If you want to see women making music, check out one of AZ Chicks with Picks’ shows. All female artists, just like Lilith. But they’re all Arizona-based artists, which ratchets up the awesome level from somewhere between -3 and 3 (depending on who you ask) up to about 12. There are sure to be fewer teenage girls wearing glitter makeup, and there’ll be 100% less Sarah McLachlan, so you won’t have to puzzle over what the hell “building a mystery” means when translated from middle-school poetry into adult English.
Pandy Raye and Rhonda Hitchcock started AZ Chicks with Picks because, like many great inventors, they saw the lack of something important. In this case, it was a platform for up-and coming female musicians in AZ to get some help in the music business.
Since its inception in late 2007, Raye and Hitchcock, professional musicians themselves, have put on hundreds of shows (they hit 400 in June of this year). They work with over 75 female artists from Arizona, from every genre imaginable.
Putting on shows is only the beginning. Chicks with Picks offers workshops to their artists. These classes are set up to help their artists navigate the music business beyond finding and playing gigs. Past workshop topics include recording and professional songwriting.
Check out one of AZ Chicks with Picks’ shows. They can often be found at The Compound or The Paradise Grill in Phoenix. For more info about the organization, its members, being a member, or its shows, check out their website here.
Sarah McLachlan can keep her “Look at me! I’m such a good feminist” festival. We’ve got something way better.
