A sisterhood of musicians and industry leaders were honored at the She Rocks Awards on January 23 at the NAMM Show.Co-hosted by Laura B. Whitmore of the of Women’s International Music Network and guitarist Orianthi, the evening celebrated the achievements of women in what have traditionally been male-dominated positions in the music industry.
Richie Sambora and Orianthi kicked off the musical portion of the program with a rousing duet, followed by an acoustic performance by Colbie Caillat and a screening of her video “Try.”
Mindi Abair’s song “Kick Ass” was the highlight of the night, a high-energy jam with Mindi and Orianthi trading blistering sax and guitar solos as each one tried to out-rock the other.
Technical difficulties left Vicki Peterson playing air guitar during the Bangles’ first song, “Hazy Shade of Winter.” A sound technician hurried over to her and began unplugging and plugging in cables in an attempt to find the source of the problem while the rest of the band continued to play.
All was working again for their second song, “In My Room,” and the finale, a rousing version of “Walk Like an Egyptian.” This turned into a fun jam in which all the other musicians and guests of honor came on stage to sing along, dance, and let loose with their best Egyptian poses. It also got the audience on its feet, turning the entire room into one giant, exuberant ‘80s dance party.
This the first time the She Rock Awards have been held at NAMM. If it returns next year, I highly recommend going. It’s got everything you’d want in a music industry awards show: short speeches, inspiring musicians, and a lot of unforgettable performances. Definitely worth attending!
Setlist:
Call it Blindness (Shel) Lost at Sea (Shel) Like Minded Fool (Shel) You Could be My Baby (Shel) Battle of Evermore (Shel – Led Zeppelin cover) Sex E Bizarre (Orianthi with Richie Sambora)
Never Gonna Let You Down (Colbie Caillat)
I Can’t Lose (Mindi Abair)
Kick Ass (Mindi Abair)
Hazy Shade of Winter (The Bangles)
In My Room (The Bangles)
Walk Like an Egyptian (The Bangles)
Honorees:
Gayle Beacock (retailer) — Endurance Award
Debbie Cavalier (Berklee College) — Inspire Award
Amani Duncan (marketing executive) — Vision Award
Katie Kailus (editor and journalist) — The Next Generation Award
Paula Salvatore (Capitol Studios) — Excellence Award
Craigie Zildjian (CEO, Zildjian) — Legend Award
Colbie Caillat (recording artist) — Video of the Year
Mindi Abair (saxophonist) — Mad Skills Award
The Bangles (band) — Icon Award
We would like to thank Laura Whitmore and Pauline France of Mad Sun Marketing for the credentials to cover the 3rd Annual She Rock Awards! Stay tuned for an interview with recipient Mindi Abair!
