by London Brookshire Borelli
photo by Catherine McCasland
My name is London Borelli, your neighbor formerly known as Ashley Brookshire. Having grown up in the sea of Ashleys, I decided to go by my middle name, London, when I left for college and changed my last name to Borelli after getting married. I am a proud graduate of Whitehouse High, a resident of 75703 since the 90s, and am quickly approaching my first year back in Tyler after 20 years in Southern California (please don’t hold that against me, I’m a Texan through and through, I promise!)
I am comforted to see how Tyler has maintained much of its small-town charm, whilst also evolving in incredible ways, especially within the music scene. I am equally honored to be but a small part of the growing music scene and would like to share a bit of a typical day in my life as an East Texas musician.
Today, I’m booked for 2 gigs. First stop, is a brunch spot followed by an evening at the new wine bar downtown.
But before vocal warmups, before packing up my gear, and before I set up on stage, I connect with my kiddos and help my husband prepare for the day of solo parenting. I cannot stress enough how his support of my music allows me to thrive as a musician and a mom. Once Mr. Borelli is set, I kiss my girls goodbye and head to Gig #1.
I typically play with one of the most talented and ever-so-humble keyboardist, Gary Freeman, who has toured with the likes of Bill Withers, Stevie Nicks, and Van Morrison. We met last year when he was performing at a Labor Day party hosted by my childhood friend, Dustin Glover. I was invited to sing a few songs and after playing we discussed teaming up for our own musical project, soon learning we were neighbors just 3 houses down. The name 3 Doors Down was already taken, so we eventually landed on the moniker Gary Freeman & The Girl Next Door.
It’s already hot outside and only 10 am. Thankfully, singing has a way of removing most of life’s annoyances; I can leave my body and twirl into the cosmos while also connecting with the crowd around me; aligning my chakras, and paving a direct line to my Creator.
We played from 11 am until 2 pm, surprised at how many people, mostly families with small children, braved the heat. At various times throughout brunch, many children will flock to the dance floor, and I’m reminded of how freeing childhood can be, wondering how most of us lose that carefree spirit and become self-conscious about what others think.
One of the kids requests a Taylor Swift song, which we have yet to add to our repertoire. We quickly discuss it behind muted mics and playfully accept their challenge. Gary has an encyclopedic knowledge of songs and if he doesn’t already know it, he can learn it pretty easily with a quick listen. The miniature Swifties “shake it off” and singalong verbatim as if they wrote the song themselves. We decided that song will be added to our ongoing setlist. Most of the newest additions to our future set lists are due, in part, to a successful request.
The next few requests range in variety from Disney classics to other cartoon theme songs, and then a song about….feet??? I look to the crowd to see if their grownup can translate. Granddad quickly clarifies his request; “a song by Fleetwood Mac.” We all share a good laugh and proceed to play “Dreams.”
It’s 2 o’clock and blazing hot, we happily wrap up and head over to the Wine Bar to set up for our evening gig and then home for a little family time.
Arriving home, the girls are immersed in make-believe, so I grab a quick 20-minute power nap to recharge for the evening. Then I sneak into the playroom to hang out with my family for a bit, head to the kitchen for a quick family dinner and then off I go again.
Upon arriving, I was surprised to see a familiar couple sitting at the bar. My cousins saw my Facebook Event for the gig and decided to pop in and check us out. What a treat! Little surprises like this are a constant reminder that moving back home was the best decision: so great to connect with my incredible family, the best gift I could ever bestow on my children; it’s how I was raised and how I want them to be raised. Singing is always a treat for me, but looking out into the crowd and seeing a beloved friend or family member with whom I share a deep history is inexplicably precious.
We finish our set, pack up our gear, and bid farewell to friends old and new.
Returning to beautiful East Texas has far exceeded my expectations, the music and arts scene is booming, and I’m honored to be a thread in its glorious tapestry.
For more info on upcoming gigs, booking, vocal lessons, or piano tuning, you can find us on Facebook at Gary Freeman & The Girl Next Door,