Mary Lucia says this year's David Bowie tribute is even more special
by Mary Lucia
June 10, 2016
On the morning of January 10, as the shattering news reached me that David Bowie had passed away, I immediately thought of all of my friends and alumni of Rock For Pussy: a Tribute to David Bowie. For the last 11 years, we've put this tribute show together with such excitement and joy, but all I felt on that January day was a sadness that I simply could not get my head around. I had never experienced this kind of grief for an artist who meant the world to me and to so many people I know. As someone put it, this loss is going to determine who is with us and who is against us. I can say safely that most everyone I know is WITH US. I spoke throughout that day with so many Rock For Pussy (RFP) alumni, and the resounding feeling was, "I wish we were all in the same room RIGHT NOW."
As it's always been in years past, RFP is a true celebration of Bowie's deep catalog, style, and unwavering chameleon-like powers to change and reinvent. Sitting in on rehearsals this week, several times I've exchanged looks with seasoned music warriors as if to say, "Can you f*****g believe this?? I've also pointed out that one of the biggest testaments to Bowie's reach and depth is that in the 12 years we've been doing RFP, when approaching potential singers, I ask them to come up with two or three song choices. NEVER has anyone chosen the same song! Can you imagine?
Putting together a house band and guest vocalists is a bit like herding cats. Each participating musician is so accomplished on their own (think 40 lead singers!), it warms my blackened soul to see everyone give so selflessly of their time. I won't go into all that is entailed in pulling off a show of this size; suffice to say, there are a lot of moving parts. There has been wonderful support and hard work from my partners in pussy: David Campbell, Kelsey Brannon and John Eller (remember our first RFP planning committee meeting sitting in our winter parkas at Gigi's?); also plenty of behind-the-scenes help from Feline Rescue, Moxie Salon, Surly Brewing, Tee Squared Printing, Glam Doll and 89.3 The Current.
The love fest will be in full swing on Friday: seeing everyone scurry around, getting their glittery make up done, checking their outfits in the mirror ( we love dancing and we look divine) last-minute rehearsing in First Avenue's garage, watching Conrad deal with more than 60 performers backstage, DJ Jake Rudh, devotee of the church of Bowie, warming up the crowd until the screen rises. Gives me chills every year.
I promise you, will not regret attending this party. I'm willing to say that if it isn't the most fun you've had in years, I will come over to your house and scoop your cat box.
Are you with us??
Rebel, Rebel: Rock for Pussy XII is a David Bowie tribute and a benefit concert for the Feline Rescue no-kill cat shelter. Hosted by Mary Lucia (89.3 The Current) and David Campbell, Rock for Pussy features numerous local performers, including Lori Barbero, Chan Poling, Janey Winterbauer, Mark Mallman, the Prairie Fire Lady Choir and many others. Rock for Pussy XII happens at First Avenue on Friday, June 10, 2016; doors 8 p.m.
