I can't help but think of Greta Brinkman when I think about women who really rock. When she landed in Richmond in the mid-80s, there weren't a lot of women with the chops to pick up a bass guitar and make punk rock happen. And there weren't a lot of guys, frankly, who were interested in women musicians – unless they were hot. Greta (pictured above) was one female musician who broke free of Richmond's punk restraints, going off to New York to play with Debby Harry and Moby before returning to Oregon Hill.
On Thursday, Rumors is hosting an all-girl Rock Lotto:
Rock Lotto is where a bunch of musicians from the Richmond Virginia area sign up and draw numbers from a hat to be placed in a band with four other people. These random groups of five then have over a month in which to write and perform a set including two original songs and one cover that combines their collective experience and taste. Because the drawing is completely random, the instrumentation of each band won’t necessarily be the traditional drums bass guitar, some musicians may find themselves called upon to play an instrument they wouldn’t normally, but therein lies the fun.
You can get details, submit an application or apply to be a volunteer (or to coach one of the newly formed bands) at the Rumors' website.
