The Hard Rock Café, in the heart of West Hollywood, is known for providing live music, good beer and burgers on a regular basis. But on October 13, the Hard Rock provided much more. This establishment provided the venue for the 2001 GoGirlsMusicFest, which benefited the Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation (NBCF). Even GoGirlsMusic.com's founder Madalyn Sklar was in attendance for the night's festivities.
A number of event co-sponsors provided many great auction items. Daisy Rock Guitars provided a beautiful daisy-shaped electric guitar as the centerpiece of the evening's silent auction. Other raffle prizes included T-shirts, CD's and facials.
With an eclectic mix of local female indie musicians, the night began with special guest Debora Iyall. Iyall is a poet and songwriter, who is best known for the stunning lead vocals on Romeo Void's 1980's hit "I Might Like You Better If We Slept Together." Taking the Hard Rock stage, Iyall proved that time is clearly on her side. Her strong stage presence commanded attention and her captivating lyrics and sultry, sexy charm drew the crowd into her lyrical world.
Accompanied on guitar by Glamazon, a.k.a. Shredmistress Rynata, Iyall's words of lust, love, sexual desire, heartbreak and despair took on an almost hypnotic effect as she weaved a tale of life's pain. Iyall's energized performance only paused long enough in between songs to build sexual tension. Shredmistress provided the necessary musical magic giving life and credence to Iyall's words and poetry. By the end of Iyall's set, the audience was clearly held in her sway.
One Real Peach followed Iyall, changing the musical ebb and flow from sultry and moody to an upbeat, slyly sexy musical romp. With its pop-mastered harmonies and charming stage presence, One Real Peach put a definite smile on the night. The assembled crowd found its dance groove during Peach's set and was primed and ready when Saucy Monky took the stage.
Saucy Monky -- a composite group consisting of the ever-talented Cynthia Catania, AnnMarie Montade and assorted musical friends -- performed a solid rockin' set. The ladies kicked up the energy level as they rocked, danced and traded "Saucy" names during their set becoming - Trashy Saucy and Fiesty Saucy. Other Saucy's included Skanky Saucy -Flo, Thrifty Saucy -Carson Cohen and Dreamy Saucy -Danny Hannon. Saucy Monky, a new addition to the L.A. club scene, had to be pleased because their performance was very well received. One hopes that Saucy Monky will continue in the future, adding to a growing talent-base of indie women musicians in Los Angeles.
Local L.A. band Kanary closed out the evening with its hard-edge heavy metal presentation, which was a special treat for their local following. The Kanary ladies proved without a doubt that heavy metal rock dipped in leather is still an L.A. attraction.
Overall, the event proved a success, not only for NBCF and its quest to provide a haven for victims of domestic violence, but for the promotion of indie musical talent. All participants, organizers, musicians, co-sponsors and paying customers should be proud of their efforts.
