For Women's History Month, WYEP has asked some special guests to tell us which artists they're celebrating throughout March.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust President and CEO Kendra Whitlock Ingram celebrates Missy Mazzoli
Kendra Whitlock Ingram, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, chose to highlight composer Missy Mazzoli for Women’s History Month as an example of living history — a woman who is making waves in the traditionally-male dominated field of classical music composition. Kendra is especially inspired by Missy Mazzoli’s operas, which tell stories of strong female characters through complex, emotional music.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato celebrates Jenny Lewis
As the first woman to be Allegheny County Executive, Sara Innamorato said she decided to choose musician Jenny Lewis to celebrate this month due to the artist’s message of strength and empowerment. Innamorato said she first started listening to Rilo Kiley (Lewis’ band) in college at Pitt, and later when she was a state representative, especially “A Better Song/Daughter.”
“I would just blast that song and sing along with it,” Innamorato said. “I just love her stage presence, and just how she is so larger than life when she’s out there performing.”
Century III’s Carrie Battle celebrates Aretha Franklin
Carrie Battle sings and plays guitar in the Pittsburgh garage pop band Century III. When you see her play live, her cool confidence — along with that of her bandmates — can thoroughly energize your spirit if you're open to it. Carrie is celebrating Aretha Franklin for Women's History Month, and her ability to reel in casual listeners with infectious pop melodies while tackling heavy subjects in her lyrics.
Heinz History Center curator Emily Ruby celebrates Anne Feeney
Emily Ruby is a curator at the Heinz History Center. She first learned about local singer-songwriter Anne Feeney when the late artist’s collection was donated to the museum and became part of the exhibit “A Woman’s Place: How Women Shaped Pittsburgh.” Emily was inspired by Anne Feeney’s dedication to political activism through music, and she chose to highlight her for Women’s History Month in order share her legacy with Pittsburghers who may not know about Anne Feeney and the enduring messages of her work.
Ethnomusicologist Danielle Maggio celebrates Betty Davis
Danielle Maggio literally wrote the book on Betty Davis. The writer, educator, producer, vocalist, and DJ befriended the funk musician (and Pittsburgh native) in her final years and helped to raise awareness of her music. The pair even collaborated on Betty's first new song in over four decades. Maggio, an ethnomusicologist who’s currently an adjunct professor at Duquesne University, is celebrating Betty Davis for Women's History Month not only for her music, but for the fierce and unapologetic way she lived her life.