In the mostly male saturated industry of rock and roll, it’s inspiring to know there are organizations out there like Girls Rock! DC, a music-based non-profit community group, who empower, educate, and provide role models for young women interested in the music scene. Through the Girls Rock! DC program, young women ages 8 to 18 who reside in the Washington, D.C. area attend a summer band camp in which they receive small-group instruction on a variety of instruments and musical software. Throughout the camp, these young women form bands, write original songs, and work with female mentors to create DJ sets and deliver live performances, which they present to friends and family at a showcase at the end of the week.
Nikki Smith of ladiesrockthis.com has teamed up with the Black Cat to present Band Camp Benefit III, a benefit show that raises funds to help offset the operating costs of the camp. Proceeds from the Band Camp Benefit III event will also provide scholarship funds for girls who would otherwise be unable to attend.
“In my experience growing up, there weren’t a lot of lady music role models in rock and roll. My favorite bands were comprised mostly of men, and I realized it was mostly guys I was looking up to,” reminisces Smith, who spearheads the benefit show. Smith has worked as a volunteer at the summer camp for over three years and wants to show campers that “Women do make good music. It’s not just a man’s world.”
Dappho of the CooLots
Six bands are set to take the stage at the Black Cat on Friday, July 5. Headlining the event is the all-female rocker group The CooLots, whose purpose is to “revel in the power of womanhood and sisterhood,” says Dappho, the bassist, vocalist and emcee for the group. “We are all down for helping out the youth so that they can succeed and be productive members of society. We want to show them that they can rock out too”.
Joining these leading ladies of the queer music scene is acoustic duo Frankie and Betty, who has gained quite a following through local performances at Chief Ike’s Mambo Room, PhaseFest and Phase 1 Open Mic.
“Girls Rock! DC is an awesome organization,” says Jessie “Betty” Strick. “We’re grateful we can play at the show and help raise money for this kind of camp. Our queer community here is really involved in it.”
“When I was younger, this type of event didn’t exist,” adds Rachel “Frankie” Bauchman. “It brings tears to your eyes when you see how proud these young girls are of what they’ve accomplished when they go on stage and perform in front of so many people.”
For a $12 cover, anyone can attend and support the efforts of Girls Rock! DC and its mission to empower, educate, and inspire young women through the gift of music education.
“Events like this are very necessary. Youth need to see more females being successful, strong, and positive in our daily lives, and that’s what Girls Rock! DC is doing through this event and fundraiser,” Dappho adds.
By bringing together six female-fronted bands, the benefit will undoubtedly show young women everywhere that yes, we too, can rock on and rock strong. Tickets to the all-ages Band Camp Benefit III event can be purchased here.
