It’s ridiculous that we even have to assert this in this day and age: Girls rock. We do! Sadly, despite the existence of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, Grace Slick, Marianne Faithfull, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner, Yoko Ono, Lita Ford, Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Tina Weymouth, Viv Albertine, Suzi Quatro, Kate Bush, Pat Benatar, Nico, Poly Styrene, Kathleen Hanna, Corin Tucker, Kim Gordon, Kim Deal, Britta Phillips, Shirley Manson, Bjork, Neko Case, Karen O, Beth Ditto, Brittany Howard, Sadie Dupuis…and so on, into infinity, girls are still led to believe they can’t express themselves through rock. Luckily for all future generations, the GIRLS ROCK CAMPAIGN is here to help change that. Every year Girls Rock runs a summer program for girls 8-17, where they form bands and are given technical instruction in vocals, drums, keyboards, guitar, or bass, and write and perform their own songs. This show at the MIDDLE EAST UPSTAIRS is a celebration of the bands formed during this year’s session, and they are going to blow you away. Supporting them are local noise faves URSULA, who need no introduction…aside from the one I just gave them. GRAVEL hail from Salem, bringing a 60s-girl-group-meets-garage-rock vibe that I can’t get enough of. This show is going to be amazing, and even better, it’s ALL AGES. $8 and the knowledge that you’re supporting a very, very good cause is all you need to bring.

Emma Diamond