Carla DeSantis, former musician and founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of ROCKRGRL magazine—the only national publication devoted to empowering and inspiring female rock musicians—will speak on “Reflections on Women, Rock, and Activism” on Tuesday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Balch Auditorium on the 61传媒 campus. This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Distinguished Speaker Series; for additional program information, please call the Malott Commons Office at (909) 607-8508.
Often called “the Gloria Steinem of rock” for her stance on ending sexism in the music industry, Carla DeSantis is a frequent contributor to VH1 shows like “From the Waist Down” and “Behind the Music,” and she serves as a consultant for both WE: Women’s Entertainment Network and the E! Network. Under DeSantis’ leadership, the award-winning ROCKRGRL magazine has interviewed rock’s most prominent women, as well as providing legal tips, news, equipment reviews, a studio column, and resources essential to both the budding and veteran musician.
I n 2000, DeSantis organized the groundbreaking ROCKRGRL Music Conference in Seattle, Washington. The three-day event included panel discussions and performances by 250 women from every rock-based genre and generation. Participants included Courtney Love, Ronnie Spector, Amy Ray, Exene Cervenka, Wanda Jackson, June Millington, Vicki Randle, Ann Wilson, Shannon Curfman, Jill Sobule, and Kim Richey. Currently, DeSantis is planning another ROCKRGRL Music Conference for fall of 2003.
In addition to her own publication, DeSantis has authored several articles on the topic of women in rock for such prestigious industry magazines as Rolling Stone, Rumble, and Experience Hendrix. She is a frequent music conference speaker and panelist and lectures at colleges and universities nationwide.