A benefit concert at the State Theatre will showcase women’s voices in the local music scene while supporting the Centre County Women’s Resource Center.
Seven musical acts are scheduled to take the stage for ‘Women’s Voices’ at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The show was the idea of Natascha Hoffmeyer, whose band, Natascha & the Spy Boys, has been performing together since 2010.
‘I was inspired by the amazing variety of talented female singers we have in the area, and I wanted to organize a show that would feature as many of them as we could include for one evening,’ Hoffmeyer said.
She hopes that the concert will become an annual affair that can include different performers each year.
Before the first note is played on Saturday, it’s already off to a good start with a positive reception throughout the community.
‘The response has been great, actually,’ Hoffmeyer said. ‘The State Theatre was on board pretty much from the first planning meeting, and the singers were excited about the idea of having all of us on stage together. It will be a great opportunity for people to hear bands they already love, but also to discover other bands they might not know as well.’
Along with Hoffmeyer’s band, Anchor & Arrow, Hops & Vines, Erin & Wiggus, Leah Mueller, Miss Melanie & The Valley Rats and Jackie Brown & The Gill Street Band comprise the evening’s lineup.
Hoffmeyer said the only prerequisite is that the bands play original songs or cover songs by a a female artist.
‘I wanted to keep the format as open as possible to include different genres, and of course to showcase the original work of all these talented ladies,’ she said.
Also expect there to be collaborations among the musicians during the concert and a special treat at the end of the show.
Christie Clancy, lead singer of Hops & Vines, said she was drawn to the idea of a show that celebrates women artists, both in performers and song selection.
‘For me, I’m excited to be a part of a show that lifts up the female singers and showcases original tunes and covers written by women,’ Clancy said.
A portion of proceeds from the night will go to CCWRC, and Hoffmeyer said that felt like ‘a natural match.’
‘For us, it is also a way to say ‘thank you’ to the CCWRC for the work they do and the important services they provide to women, men, and children in our community,’ she said.
Both Hoffmeyer and Clancy said the local music community is a supportive one, but that because of their own performing schedules, it can be difficult to see each other play.
On Saturday, they’re looking forward to being able to see several acts on the same bill.
‘As a singer myself, I am always curious to see what everyone else is doing,’ Hoffmeyer said. ‘Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to catch a lot of performances on a regular basis due to my own band schedule… which is yet another reason why I am so excited about Saturday: to be able to see a whole bunch of them in one single evening, and to share the stage with them.’
‘I think as a community, we’re always looking to support each other somehow,’ added Clancy. ‘It’s busy being a musician going out to see other talented acts in the area so when we can come together like this, it’s really exciting.’
For those planning on attending, Hoffmeyer said they’ll find a mix of styles and sounds.
‘I think most of all people will really enjoy seeing so many singers perform their original tunes and songs by female artists in such a wide variety of genres,’ she said. ‘We have blues, soul, R&B, Americana, jazz, swing, pop and acoustic rock. It’s like a box of chocolates for music lovers: something for everyone.’
Tickets can be ordered in advance online here. Use the promo code WVOICES18 for a $5 discount.
