Paying tribute to women who display leadership
and stand out within the music industry.
2014 She Rocks Awards honorees, from left to right: Dinah Gretsch, Robin Walenta, Maricela “MJ” Juarez, Beth Marlis, WiMN-founder Laura B. Whitmore, Sheila E., Janie L. Hendrix, Gaby Moreno, Malina Moye. (photo by Linda Evans)
The WiMN hosted the second annual She Rocks Awards on the morning of Friday, January 24th, during the 2014 NAMM show. The event brought together a sold-out room of industry professionals, music icons, artists, fans, media and more to pay tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry.
The She Rocks Awards opened with an impressive performance from newcomers The Command Sisters. Comprised of 15-year-old Sarah and 18-year-old Charlotte Command, the duo’s soaring vocals and beyond-their-years musicality set the perfect tone for the event.
WiMN founder and She Rocks Awards producer Laura B. Whitmore welcomed the crowd. “The world needs to know that there are women out there making a difference in the music industry,” she shared. “I am thrilled to recognize these deserving musicians, educators, and industry leaders.”
First recognized was “Champion Award”-winner Beth Marlis. As a senior guitar faculty member and Vice President at Musicians Institute, Marlis has become a leader in the world of contemporary music education. Robin Walenta was welcomed to the stage next to receive the “Endurance Award.” Walenta is President and CEO of West Music Company, one of the nation’s largest music retailers, and is the also first woman to serve on NAMM’s Executive Committee. Following Walenta, celebrated Seymour Duncan “pickup winder to the stars” Maricela “MJ” Juarez was presented with the “Legend Award.”
Latin American singer/songwriter Gaby Moreno was recognized with the “Inspire Award.” This Latin GRAMMY-winning artist has charmed audiences all over the world, and brought her highly-talented band to the She Rocks Awards stage to deliver an uplifting set Latin-flavored tunes which showcased Moreno’s boundless voice.
Industry veteran Dinah Gretsch was honored with the “Vision Award.” As Executive Vice President and CFO of the iconic Gretsch Company, Mrs. Gretsch spoke of her passion for supporting music programs in schools. “Mad Skills Award” recipient Janie L. Hendrix was recognized for her efforts in preserving, promoting and protecting the musical legacy of her brother, the late Jimi Hendrix.
“Icon Award” winner Sheila E. was welcomed to the stage next. Sheila was recognized for being a role model for young female musicians all over the world, in addition to her tremendous success as a world-class percussionist. “Some people say ‘you play good for a girl,’” said Escovedo. “That’s not really the case. It just so happens that we’re all great musicians, we just happen to be female.”
Closing performer Malina Moye was surprised with the “Next Generation Award.” A modern day renaissance woman, Moye has carved her own lane in today’s music scene as one of the few artists able to straddle both Rock and Soul genres. Bringing the She Rocks Awards to a close, Moye and her band brought down the house with a rollicking Hendrix-tribute of “Foxy Lady.”
The She Rocks Awards was filmed for an upcoming TV special. The production team also captured footage throughout the NAMM show, shooting exclusive gear demos as well as groundbreaking performances and interviews by emerging and well-known female artists of all genres.
Click here to view press coverage of the event, and here to view/download additional photos.
A portion of the proceeds benefitted
the Girls Rock Camp Alliance.
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2014 She Rocks Awards sponsors:
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See highlights from the 2013 She Rocks Awards here.