Home #Hwoodtimes Celebrations ahead of 2025’s She Rocks Awards tempered with love for fire-ravaged Southern California

Celebrations ahead of 2025’s She Rocks Awards tempered with love for fire-ravaged Southern California

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Celebrations ahead of 2025’s She Rocks Awards tempered with love for fire-ravaged Southern California

By: Valerie Milano

Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/19/25 – The Hilton Anaheim’s Pacific Ballroom will be abuzz with music and the highest of high energy when the 2025 She Rocks Awards hits the stage.

The annual event honors women in rock music, from the top performers to industry insiders, and will feature live performances, inspiring speeches, a full course dinner, a fabulous gift bag and much more as nearly a dozen women celebrated. 

Laura Whitmore, founder of the Women’s International Music Network and the She Rocks Awards, introduced the 2025 honorees to the media this week. 

“It is always so inspiring to me, as well as many others, to get together with these incredible role models, hear their stories and feel that energy in the room,” Whitmore said while introducing the nominees. “I think for everyone in the community, it’s a very positive and uplifting event.

Indeed, the mood was festive, to be sure, but the fires that have devastated much of the Los Angeles area were not far from everyone’s mind. Honoree Katie Daryl, a rock journalist and former Vice President of Programming & Original Development at AXS TV, acknowledged the importance of honoring these women, even in the face of such a massive tragedy.

(Image credit: Andrew Benge/Redferns, Alberto Gandolfo/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“Listen, I love a good celebration,” said Daryl, who produced and hosted popular AXS-TV programs “The Top Ten Revealed” and “Sounds Delicious. “I think it’s wonderful to take a moment to tip the hat towards women in the music industry, especially women that are cheering for other women and supporting them.

“I think it’s important that something like this didn’t get canceled. A lot of women in this industry have played second fiddle to things. And the fires are devastating, but I think to take a moment to champion these women and make sure that we’re still celebrating them is very important.

“And the fires are devastating, but I think to take a moment to champion these women and make sure that we’re still celebrating them is very important.”

This year’s other honorees are:

  • Samantha Fish, a GRAMMY-nominated world-class guitarist and songwriter who effortlessly blends blues, rock, and soul to create a unique sound, with live performances that testify to her status as a true musical powerhouse.
  • Christina Perri, multi-platinum singer-songwriter who first captivated audiences with her 2011 debut album “lovestrong,” featuring the smash hit “Jar of Hearts.”
  • Paula Cole, GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter and producer best known for her hits “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” and “I Don’t Want to Wait,” both of which remain playlist staples and radio favorites. 
  • Alecia “Mixi” Demner is a dynamic musician who has carved a unique path in the hard rock world, beginning her musical journey on the tuba before discovering her passion for guitar as a teenager
  • Amanda Palmer is a singer, songwriter, playwright, and performance artist who first rose to fame as part of the punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls.
  • AIJIA is a singer-songwriter and vocal producer whose pop music blends unforgettable hooks with emotionally raw lyrics. 
  • LaTrice Burnette is a highly respected music executive and current EVP of Music/Head of Label at UnitedMasters.
  • Nurit Siegel Smith is the Executive Director of Music Forward Foundation, a national nonprofit and charitable partner of Live Nation Entertainment, dedicated to transforming young lives, inspiring careers, and fostering inclusivity in the music industry.
  • Christine Schyvinck is the Chairman, President, and CEO of Shure Incorporated, a global leader in microphones and audio electronics.
  • Theresa Hoffman, Director of Custom Shop Sales at C.F. Martin Guitar & Co. is a seasoned leader with a proven track record in driving sales, market expansion, and enhancing consumer experiences. 
  • Beth Heidt serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson Brands, where she leads global marketing, artist relations, partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives through Gibson Gives.
From left to right: Jennifer Batten, Lindsey Stirling, Paula Cole, Amanda Palmer, Katie Daryl, AIJIA, Christine Schyvinck and Shantaia.

Hosts for the evening are Jennifer Batten and Lindsay Sterling, Batten is a veteran guitarist, picking it up at the age of 8. She is a graduate of Musicians Institute, and among her many credits are a 10-year stint with Michael Jackson for all three of his solo tours, and a 3-year touring gig with the legendary Jeff Beck. Stirling is a multi-award-winning electronic violinist, dancer, and composer who has captivated audiences worldwide with her genre-blending performances and electrifying stage presence. 

The evening’s opening act will be Shantaya, hosted by PRS guitars. Tickets are going fast, so get yours by going to  https://2025-she-rocks-awards.eventbrite.com.

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