Girl power: Women Who Rock event plays on at Stage AE
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These females rock, literally.
The annual Women Who Rock concert features Rita Wilson, Sheila E, Orianthi, Lauren Monroe (with special guest Rick Allen of Def Leppard), Jackie Popovec with the Vindys and DJ Femi. They will perform starting at 7 p.m. Saturday at Stage AE on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.
The evening will be emceed by Pittsburgh’s own woman of rock, WDVE disc jockey Michele Michaels.
The evening of music benefits Magee-Womens Research Institute. Michael Annichine, CEO of Magee-Womens Research Institute, said partnering with Women Who Rock has created an additional voice for women’s health.
He said the funds can continue research that covers women from in vitro through adulthood and into their senior years.
“The musicians are so talented and the event helps us reach a new audience and the funds raised directly impact not only what we do for women in Western Pennsylvania, but around the world,” Annichine said.
Melinda Colaizzi, founder of Women Who Rock, said the bottom line is about raising money for research to cure cancer and to discover advanced medical treatments for other women’s health conditions that are understudied.
“They do incredible work,” Colaizzi said. “They create awareness for the importance of women’s health. We can use the music at Women Who Rock as a megaphone to get the word out about Magee-Womens Research Institute and female musicians.”
National and local musicians will perform, including the winner of the Rising Star Contest, held to help the next generation of female singer/songwriters.
Last year, the event was virtual because of the pandemic. It allowed the event to reach a global audience, said Colaizzi, which includes a partnership with guitar maker Gibson and its nonprofit Gibson Gives.
It has raised more than $2.5 million to support nonprofit organizations in their efforts to help musicians. Guests can bid on a Gibson custom limited edition modern double-cut semi-hollow guitar. Auction items are available for bid online or at the event.
“It is good to back in person,” Colaizzi said.
Annichine agreed.
“There is so much energy in that room when they are performing,” Annichine said. “Women are just as capable as their male counterparts when it comes to music and we want to help find ways to keep them healthy.”
Tickets are available here. Proof of covid-19 vaccination required.