Once an "American Idol" runner-up, singer-songwriter Bo Bice has reinvented himself and established his own recording studio, and released another album, "See the Light."
Bice signed on to be a counselor this summer at Idol Camp, a summer camp in the San Bernardino mountains that caters to musically gifted kids between the ages of 10 and 15.
He was appreciative of the opportunity, and told me he ultimately plans on opening his own camp or school to teach kids the mechanics of music, from learning instruments to acquiring industry savvy.
Hundreds of young "American Idol" hopefuls will head to the hills beginning June 15 to train at Idol Camp at Pali Mountain Retreat and Conference Center. www.idolcamp.com
"This association with 'American Idol' will benefit the Inland Empire. It will bring fame to the area and will raise awareness about our beautiful mountain community not only to the Inland Empire and Southern California but nationally and internationally," Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce President Lewis Murray said at a town hall meeting Monday night at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.
For $2,995, campers between 10 and 15 years old will attend two-week sessions, which will run from June through August each year and will feature audition tips, vocal training and "open mic" nights as well as more traditional summer camp events such as swimming, hiking and roasting marshmallows over an open fire.
Though last year's pilot program in Northfield, Massachusetts was successful, organizers thought it would be better to hold the camp closer to the "American Idol" stage near Los Angeles, the hub of the entertainment industry.
To promote the Idol camp (which is accepting applications through April 18) Bice spoke to Monsters and Critics about what ahead for the southern rocker since he became a celebrity three seasons ago.
How many kids will you be mentoring for the camp?
Bo Bice: I'm not sure how many will be in thw group, over several weeks there's supposed to be 2-4000 kids showing up. I've taken 3 days off from my touring schedule to go, and I've got a tour bus dropping me off there after a weeks worth of shows then afterwards I will be doing another three weeks of shows, so I'm only able to dedicate 3 days to the Camp. I jumped at the opportunity when they asked me to be part of it.
How do think the 10 to 15 year olds will behave for you in the camp?
Bo Bice: Well I mean, Ive been giving guitar lessons, piano and vocal lessons for many years to kids so its something I am used to, and part of that is diplomacy, They are they to learn, and just keeping them interested. They are there to learn and work and take it seriously and that will allow us to be able to have fun with it
Which instrument do you play best?
Bo Bice: I think vocals and songwriting is probably my key things, and guitar, but I play piano, and bass and harmonica, but I think guitar and singing are my two fortes
What kinds of musical talent will be celebrated at Idol camp?
Bo Bice: Singing, playing instruments and writing songs are the key things that I want to bring to it.
Regarding this years' American Idol, any comments or favorites you can mention, who are you pulling for?
Bo Bice: I haven't had a lot of time to watch it, I got to see the first couple of episodes, but haven't been able to watch much it cause I've on the road promoting my new album "See the Light" sold exclusively at Walmart stores, and working on my label, Sugar Money, so I've not had a lot a chances to watch Idol, I've just been on the road plugging the new CD, which I did the production on in my new studio I built - I'm just trying to plug my new CD but it seems like all I get asked is American Idol questions.
What is next for you after Idol Camp and the new baby?
Bo Bice: That was part of the reasons I was really excited to do the Idol camp, because I want to someday open a school that teaches kids about music, eventually and teach kids how to play instruments and deal with the ins and outs of the industry, and expand my record label Sugar Money - that's my main goal in life.
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