BLOW OUT

Kathy Valentine, Patty Schemel and Donita Sparks

Friday night, the EMP museum had a Blow Out concert to kick off their Women Who Rock Exhibit.  Local acts, such as Capping Day were show openers.

Laura Vanderpool of Capping Day

The headliners were the Bad EMPressions:  Kathy Valentine (Go-Go's) on guitar, Patty Schemel (Hole) on drums, Dominique Davalos (BlueBonnets) on bass and Shae Padilla (KSM) on lead guitar.  Valentine and Davalos play together in the Austin, TX band BlueBonnets, and were the first to take lead singer duties.  From then on, that position went from local Shelby Earl to Annabella Lwin (Bow Wow Wow) to local Star Anna to Kim Shattuck (The Muffs) to local Choklate and finally to Donita Sparks (L7).  Song highlights included:  Vacation, Brass in Pocket, I Want Candy, Saints, and Rehab.  The finale of Bad Reputation was a bit of a disappointment because they hadn't worked out who would sing each verse.  But on the whole, the show was a lot of fun.  Most of the performers even joined the crowd to shake hands and take pictures.


The Women Who Rock Exhibit comes to EMP via the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.  The image of Joan Jett greets you at the entrance.  It is followed by a timeline of special achievements by women in history.  Following that are artifacts from female singers and musicians of the 20th century.  We are taken on a trip through time beginning with early blues singers.  Of course, our favorite part began in the late-70's with the emergence of punk rock.  And we appreciated the inclusion of Bikini Kill to represent the Riot Grrrl movement.  However once again, we find disco queens and pop stars included under the moniker of Rock.  Madonna and Lady Gaga are icons, but they do not rock.  Where were the Go-Go's, Hole, L7, Bratmobile, Babes in Toyland, Sleater-Kinney, etc.?  Even with those conspicuous absences, it is a very interesting exhibit.  If you find yourself near Seattle Center, you should take a look.

Kim Gordon's stage attire

KJRW continues to celebrate Women Who Rock during the month of June.  Listen for Breeders, Pretenders, Blondie, Sonic Youth and more.