Megan Duckett, of Sew What? Takes to Stage, Joins Band

For Megan Duckett, it is finally time to stand in front of the backdrop again, rather than behind it. Theatrical drapery manufacturer Sew What? Inc. president and partner with Marce Forrester in sister company Rent What? Inc., Duckett has joined progressive and classic rock cover band Without Warning. As lead singer in the band, Megan goes by her stage name Megan Dawn.

Growing up in Australia, Duckett's passions always centered around music, singing and dancing -- which included ten years of playing cello, advanced choral studies in chamber music, and 15 years of classical ballet training with the Melbourne Ballet Company. She emigrated to the US in 1992. Initially working backstage as crew for various rock 'n' roll tours, she soon broke away and established Sew What, which has grown to become a popular provider of custom-sewn theatrical drapes and backdrops used by notables in the entertainment and touring industries.

With support from family and friends, along with the encouragement of business associate -- and now fellow band member -- Bob Hughes, of All Access Staging and Productions, Duckett set her mind to once again studying voice. "As an adult, nothing is more exciting than to set a 'way-out' challenge and then press yourself to achieve it," she said.

The rock band, which also features singer/songwriter Darren Cole on guitar, singer/songwriter David Anderson on keyboards, Bob Hughes on drums, and Doug Dalley on bass, performs locally and has recently produced its first demo recordings, which can be heard on the band's website: withoutwarningrocks.com.

"The irony is that the songs are all 'male vocal tunes' so as a female singer it presents a real challenge. But the band believed in me -- and here I am --the lead singer. That's crazy!" added Duckett.

Performances by Without Warning have already included gigs at Nick's Taste of Texas in Covina, California, James Lugo's SSL Mix Event at Hemispheres Recording in North Hollywood, and Happy's Grille in Chino.

Upcoming venues include Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach and at this year's Oktoberfest 2011 at the Alpine Village Bierhall in Torrance, California.

Duckett's company, Rent What? Inc., is an official sponsor of the band, and provided the logo backdrop for the stage performances during the annual seven-week event. Held in September and October, Alpine Village's Oktoberfest is the oldest and largest in California.

Added Duckett, "I've always loved rock and roll. I've always loved the excitement of performance, and, hey, why not go out on a limb and try something new?"