Girls Rock NC is turning 10 years old this summer. The series of week-long day-camps gathers girls of varying ages and musical abilities to form bands. They write original music and play a show at the end of the week.
But tonight, some male musicians are covering songs by female artists at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw to benefit the nonprofit. With me this morning is Girls Rock NCfounder Amelia Shull, and Stu McLamb of the band The Love Language.
Shull said bringing girls together to form bands and write original music empowers them to collaborate instead of compete, and to be creative. She said stereotypes have limited the examples girls have of female musicians, who are most often only the singer in a band.
Shull says the Triangle is full of talented musicians, male and female. She says Girls Rock NC primarily arranges for women to mentor the campers directly, but men are able to help with camp operations and music lessons.
Tonight's concert is another way guys can support the mission. Members of The Love Language, The Mountain Goats, The Beast, and Phill Cook will be performing songs by women who have influenced them.
McLamb wouldn't say what he'll be playing tonight, but he named a female musicians who have impacted his life, including:
Carole King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOyvYnkdEcc
and Kim Deal, of Pixies and The Breeders
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RiJMZQXa2o
The benefit show will at the the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw tonight at 8 p.m.
