Rock

Judy Collins, Shelly Peiken, and Others Celebrated at the 2023 She Rocks Awards

Judy Collins, Shelly Peiken, Noelle Scaggs, and others were celebrated at the 2023 She Rocks Awards, held at The Ranch in Anaheim, California on Thursday (April 13). The 11th annual event, sponsored by The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), recognized the achievements of a diverse group of women from various sectors of the music industry.

The evening began with a performance by Toronto-based band The Beaches. The all-woman quartet won their second Juno Award for rock album of the year last year with Sisters Not Twins (The Professional Lovers Album). Laura Whitmore, founder of the Women’s International Music Network and She Rocks co-producer, greeted the attendees.

The night continued with Legend Award honoree Collins, who quoted her favorite Mae West lines during her acceptance speech and concluded by leading the audience in an a capella rendition of her 1971 hit “Amazing Grace.”

Peiken, Dreaming Out Loud honoree and two-time Grammy nominee, urged the audience “to not be afraid to grow up.” Powerhouse honoree Scaggs of Fitz & the Tantrums spoke about her inspiration for founding the organization Diversify the Stage (DTS). Champion Award honoree, Stacey Ryan, COO of the School of Rock, discussed the work needed to elevate more women into executive positions and the importance of organizations like the Women’s International Music Network for mentoring young, up-and-coming women in the music industry.

The night concluded with a performance from guitarist Gretchen Menn, She Rocks Inspire Award recipient, who led her band in an original song followed by a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s 1972 classic “Rock and Roll.”

Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women working in all aspects of the music and audio industries. For more information, visit their website.

The complete list of 2023 She Rocks Awards honorees includes:

  • Legend Award: Judy Collins, singer/songwriter icon; Grammy-winner and two-time Grammy Hall of Fame inductee
  • Powerhouse Award: Noelle Scaggs, co-frontperson for Fitz and the Tantrums and founder of Diversify the Stage
  • Dreaming Out Loud Award: Shelly Peiken, Grammy-nominated songwriter
  • Tone Setter Award: Mary Spender – guitarist, singer, songwriter, and YouTube star
  • Mad Skills Award: Michelle Bell – vp of creative for Roc Nation
  • Vision Award: Lisa S. Johnson, photographer and author of 108 Rock Star Guitars and Immortal Axes
  • Groundbreaker Award: Katherine Wing, vp of marketing for Roland, drummer
  • Champion Award: Stacey Ryan, chief operating officer for School of Rock
  • Excellence Award: Helen Culleton, chief operating officer for Audiotonix
  • Inspire Award: Gretchen Menn, guitarist and founding member of Zepparella
  • Heart and Soul: Brad Tolinski, former Guitar World editor and author