29 Apr Rockmommy Tracy Kolarich Talks Motherhood, Cancer, and Relishing Every Rockstar Moment
Tracy Kolarich, the fierce frontwoman of Fairfield, Conn., rock band Turn on Red, is known for two trademark accessories. The first is her big voice that can belt it out, Janis Joplin style. The second is her mane of gorgeous brown curly hair that tumbles off her head and grazes her shoulders.
But while the last nine months of cancer treatments have temporarily robbed her of both of these gifts, she still retains the most precious asset of all: Spirited self-determination.
And on May 4th, Turn on Red – also featuring Ariadne Kambas, vocals; Derek Ambrosi, keys/rhythm guitar; Dan Wilson, lead guitar; Tony Mercaldi, bass; and Kevin Lulamiere, drums – she’s not only coming back but giving back. That night, Turn on Red is headlining a three-act concert at Park City Music Hall, benefitting The Tommy Fund, which supports patients and their families undergoing pediatric cancer treatment.
We recently caught up with Tracy to learn what she’s doing to get her groove back, from vocal rest to family time, and why playing this benefit means so much to her.
Rockmommy: You’re a mom and an activist and an organizer. Tell us about your musical upbringing.
Tracy Kolarich: When I was a child I was a dancer, always performing and singing. I played the drums — not well, but I have always been able to keep the beat. We grew up listening to music on 33” LPs on my father’s record player listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash, Diana Ross, Jackson Five, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin and where I got my love of harmonies and belting out songs.
In college, I studied film and television, and became a TV producer. I worked in television for almost 10 years. I loved the hustle, but at the time I wanted to be more available to my kids, so I left the field.
Rockmommy: How did you go from supermom to rockmommy?
Tracy Kolarich: I now work in a high school with neurodiverse students, but I always kept a toe in performance arts. I was a dance mom and drum mom. I organized variety shows, went to recitals and concerts.
A few years ago, a friend of mine who did a lot of karaoke with said, “why don’t we start a band?” I kind of laughed, but I was all in. It was a group of 10 local Fairfield, Connecticut, parents. The band, Exit 46, was around for about four years.
Rockmommy: I know Exit 46 was kind of your first big band as a parent. What happened next?
Tracy Kolarich: Three of us broke off from the original band and started Turn on Red. We brought on a new guitarist and bassist. I’m just so we’re I’m so lucky to be surrounded by these supportive, like-minded individuals.
Rockmommy: How was your husband about all of this?
Tracy Kolarich: Nick was extremely supportive. My family is always my main focus, but I believe it’s important to have something that is just for you. I don’t go the gym, don’t get my nails done, don’t go tanning … this is what I do for myself. I also feel like the time with I spend with my family is spent with more joy because I’m so fulfilled in other ways.
Rockmommy: Can you tell us about how things have been going, since you were diagnosed with cancer last summer?
Tracy Kolarich: I was diagnosed with Stage 4 head and neck cancer in September. I had surgery, 11 rounds of chemo and 35 blasts of proton radiation. These treatments have dried out my sinuses, affected my sense of smell and taste, I lost my hair, my lashes, my brows, but I never lost my sense of self or my sense of humor or my smile through the entire thing. I actually gained a lot of things — perspective, I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. This cancer forced me to take better care of myself, to put myself first, even before my children (which as a mom is difficult). Without my health, I have nothing.
During this time, I had to give up singing because my throat was so sore from treatments. Turn on Red became this thing that I lost and that I wanted back. My bandmates refused to practice without me; it all came to a complete halt. My band became this unreachable thing for me because I was too sick to participate.
We just started practicing again just 2 months ago. I was still going through radiation and my voice was shot. I could barely get out two songs without like gagging, but I was determined to come back. I am just 6 weeks out of treatment and things are starting to come back. There was a practice about 2 weeks ago where I was able to get through our setlist. I walked out of there feeling like the old me.
Rockmommy: Can you talk about how having cancer affected your feeling like a rockstar onstage?
Tracy Kolarich: I have never been shy or scared about being on a stage, but this go around I am nervous. I just don’t look the same. I used to have a long mane of curly brown hair and it was an accessory. My first day back in the studio, I was bald and had to take my hat off and everyone in my band was so supportive, but for me, I just don’t feel as confident as I used to. My hair is growing back and my friend just colored it blonde and painted some pink streaks in it for fun. My students at school think it’s very cool.
Rockmommy: So how are you bringing your voice back? Can you share some of your tips for post-cancer vocal care and getting in shape?
Tracy Kolarich: So not practicing for a very long time was actually key, because I was so sore from all of my treatments. I had perpetual dagger-like pain in my throat for over 5 weeks. I like songs that are very, very powerful, so getting back to myself has been tough. I drink a lot of honey and tea. I have to guzzle four gallons of water just to keep moisture in my mouth. I constantly listen to our setlist and work on songs when I can, but currently I can’t practice every day. I think being quiet and taking care of myself from the beginning was key to a faster comeback.
So, in the last three weeks, I went from being able to sing like maybe four songs to being able to sing the entire setlist from start to finish.
Rockmommy: Let’s talk about the ‘Tunes for Tommy’ event at Park City Music Hall in Fairfield, and how that the show came together.
Tracy Kolarich: Months ago, when I was diagnosed, I promised myself that once I was able, I would give back to the community that gave so much to me. I decided to organize a fundraiser using music as the backdrop. Part of my genetic makeup is to give back to our community in general.
The Tommy Fund helps families to financially support themselves while their children are going through treatment for cancer, as well as bring in programming for children who are laying in their hospital beds. They brought in players from the UConn men’s basketball team to meet the kids, sign basketballs, spend time with them. You know, I think for me, that’s the most important thing is for these children to have those opportunities.
I knew exactly where I wanted to have this event. Park City Music Hall is a beautiful venue in Black Rock in Bridgeport. It was the first place that Turn on Red got to play live and I wanted to have that nostalgia back for our band as well. John Torres, the owner and proprietor of Park City, worked with me to make this happen. I asked you, another local band Ellis Island and my bandmates to give their time, energy and talent in order to give back to the Tommy Fund. I am so humbled and thankful to everyone who is participating.
Rockmommy: Because what’s the point of life if you can’t, you know, elevate others through music?
Tracy Kolarich: I couldn’t agree more. Music is meant for sharing with others and if my band can help then that’s what we’re going to do. Our event is on May 4. The tickets are on sale on Park City’s website. All the proceeds from the bands will go to Tommy fund. Come eat, drink and rock out.
Marisa Torrieri Bloom is the editor and founder of Rockmommy.
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