The Women’s International Music Network Holds First Annual WiMN Breakfast and She Rocks Awards in Partnership with NewBay Media

Event honored artists and music industry professionals Holly Knight, Orianthi, Mary Peavey, Tish Ciravolo and more

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2013) –  More than 250 music industry professionals attended the first annual Women’s International Music Network (The WiMN) breakfast and She Rocks Awards on Friday, Jan. 25 during the 2013 NAMM show in Anaheim, Calif. that were held in partnership with NewBay Media.

Hosted by Laura B. Whitmore, founder of the Women’s International Music Network, producer of the Women’s Music Summit, and writer of Guitar World’s “Guitar Girl’d” column, the awards paid tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry.

“It was exhilarating to have so many talented and dedicated women join us for this groundbreaking event,” said Whitmore. “I was truly moved by the support and enthusiasm so many shared for the launch of the Women’s International Music Network and DontPayFull She Rocks Awards. There is no doubt we will be back for NAMM 2014.”

Honorees included producer, songwriter and artist Holly Knight, who received the “Mad Skills” award; guitar prodigy Orianthi, who received the “Inspire” award; President of Daisy Rock Girl Guitars Tish Ciravolo, who received the “Vision“ award; President of Peavey Electronics Mary Peavey, who received the “Icon” award; Senior Vice President of Operations for Guitar Center Laura Taylor, who received the “Champion” award; Musicians For Equal Opportunities for Women (MEOW) Founder Carla DeSantis Black, who received the “Endurance” award; and Pauline France of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation’s corporate PR department, who received the “Next Generation” award.

The WiMN breakfast and She Rocks Awards kicked off with a performance by international touring artist and author of Guitar For Girls: A Beginner’s Guide to Playing Acoustic or Electric Guitar, Ali Handal, followed by a vocal warm up lead by Susan Carr, professional vocal coach and developer of the app The Art of Screaming. It concluded with an electrifying performance by guitarist Orianthi, bassist Nik West, and drummer Brittany Maccarello.

The Women’s International Music Breakfast and the She Rocks Awards were supported in part by NewBay Media, publishers of Guitar World, Guitar Player, Electronic Musician, Mix Magazine, Bass Player, Keyboard, and many other industry publications, and by Daisy Rock Guitars, Peavey Electronics, Guitar Center, Dean Markley USA, PRS Gutairs, MEOW, and On-Stage Stands.

For more information regarding the WiMN, visit www.thewimn.com.

For a complete photo gallery showcasing award winners and attendees, click on the link below:

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About The Women’s International Music Network (The WiMN)

Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network connects women who work within all facets of the music industry. With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing. The Women’s International Music Network produces events such as the annual Women’s Music Summit, the WiMN Breakfast and She Rocks Awards, and is founded by music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore. For more information, visit www.TheWiMN.com.