By Ann Driscoll
Associate Editor

After holding panels and master classes earlier this week, the musicians of the Women In Rock residency will play the Berklee Performance Center on Wednesday, October 8th at 8:15 PM. The show features Meshell Ndegeocello, Nona Hendryx, Siedah Garett, Felicia Collins, Joyce Kennedy, and Cindy Blackman. According to Voice Professor Kudisan Kai, who planned and coordinated Women In Rock, “Many people don’t even realize there is such a thing as a black female rocker.” She devised the residency in part to present strong, multi-talented role models for all female musicians at Berklee and beyond.

Kai coordinated the participation of the performers by relying on her vast array of personal and professional connections. Her touring experience as a vocalist in Chaka Khan’s band helped establish contacts with Meshell Ndegeocello and Felicia Collins. The friendships among many of these women, each of whom have a different musical background, go back decades. They are the pillars of a network of talented, successful black female rockers in the music industry.

Historically, black female musicians have encountered discrimination in rock music, which is both male-dominated and white-dominated, despite its roots in African-American music. According to Kai, the music industry functions like any other industry by “compartmentalizing,” that is, putting people in a rigid, market-tested box. Black rockers have often been considered too “black” for rock radio and too “rock” for radio stations that typically play African-American-dominated genres like soul, R&B, and rap.

However, Kai said that the recent shift in the power structure from the record labels to the artists has contributed to the popularity of a greater diversity of artists and the genres they play. “[Via the Internet,] the whole world is now truly a melting pot,” and now artists of all races playing all kinds of music can achieve popularity without the strictures of the labels and radio conglomerates.

The performers have offered their hands-on talent and experience to Berklee over the past two days. Ndegeocello visited a bass lines lab and a liberal arts class on Monday. Siedah Garrett lent her songwriting expertise to a songwriting class and a Contemporary Writing & Production class. Nona Hendryx and Joyce Kennedy each participated in a vocal lab, and Cindy Blackman drummed with students at the South American Rhythms drum lab.

According to Kai, Berklee can help foster a community for black rock artists by continuing to allow forums, residencies, and concerts such as Women In Rock. A diversity division in place, and the support of President Roger Brown has contributed to the success of this residency. Though all of them may not be household names, each musician has made an indelible mark on music history.

Featured Performers

• Renowned vocalist and songwriter Siedah Garett recently won a Grammy for the song “Love You I Do” from Dreamgirls, though she is best-known for co-writing the hit, “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson.
• Felicia Collins is an in-demand session guitarist, having recorded for artists such as Madonna, George Clinton, and Cyndi Lauper. She is currently a member of the CBS Orchestra for Late Show with David Letterman.
• Nona Hendryx was one third of 1970’s glam funk band LaBelle, who achieved worldwide success with their number one worldwide hit, “Lady Marmalade.” The LaBelle reunion CD, produced in part by Lenny Kravitz and Wyclef Jean, comes out on October 21st.
• Joyce Kennedy formed the first successful multi-cultural metal band, Mother’s Finest. They have maintained a devoted cult following since their inception in 1975.
• Cindy Blackman, best-known as Lenny Kravitz’s drummer for fourteen years, attended Berklee in the 1980’s. She has held the groove for rock greats like James Brown and Mick Jagger.
• Meshell Ndegeoello defies description. A prolific songwriter and multi-instrumental, she is fluent in a variety of genres, including rock, folk, soul, pop, and funk. She has been nominated for nine Grammys.
• Terri Lyne Carrington, a drum professor, who has toured with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter is the musical director for the show and will play percussion for the acts.