Local musician and artist Joelene Brzezinski has announced the Zal Gaz Women of Rock benefit concert, set for Friday, May 3, from 7-11 p.m. at the Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 West Stadium Boulevard, Ann Arbor.
“About a year ago, I was thinking about all the women in all the bands I know,” Brzezinski said. “Around 15 years ago, a fellow musician and friend of mine, Jim Gertz, or Mr. Largebeat, had a show at LIVE that he called ‘Sisters of Rock.’ He asked me to be one of the singers. His band played, but he had around 9 guest vocalists, all women. The night was a great success, and some of us became friends and still are to this day. Jim Gertz passed away a couple of years ago, but I think he would be thrilled that we are doing it again.”
Brzezinski is a member of the band Six Foot Poles, which performed for more than 30 years before semi-retiring in 2017.
“We get out about twice a year and do charities and fundraisers,” she said. “Since my band stopped playing, but I keep busy promoting and following bands of family and friends as a sort of promoter — unpaid. I am a retired Film and Stage Makeup artist and Face and Body Painter.”
Zal Gaz Grotto has become a beloved venue for Brzezinski and her friends.
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“Like most retired people, we were looking for a music venue to call home,” Brzezinski said. “We found it at the Zal Gaz Grotto. This venue has music five to six times a week. It starts early and is done by 11 p.m. Many other people of our age group frequent the Grotto. Minimal cover charge, and drinks are cheap.”
That made the venue a natural fit for the upcoming Women of Rock concert, and many of the performers are already familiar with the space.
“The show has fifteen Women of Rock singers,” Brzezinski said. “All women who have performed at the Zal Gaz Grotto in the past. There are many more women, but for time’s sake we cannot include everyone — it was a first come, first served basis. Twenty-two backup male musicians. The Six Foot Poles and The Extrusions will be backing set 1 and set 3. Set 2 is a mixture of other bands and the women themselves playing their own music.”
The musical lineup will span genres including rock, folk, Motown, country, pop and various musical fusions.
This benefit concert also serves a deeper purpose.
“All proceeds go to the Masons at the Zal Gaz Grotto to assist with their good work providing dental care for low-income children,” Brzezinski said.
She noted that some of the performers have fronted bands such as Salmagundi, Spark, and SheBop, while others have often remained behind the scenes.
“It’s time for us all to shine,” Brzezinski said.
“If you want a night filled with support, love, and great Rock and Roll, come join us,” she added.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
