Introduction

For over six decades, Lincoln Center has been the prestigious home to classical music, opera, and ballet, but in a groundbreaking shift, it is now welcoming punk rock into its hallowed halls. Enter Kathleen Hanna and Tamar-kali, two influential figures in the punk genre, who are curating an exciting series within Lincoln Center's renowned American Songbook program. This moment marks a historic first, showcasing the raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk while specifically honoring the women who have shaped the genre.

Kathleen Hanna's Vision

Hanna, known for her work with iconic bands like Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, expressed a desire to introduce a broader audience to what she calls "our canon." By featuring a mix of contemporary artists, this series aims to highlight the diverse history of punk—especially the contributions of female musicians whose voices have frequently been overshadowed.

Tamar-kali's Perspective

"There’s a lot of delegitimizing of aggressive music," Tamar-kali pointed out, acknowledging the long-standing bias against women in the rock scene. This recognition within a respected establishment like Lincoln Center means a great deal to both musicians. For Hanna, it affirms her identity as a "real musician."

Cultural Context and Marginalization

"We want to provide cultural context for those who feel marginalized," Tamar-kali added, emphasizing that punk has long been a platform for rule-breakers and rebels, and these voices deserve their place in the narrative of music history. Shanta Thake, the chief artistic officer at Lincoln Center and a progressive force since 2021, stressed the importance of featuring women in punk, expanding the center's programming to reflect a more inclusive story of music.

The Transformative Nature of Music

The current cultural climate, with its renewed focus on revolutionary art, is prime for this celebration. Hanna recalled how, in her youth, she felt that while she couldn't change laws, she could create songs that resonated with change. "The energy in this room might inspire something greater beyond these walls," she said, underscoring the transformative nature of music.

Tribute to Poly Styrene

In tribute to Poly Styrene, the pioneering singer of X-Ray Spex, Princess Nokia is among the ten vocalists set to perform. Nokia reflected on her emotional connection to Styrene’s legacy and how it intertwines with her own artistic journey, noting how iconic figures like Styrene and Viv Albertine served as "musical mothers" for a generation of artists.

Celebrating Lesser-Known Legends

The series also celebrates lesser-known music legends like Fanny, the first all-female band to release an album on a major label. Formed in the late '60s, Fanny produced groundbreaking music but flew under the radar for years, with newfound recognition largely due to social media and the recent documentary "Fanny: The Right to Rock." The band, which includes sisters June and Jean Millington, is excited to perform at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, where they were once friends with the budding mogul.

Spotlight on ESG

Thursday night's event will also spotlight ESG, a groundbreaking band formed by sisters from the Bronx, known for their unique blend of punk, funk, and hip-hop. For Renee Scroggins, the lead vocalist, this will be a deeply personal debut at Lincoln Center—a world that seemed distant during her youth. "We want our audience to dance," she declared, reflecting the band’s infectious energy even amid past struggles against industry biases.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Female Voices

Highlighting the theme of resilience, the Songbook series culminates with Ana Tijoux, a prominent French-Chilean rapper, showcasing the enduring power of female voices across genres. Join us at Lincoln Center as we celebrate the women who kicked down the doors of rock and punk—proving that their contributions matter and always will. The series promises not only to entertain but also to empower and inspire a new generation of musicians and fans alike. Don't miss out on this historical punk revival!