From left (top row): Rock Sugah guitarist, Kat Dyson; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Karmin singer, Amy Heidemann; guitarist, Malina Moye; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and guitarist, Jennifer Batten; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Seymour Duncan co-founder/CEO, Cathy Carter Duncan; She Rocks Awards Founder and Co-Host, Laura B. Whitmore; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Director of Brand Communications at Taylor Guitars, Chalise Zolezzi; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and NAMM Director of Public Affairs/NAMM Foundation Executive Director, Mary Luehrsen; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Director of Music Recording and Scoring at Skywalker Sound, Leslie Ann Jones; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Senior Vice President of Public Relations for Universal Music Enterprises, Sujata Murthy; Rock Sugah singer, Kudisan Kai; 2016 She Rocks Awards Winner and President/Co-Founder of Gator Cases, Crystal Morris; Rock Sugah drummer, Benita Lewis; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Fanny’s House of Music Co-Owner, Leigh Maples; keyboardist, Jenna Paone; Charlotte and Sarah Command of The Command Sisters; (bottom row) Rock Sugah keyboardist, Lynette Williams; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Tom Tom Magazine Founder, Mindy Abovitz; Rock Sugah bassist, Divinity Roxx; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and legendary singer, Chaka Khan; 2016 She Rocks Awards Co-Host and guitarist, Nita Strauss; and 2016 She Rocks Awards winners and Rock N’ Roll Camp for Girls Founder, Mona Tavakoli and Becky Gebhardt; attend the She Rocks Awards during NAMM at the Anaheim Hilton on January 22, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevin Graft)
A who’s who of music industry execs, celebrities, luminaries and supporters of women in music gathered on Fri., Jan. 22 in the Anaheim Hilton hotel’s Pacific Ballroom to celebrate the 2016 She Rocks Awards, an event paying tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry.
The She Rocks Awards were held by parent organization the Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), and were co-hosted by WiMN Founder Laura B. Whitmore and guitarist Nita Strauss.
“Wow!! What an evening of special moments. I am blown away by the amazing support from the industry and from NAMM. I know this evening was inspirational for many people in the industry, and am so proud of my team for helping create this very special event,” said Laura B. Whitmore, founder of the Women’s International Music Network and co-host for the evening.
The event featured electrifying performances by singer-songwriter, Jenna Paone; guitarists Nita Strauss, Malina Moye, and Jennifer Batten; Jason Mraz touring band, Raining Jane; pop sensations, Karmin; The Command Sisters; and the incredible house band Rock Sugah featuring Divinity Roxx on bass, Kudison Kai on vocals, Kat Dyson on guitar, Benita Lewis on drums and Lynette Williams on keys.Highlights of the event include a stellar performance by Karmin of songs from their upcoming release, Leo Rising; killer guitar acts by Jennifer Batten, Nita Strauss and Malina Moye (a 2014 She Rocks Award winner); a rousing speech by percussionist Mona Tavakoli of Raining Jane and the Rock N’ Roll Camp for Girls of L.A.; and a grand finale closing performance by The Command Sisters, Jennifer Batten, Nita Strauss and Rock Sugah as they joined together in a tribute to Chaka Khan ending with power anthem, “I’m Every Woman,” that got the crowd of 700 attendees on their feet and dancing.
The 2016 She Rocks Awards were sponsored by Martin Guitar, Seymour Duncan, Roland, Boss, Gretsch, Avid, Taylor Guitars, Zildjian, Guitar Center, D’Addario, Fishman, Berklee College of Music, Tech 21, PRS Guitars, 108 Rock Star Guitars, Korg USA, Volume & Tone, Casio, Ear Trumpet Labs, Merch Cat, John Page Classic Guitars, West Coast Pedalboards, and Recording King, with additional support from these media partners: Tom Tom Magazine, Guitar Girl Magazine, Music-News.com, Guitar World, Guitar Player, Keyboard, Bass Player, Electronic Musician, Music Inc., Making Music, International Musician, Premier Guitar, LAWIM, Rock N Roll Industries, and more.
