Volunteer Spotlight - Karen Orsi

Name
Karen (Riendeau) Orsi

Age
44

Hometown
East Providence, RI

What do you do at Girls Rock! RI?

I teach guitar for the Ladies Camp, Girls Camp and Girls Get Loud Afterschool Program.

How did you get involved with Girls Rock! RI?

My friend Patty called and said “Want to teach guitar with me at this weekend camp?” and I was like “Yes!” I can’t say enough about how great the GRRI organization is – there are so many amazing women and girls associated with the organization, both volunteers and campers.

How did you get started in music?

Being the youngest of six kids, I was constantly exposed to all sorts of music and instruments. Guitar always held a particular intrigue for me. My brother’s bands practiced in our basement, which was a great way to pick up guitar parts and watch band interaction. I received my first guitar when I was 13, and never looked back!

What was your first rock show and what do you remember most about it?

The first rock show I remember that really left an impression was the Throwing Muses at the old Living Room. Besides being immediately drawn to the music, seeing these creative and talented women on stage playing in a way that was about the music, as oppose to the girl/video image that was big at the time, was amazing and inspirational.

What female musician (dead or alive) would you most like to meet?

I would love to meet Laurie Anderson. She has such an intelligent wit, a very interesting catalog of music, and seems like someone who would be fun to talk with for hours. Also on the list would be Memphis Minnie, Chrissy Hynde and Gillian Welch.

What message do you have for all the budding female rockers out there?

Be yourself, play in your own way, find your style. Play with other musicians whenever you can, it really is one of the best ways to learn. And attend one of the GRRI camps or volunteer for GRRI – it is a wonderful way to meet others who are passionate about music!

Where can we find you when you are not rocking?

Developing websites at my favorite café, in the recording studio, teaching guitar, running, at the beach, enjoying time with friends and family

What are you listening to these days?

Songs that my friends have been writing – there are a lot of talented musicians associated with GRRI! Also Chris Pureka, Florence and the Machine, Django Reinhart, Throwing Muses, Lisa Hannigan, PJ Harvey, Meshell Ndegeocello, Sufjan Stevens, lots of Pandora radio.

From everyone at Girls Rock! RI... You ROCK Karen! Thank you for all you do!