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SHOW REVIEW: Girls Rock! RVA Showcase
Posted by: Necci – Aug 02, 2011
The Girls Rock! Showcase was the finale of a week-long daycamp for girls hosted by local female musicians with the purpose of empowering girls to grow into empowered women. With instrument lessons and band practices, each girl was able to tap into her inner rock star. Each band wrote a song in the span of a week, and in tie dye and knee socks, they all rocked. St. Andrew's School was packed—in fact the volunteers had to double the number of chairs before the performance started, and the Sun Chips and animal cracker snacks went quickly. Parents, friends, siblings and supporters cheered like Bieber fans—but these girls were anything but lonely.
The first band up was The Cherry Bombs, fronted by perhaps the youngest lead vocalist featured. The guitar was great, and the curly-haired singer was crushing everyone. She gestured with enthusiasm and the crowd was eating it up. There was no way I would have been that brave so young. Next up was The Flaming Gummy Bears, who channeled their colorful namesakes in their wardrobes. They all wore loose neckties and brightly patterned kneesocks—Angus Young's school uniform on glitter! This band had the most attitude, I think, and we're definitely going to hear more from their drummer in the future. The Somethings had a charming mascot dog, and entered the stage throwing the devil horns, which got everyone pretty stoked. Their bass player was slaying, and their song featured a pretty awesome breakdown. Pop Rox was up last, and they really did have some catchy powerpop hooks. The keys and guitar were tight—this band had practiced, and it was obvious that they really listened and responded to each other. “We can do anything better than boys” was part of their chorus. I believe it.
Possibly as endearing as the bands were the volunteers. Several of them were so proud they started crying the second the first band started—I don't think I saw even the parents doing that. Each of these women put their all volunteering for this camp, and wanted nothing more than to give girls a chance to experience a supportive environment in which they could truly be themselves. Girls Rock! volunteers and workshop leaders from the community coached them on their instruments, gave art lessons, creative writing workshops, taught yoga and even self defense. The fact that the girls did all of this while still managing to put together some rock and roll is testament to the dedication of both the volunteers and the campers.
The fact that this all-volunteer camp was such a huge success makes me hopeful for the future of women as well as the future of rock and roll. In such a male-dominated world, things like this are of the utmost importance. Mad props to all you rad ladies, and thanks for such inspiration. I'm gonna go pick up my guitar now.
By Sara B.
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