Bikini Kill Rally the Next Generation of Riot Grrrls in New Haven
Ahead of the CBGB Festival this weekend in Brooklyn, many artists have swarmed New England as they wait to descend on New York City. Among those punk acts were the pioneers of the riot grrrl movement, Bikini Kill. For a Monday night, the band filled College Street Music Hall nearly to capacity, with a crowd that was noticeably younger and female presenting. Before the night kicked off, you could already sense this would be a special evening.
KILYNN LUNSFORD
Opening the evening for Bikini Kill was experimental art punk artist Kilynn Lunsford, who is based in New Jersey. Taking the stage with a supporting band dressed head to toe in white, Lunsford wore an intricate silk dress, a blue boa, and a metal collar embellished with a variety of details. She layered and mixed her sounds into textures almost as complex as what she was wearing.
With such a distinct sound, I wasn't sure how the crowd would receive her set. At other shows, I have watched experimental noise artists take the stage, but not connect with the crowd. However, Lunsford drew loud cheers as she moved between songs on her set list. Engaging with the audience, she encouraged the younger crowd to challenge the norm, including some wise advice to invest in trade school rather than a traditional college education. Love that she spoke this words from a venue that sits right next to Yale University!
BIKINI KILL
As Bikini Kill took their places, spread out across College Street's wide stage, vocalist Kathleen Hanna skipped dropping straight into a song. Instead, she approached the microphone, welcomed everyone, joked about her outfit resembling a choir robe, and spent a few moments connecting with the crowd before the music started. It was such a unexpected and genuine (almost maternal) moment.
Their sound channels West Coast surf punk vibes, and as soon as they played the opening notes of their first song, the youthful faces at the barricade lit up. Hanna took time to come to the edge of the stage, make eye contact, and share a smile. For a band that has weathered its share of hiatuses and health issues, they appeared remarkably in sync despite being so spread out. In a way, the noticeable space between bandmates made room for each member's personality and outfit to express their own individuality.
After my three songs in the photographers' pit, Hanna called for the house lights and security to calm whatever commotion had started between some concertgoers. She did not mess around when it came to making sure everyone at their show felt safe and welcome. And she made clear, things here in the room that evening would be different from what otherwise waits beyond the venue's doors.
With Kilynn Lunsford urging the crowd to challenge the norm and Bikini Kill making sure every person in the room felt safe, it really drove home the punk ethos to the young, impressionable fans to question what the world hands you, make your own path, and be sure to support those standing with you.
