Benefit Show at Maxwell’s in Hoboken
What do you get when you put a bunch of kick-ass rock chicks together with a sense of purpose? You get a better world—or at least a very good step towards one—with a great soundtrack. Girls Rock & Girls Rule started back in 2002 with a specific mission in mind. They work to not only help independent female rockers, but more importantly to donate money to great local women’s causes. This year they are benefiting Habitat for Humanity Women Build Newark Chapter.
You also get one hell of a good time. Once exclusively a NYC event, Girls Rock & Girls Rule—brainchild of G-Spot singer and Revolutionary Records founder Gail Silverman—has expanded this year to include shows in PA, NJ and NY featuring performances by Bern, Edible Red, Michelle Vecchione, G-Spot and Tsang. Tonight at Maxwell’s, those who paid their tax-deductible donation were also treated to raffles and drink specials.
The usually dark back room looked downright festive with all of the colorful banners adorning the walls and tables. These were from sponsors such as ArtKore.org, Steppin’ Out Magazine, Sam Ash Music, Godlyke, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Jakprints, Daisy Rock and GoGirlsMusic. Along with several local businesses and artists, the potential for winning a quality prize was high.
I should know because thru the course of the night I technically won four times. First was a free manicure. Ivy from ArtKore.org was calling the numbers when one of mine came up and I stood quietly. Not really wanting the prize, I figured I’d let someone else win. After a few more unanswered numbers, they called another one of mine. This time I said, “Pick again, that’s mine.”
Gail was also on stage and said I should take it for my girlfriend which made me laugh. “No such luck,” I yelled back. Ivy reached in to pick another number and as she read it, I laughed harder. “Mine again!” I hollered and I told the crowd that whoever wanted it could have it. For that I was rewarded with a Pabst Blue Ribbon T-Shirt. Hey, I’m self employed so a gift of free clothes is fine by me.
Later in the night my luck would come to haunt me for a fourth time. I actually went outside at one point to avoid winning anything. Sure there were some items that I very much wanted to win. One in particular was an original piece from Hoboken artist Sarah Detweiler. However I found myself winning things I just didn’t want. This time around it was free yoga classes.
I thought to myself that maybe I could use this. Friends like Ivy have been telling me that yoga could do me a world of good. No sooner had I just about convinced myself of the value of the prize, a young lady came up to me and said, “I’ll give you twenty bucks cash for those classes right now.” Again I direct your attention to my previous statement regarding my self employment status. I was in no position to turn down an easy couple of sawbucks.
The first up tonight was a solo performance from Bernadette of the band Bern. She joked about how she had one song called ‘Tangerine’ like a fifty other people. Not too long after she played ‘Ramble’ and I made a mental note about the Led Zeppelin connection and teased her a little about it afterwards. As I walked over to lean on the bar and write some notes I ran into Michelle Vecchione. We both commented on how beautifully Bernadette plays guitar. In the time that I’ve been listening to her, I always feel her progressing. She never fails to amaze me.
After this little back and forth, Michelle introduced me to her cousin Joey. While we were talking about the night and music and whatnot, I left my notebook unattended on the bar. I was delighted to find upon retrieving it that Michelle had left me a sweet little message with an adorable self portrait. That really made my night.
Edible Red rocked the place in their usual, sultry fashion. Now I try not to do this. I’ve been told by various girls that it’s bad form for a writer to concentrate on how good the singer looked because it tends to mean they missed the rest of the musical package. Luckily for me everyone knows how much I love this band and so I can say Collette looked absolutely amazing. I know it’s hard to tell that from my … um … unique sense of picture taking. Oh the rest of the band looked good too, but Collette in her bright dress and high heels had them all beat. She confessed to me afterward the pain she endured for fashion as she went to change her shoes.
This was the first time in a long time for me seeing Michelle Vecchione with a band. This night in particular she was playing with a fantastic ensemble that I kept referring to as ‘elder statesmen of rock and blues’. Backing up the passion of Michelle’s voice were Jim Perrini on guitar, Sandy ‘The Sandman’ Winnerman on bass and Greg Bal on drums. They were solid as hell and, being a guitarist of sorts myself, I was most impressed with Perrini’s smooth finger-style magic.
Next up was the fearless leader for the event Gail and her band G-Spot. And when I say fearless, I mean it. She lets it all hang out there in front of her tight, old-school heavy punk ensemble. I don’t get to see them play much, but I’ve run into Gail and bassist Phil. Really cool folks.
I took one of my many breaks outside and ran into the film crew that was filming a documentary on Girls Rock & Girls Rule. They were interviewing Ivy from ArtKore.org about the event and the scene. She told me after how weird it was to be so literally in the spotlight. Peter Vaughn was the guy with the crew I talked to. Not sure what his roll in this was. I assume he’s the director. I hope I get to see the final product when it’s done.
Back inside, it was time for Tsang! Formerly Tang, they had to change the spelling due to some cease and desist order from another band. They brought their brand of funky fresh power to us with two new members of their own. Shredding on guitar was Pat Piegari with the bang-crack-crash of Joe Altomare on drums. I wouldn’t have thought there was a way to pack a higher octane into their fuel, but they sure figured it out.
The night wound down with me being named ‘Honorary ROCKRGRL’ and I have the button to prove it. There was a feeling of having experienced this wonderful thing. A thing that entertains and does good for the community. A thing that continues with more shows to come as part of this tour. So do yourself a favor and check out the Revolutionary Records website for more details.
Photo Gallery
Revolutionary Records
Bern
edibleRed
Michelle Vecchione
G Spot
Tsang!
Artkore
Sarah Detweiler
