Girl Punks: How the 90s Riot Grrrl Scene Launched a Revolution, Pt. 2

Tuesday Mayhem 12 at 7PM-10PM
Hosted by Cynthia Lombard
Tonight we rebroadcast part two of a two part Mayhem special from 2010 (see playlist). This week's focus is on the descendants and influence of riot grrrl. With connections to punk rock and 'zine culture; the riot grrrl scene was spawned in the Pacific Northwest and the D.C. area in the early 1990s. Taking a DIY approach to both music and feminism, young women drew on the intensity of punk to bring girls to the forefront of their own music scene. In the special, we'll provide a bit of history about riot grrrl and hear music from the artists typically associated with the scene, including Bratmobile, Lois, Mecca Normal, Heavens to Betsy, Excuse 17, Tream Dresch, and Jenny Toomey. We'll discuss how festivals in the Pacific Northwest helped to foster the movement, including the International Pop Underground Festival and later Yo Yo a Go Go. And, we'll take a look at how the riot grrrl scene empowered girls to start their own festivals and music tours, including "Free to Fight" (shows with music and self-defense demonstrations), and Ladyfest.