Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Townsend.
Carol, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. The first song I remember singing in public was “Away in a Manger” at seven years old. I sang “Evergreen” by Barbara Streisand at age 11 for my brother’s wedding. {photo attached} I sang through grade school and high school {Lawrence Academy} where I won the Music Award at graduation. I was accepted to Anna Maria College in Paxton MA. Unfortunately, the sudden passing of my father changed my path and my goal to be a Music Therapist. Living on my own I needed a job so I became a nurse’s aide. With the support and encouragement of the nurses that I worked with, I went to nursing school.
I have been a Registered Nurse for 26 years now and am fortunate to work for a great company and lead other nurses and healthcare staff that are incredible people. However, my passion for music never went away. I love to sing. I can’t help but sing along with the radio and when I perform I give it all of my emotion. It’s in my soul. I continued to sing as much as I could; in Boston at “Stocks and Bonds” with the Kiss 108 Karaoke group, did a local cable show called “On Stage” and sang at family weddings. Music actually brought my husband and I together when I sang the “National Anthem” for the Memorial Day Parade in Pepperell, MA (1992). My husband proudly served in the military USMC and after we married, we were stationed in Hawaii.
On Oahu, they had a show called ” Hawaii Stars”, basically like “Star Search”. I made it to the finals and it once again fueled my passion to sing. It was really neat to have my patients in the hospital see me singing on television! At the same time, my husband introduced me to a whole new world of the ocean in Hawaii. This Massachusetts girl, who had never even been snorkeling, ended up becoming a certified scuba diver and making over 300 dives in two years. We were avid shell collectors and photographers. We moved back to New England and I had my son {3 months premature at 1 pound 11 ounces}, and once again the music was put hold as I felt it most important to focus on my family.
I have always been creative poetry writing, dabbling in makeup for Halloween (see all my pictures) I love being something scary! and crafting jewelry. It started one day when I wanted a specific piece of jewelry to go with an outfit I wanted to wear. When I couldn’t find it, I decided to make it and now it’s a serious hobby. My friends and coworkers asked about the jewelry I was wearing so I custom made items for special occasions like weddings or a special piece for a friend or family member. As my son got older, he started getting into music and at 12 years of age, we bought him his first guitar.
We found he had a natural talent and a gift. He could hear a song and play it. He also began to sing and he wanted to try to play in public. We found a local restaurant that had a Blues Jam on Sunday’s, so we brought him there and he played. At that time it was all about him and not me and I didn’t want to take away his spotlight so I didn’t sing.
Eventually, he wanted to play with people his own age and try and start a band. That left an opening for me to get up and sing at the open mic. I found it ironic that my son, who I set my music aside for, actually brought me back to singing.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Once I started singing again, I realized I wanted to be in a band. It took me over 2 years of open mics and gaining the confidence I needed to answer an ad for a female singer. Little did I know, there are all kinds of struggles with starting a band. Different personalities, false starts, schedules and opposing goals can all derail any band. The challenge was to find a band that had the same vision, dedication and personality mix. Finally, at age 51, I am in a band! Basically, never give up on your dreams! It’s not too late.
Please tell us about The Down & Dirty Band.
The Down & Dirty Band, consists of the leader, Rick Lister, our drummer who is also our lighting and sound guru, our lead guitarist, Rob Ferrarro, three vocalists, myself, Brandon Saucier and Sharen Healey, who has been with me through the band changes, and temporary base player Blaine Patrick. (As part of our challenges we are between base players at the moment.) We have amazing chemistry and stage presence, the same vision and dedication and most of all we have so much fun when we are together whether practicing or playing a venue.
The combination of the song choice and harmonizing vocals brings a great eclectic mix of danceable music. From Country to Classic Rock to pop and 80’s hair band. We are focused on playing music that people want to hear and we interact with those who come to see us. I am proud of the hard work we put into the music and the way the mix of vocals gives us a professional sound. We put so much feeling into our songs that you can’t help but get into it!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I have a lot of great childhood memories. I am the youngest of 6 kids and the only girl! I love my older brothers but boy it was a challenge growing up with them. I think it made me who I am though!! We spend time together as much as possible and I really like them as well as love them. They get me. They gave me a great sense of humor and a strong bond of family.
My favorite memory from childhood would have to be singing in front of my friends in high school. I totally rocked “Crazy for You” by Madonna in 1985. My brothers were recording me on a cassette player in the audience and I can hear that anytime now on my iPod. It’s wild to hear them cheering and know that was so long ago. What a great memory.
Contact Info:
- Email: Downdirtyband@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Down-Dirty-Band-550579901969647/notifications/
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