There’s no better place to be on a sunny afternoon than in the back garden of Long Island City’s LIC Bar – especially on a day when women rule and rock the house. At the 3rd Annual Queens of Queens on Monday, May 31st, the borough’s most talented female singer/songwriters, including powerhouses like Katie Letts and Jeanne Marie Boes, gathered together to strut their stuff and showcase their amazing, diverse talents. Hosted by Jeneen Terrana, a songstress in her own right, Queens of Queens has officially become a tradition at LIC Bar and with good reason. From the melodic harmonies of Kathy Zimmer, who possesses the incredible vocal range of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, to the edgy, jazzy style of Lee Ann Westover, these ladies are a testament to the strength and variety of the local music scene.
I arrived at LIC Bar, accompanied by a few friends, expecting an afternoon of incredible music, great barbeque, and a warm, laid-back atmosphere—and I was not disappointed. While enjoying a glass of first-rate, homemade Sangria, I was treated to the amazing presence of Megan Kerper, a mighty singer/songwriter with a powerful R & B vibe and a voice reminiscent of the soulful style of Chan Marshall of Cat Power. Her songs “Cheers, Here’s to You” and “So Hot, So Cold” offered a bittersweet look at new love and lost love.
Proving that women can rock just as hard as the boys, Bernadette Claffey’s set combined a classic rock chick attitude with a pure, muscular style. Her stage presence, charisma, and raw talent make her a force to be reckoned with. When Astoria’s own Little Embers took the stage, the band and its frontwoman Theresa Hoffman treated the crowd to the classic pop and catchy hooks that have made them an undeniable presence in the Queens music scene.
With her bluesy, honey-soaked voice, Shelly Bhushan was one of the most intriguing and unique singers of the night. In songs like “Taken” and “Picking Daisies” she combines a confident, independent presence with haunting vocals and lyrics that made her a delight to watch and hear. This Texas native’s lush voice and impeccable phrasing, both of which grab you from the first hook, promise to make her one of the brightest young female stars in NYC. The friends who came with me, all serious music buffs, looked at each other and mouthed “wow” as she finished her first song.
A real celebration of the contributions of women in rock, “Queens of Queens” shows not only the power of the female voice in music, but also the power of the borough’s burgeoning music scene. Good music in New York is not just synonymous with Brooklyn or the LES anymore. For those of us in Queens, the music’s right outside our front doors, and these women prove that it’s here to stay.
Gina Sigillito is a writer and published author who promotes local bands and writes about music in the NYC area.
Photos courtesy of William Ruben Helms. Check out more photos of the event here.
