Local Resident’s Song Picked Up By Laker Girls

Kelly McLean and sisters Mary and Sarah Boutwell are blondes who are having more fun.

“We’re all blonde, and we can’t play by the rules,” said McLean, a Palm Springs native. “We have to set our own rules to make it in this world.”

The trio plus a fourth girl, Amy Struxness, make up the pop group Marilyn Alice.

“Every time I step onstage and have the microphone in my hand,” said McLean, “I forget about everything.”

The group formed three years ago, and they’re finally getting their big break on the basketball court. Their signature song titled “Boom Boom” is one of the songs the Laker Girls have performed all season in home games at the Staples Center, including the NBA Finals.

“Everybody’s into it,” said Sarah Boutwell, of Redlands. “People around me were mouthing the words. So, it was surreal. It’s exciting! An out of body experience!”

According to McLean, one of her friends is a Lakers Girl and saw McLean’s group perform the song last summer. The friend asked if Marilyn Alice would allow the team to use the song for performances.

“Of course, we jumped at the opportunity,” said McLean, a graduate of Palm Springs High School and UCLA. “We took the song and changed the words so it said ‘Lakers’ in it.”

Unfortunately for the group, the Staples Center does not announce the name of the Laker Girls’ songs. So, the foursome took to the streets outside Staples Center and distributed postcards to spectators in the hopes of promoting their song.

Over 4,000 of the “Boom Boom” ring tones have been downloaded so far.

The group Marilyn Alice says they have completed filming a reality show, and they are pursuing other projects. They understand the music industry’s fierceness. But, they are not fussing over a backup plan…yet. Right now, they are shooting for the stars.

“There’s always someone who can take our place, and we always think that way,” said Mary Boutwell, 20, the youngest in the group. “So, that’s why we’re always looking for new ways to invent ourselves.”

The Lakers host the Boston Celtics in game six Tuesday night. It’s another window of opportunity for Marilyn Alice.

Once Marilyn Alice’s career goes “boom boom,” their girl power may be too hot to handle.