When her two daughters left for college, Plantation resident Lu White did something not many moms do: She formed a rock band.

The Newark, N.J., native had been singing since she was a child, but she decided to give it a try since she had more time. After winning a radio contest in 2004 and getting her first professional gig, her musical career took off. She was invited to open for Frankie Valli from The Four Seasons, and also to perform in the same show with other big names such as The Duprees and Gianni Russo.

With her band, the Lu White Combo, she is working on her first album, which will be released in four weeks.

She lives with her husband, Tom White, and works in the city's engineering department.

Was this a dream you always had or did it happen by chance?

It was always my dream to sing professionally. When I was a kid, I used to play the piano along with my Elton John and Queen records.

What made you decide to finally give your singing a try?

I started in the church choir when I was growing up, and I always wanted to take voice lessons, but I didn't have the chance to do that until I was an adult. My husband Tom was the one who encouraged me to enter the radio contest in the spring of 2004.

How did your family take it?

I was pretty nervous and the only person I told was Tom. He was very supportive and helped me find the right people to give me costume and make-up advice. I also contacted my voice teacher, Karen Rassler, formerly of the University Center for the Performing Arts, and we began working on the vocal dynamics and stage theatrics of the song I had chosen to sing for the contest.

How do you describe your music?

We love the harmonies and the excitement of early rock 'n' roll, and our desire is to share the spirit of this music with today's audiences. Like Brian Wilson did with the Beach Boys, we blend harmonies with a rock 'n' roll beat. We have fans who remember this music when it was new. They sing along with us and tell us about the great memories these songs evoke.


Where can locals see you perform?

We are playing for the city of Miramar July 4 festivities. Mayor Lori Moseley is a big doo wop and early rock fan. Then, on Aug. 8, we are playing for a benefit at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Sunrise.

Do your daughters sing?

Liz, 22, and Jackie, 20, both sing and play the piano. Liz's voice is similar to mine, higher and a bit lighter. Jackie has more of today's pop sound.

How long have you lived in Plantation?

I first moved here from New Jersey in 1994. I lived in Weston for a few years, but I missed Plantation terribly so we decided to move back here nine years ago. Plantation is a great place to live and work. There is a family atmosphere that I love, it's lush and green and yet I don't have to drive too far to find good food or good shopping.

For information about the Lu White Combo, visit www.luwhite.com.