The Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause Music Festival is an all-female fronted festival that uses the power of music to bring people together and make a difference in the world. Founded by Sharon Lia and Rick Jannotti, the 501(c)3 non-profit organization runs the festival with an organized team of volunteers who are passionate about empowering women and supporting those in need. This year the festival will feature a variety of performances from Black Rose Rebellion, Della Chase, Helen & Terry, Tiffany, Rozes, and Sharon Lia Band. There will also be food vendors, a biergarten and the PINK CARPET experience. Rocked got the opportunity to catch up with founder, Sharon Lia, for an interview to discuss all the details about Ladies That Rock 4 a Cause.
Nadia Pulgar: Can you tell me about the concept and theme of this music festival and what sets it apart from other festivals?
Sharon Lia: This is not just another music festival. It is an enormous volunteer effort born out of perseverance, overcoming, and the unifying power of music to do good in the world. It is an all-female fronted festival that gives a platform to women (who have historically struggled to be in this space). Empowered ladies use their voices to lift up other ladies who are in need. This festival’s purpose is to be joyful, to have fun, and collectively be a part of someone’s overcoming story. No one out there is doing a female-fronted music festival that aims to provide assistance directly to women in need, but we are.
NP: What are the main goals and objectives of the festival? Is there a particular message or purpose it aims to convey to its audience?
SL: Everything is fine until it’s not. We want to provide a fun experience, galvanize the community and raise funds to aid women facing sudden life-changing critical moments directly. Our goal this year is to impact twenty women with our efforts.
NP: How do you go about selecting the artists and performers for the lineup and what criteria do you consider during this process?
SL: This is our secret sauce! Talent is number one, and heart is number two. Great heart, talent, and positivity for this family-friendly event are required.
NP: Can you describe the process of planning and preparing for a music festival and how long does it typically take to organize an event of this scale?
SL: Well, this is a loaded but great question. I have lost count of the number of hours we have clocked. It’s like a pizza pie. There are a hundred slices to this pie, and each piece has tons of ingredients. You have to identify and gather the ingredients, place them all where they need to be at the right time, and omit nothing, or it will be half-baked (smile). Takes about 9 months… like a baby!
NP: Have you faced any obstacles and if so, how have you overcome them?
SL: Me personally? I am an overcomer and have faced a lot of odds. I had grit I didn’t realize and never let that dark voice of fear take over – and it was loud sometimes. I poured parts of my story into my compositions, which is how I prefer to communicate. I found my voice in music. Together with love, I gained an unshakable laser-focused purpose. Obstacles gave me purpose too. I acknowledged that many suffer, and if we can overcome our trials, we must help those who need help overcoming theirs. We are called to do this. Key ingredients to my overcoming: Daily Gratitude, faith, and God. I don’t usually share but let’s just say, **** cancer, abuse, brain injury, Sjogren/Autoimmune diseases, tragic loss, possible homelessness, and 21 surgeries. That’s the shortlist of the fire I walked through that ignited my heart to help others. When we face suffering and pain and look for help, when there is none, we must extend that hand when we recover. We must speak our words to heal and overcome, and they must be louder than the other voice of surrendering – the human spirit is one of surviving – thriving. It takes all of us to help our brothers and sisters in the darkest moments, even if it’s only one soul at a time.
NP: Could you elaborate on what attendees can expect from this year’s festival in terms of performances, activities, and overall experience?
SL: We will have vendors, food, a biergarten, and a PINK CARPET experience where you can get your photos taken on our pink carpet (people LOVE this). We have a VIP Tent for VIP ticket holders (all tickets are available on the website). The music is varied and awesome, great talent! Doors open at 12pm, music starts at 1 pm and goes to about 9:30 with Tiffany closing the show.
NP: Are there any special collaborations or unique features at this year’s festival that you’d like to highlight?
SL: Well, all the ladies!!! We have a great lineup and we are happy to have Tiffany joining us again this year, and new to the festival is Rozes (Rozes – most known for her collaboration “Roses” with duo The Chainsmokers.) Also, I am excited that this year, a dream of mine is coming true! I have wanted to provide an opportunity for budding musicians to perform, and this year the School of Rock students from Pennsylvania will be joining us. They audition to be part of their School of Rock band, so it’s a great bunch of talented kids. I would also like to highlight that our sponsors, festival attendees, vendors, donors, and volunteers make all the difference in the world, and we thank them!
NP: Looking back at previous dates, can you share any memorable moments or success stories from previous editions of the festival?
SL: I will never forget the first festival when we called our beneficiary (at the time, we only had one). The music stopped; We called her on Facetime and showed her all the people and all the things happening for her. Not a dry eye in the house – and she was profoundly touched. That’s what it’s all about. It was also wonderful to be presented with senatorial and city council commendations in 2022 and 2018, respectively.
NP: Are there any plans for expanding or evolving the festival in the future?
SL: Yes! We want to do a three-day festival! That is on the horizon!
NP: What do you hope attendees will take away from the experience of attending this music festival?
SL: I want people to have a great time. Everyone. Artists, volunteers, vendors, staff, and to feel that deep sense of unity when we all know we are there for a common goal.
NP: What has been your favorite aspect since embarking with Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause?
SL: I love connecting with people and expanding my experience of others through that outreach. I am touched deeply when people share their stories with me. It happens a lot, and there is this palpable energy in that. I love giving a platform to musicians who want to use their talents for good. It excites me so much – it’s an incredible jolt of positive, rocking energy the whole enchilada.
NP: Any special shoutouts?
SL: Wings Up! It’s Time to Fly! Spread our Wings! Because of our logo, and mission, wings are part of our branding. SO…. I need to shout out my Right-Wing Woman! (you know, like “my right-hand man”). Her name is Kelli Lewis, a musician, singer-songwriter, best bud, and my top ambassador. She has worked tirelessly alongside me, and I am BEYOND thankful for her. Also, to my husband/bandmate/partner in ladies who rock and all things, he is my rock, and when I am pulling all-nighters working on festival details, he is keeping the fires going at home. Love them both dearly and all the folks who work hard in the trenches with me.
To learn more about this fantastic event and organization make sure to check them out at the links below.
Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause | Instagram | Facebook
