Pittsburghs Women Who Rock to Host 9th Annual Benefit Concert on Oct. 17, Supporting Womens Health Research
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Pittsburgh’s Stage AE will host Women Who Rock’s (WWR) ninth annual benefit concert, a night that blends music, philanthropy and advocacy for women’s health. Headlined by pop icon Taylor Dayne, the show—presented by Gibson Gives—will raise money for the Magee Women’s Research Institute, the nation’s first and largest institute dedicated to women’s health.
The concert is part of WWR’s long‑standing partnership with Magee, a UPMC affiliate that studies reproductive, cardiovascular and cancer conditions that disproportionately affect women. Proceeds, including a silent auction and a photo booth, will fund life‑saving research projects at Magee.
Founded in 2016 by Pittsburgh singer‑songwriter Melinda Colaizzi, a former Recording Academy voting member, WWR began as a platform to recognize women in music and link that community with researchers advancing women’s health. Over a decade, the organization has become one of the few dedicated support groups for women in the industry.
In addition to the concert, WWR announced on September 16 the launch of a 12‑episode podcast series that will explore the careers of women in music and the challenges they face. Colaizzi said the series will “inspire women, teach them, and give them the opportunity to learn from each other.” The first season will be available on the WWR website.
The 2026 benefit will also present the inaugural Impact Award, presented by Peoples an Essential Utility Company. The award will honor Diana Napper, founder of the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, for her work in breast‑cancer research. Colaizzi praised Napper, noting she has “moved mountains to ensure patients receive the care they need.” Napper’s foundation funds research and patient‑support programs.
Gibson Gives, the Gibson Foundation’s philanthropic arm, has been a key element of the event’s success, providing financial resources and industry connections. The partnership underscores the broader music industry’s commitment to women’s health advocacy.
Tickets and merchandise, including a limited‑edition benefit‑concert T‑shirt, will also support Magee. They can be purchased through the WWR website.
WWR’s addition to the Entertainment Industry Fund (EIF) in May 2026 expanded the organization’s reach. EIF, a 501(c)(3) charity, supports performers and behind‑the‑scenes workers across the entertainment industry. The new WWR foundation fund will provide additional support to women throughout their music careers and health journeys.
The 2026 lineup reflects WWR’s dual focus on celebrating women’s musical achievements and advancing women’s health research. Past performers have included Orianthi, Melissa Etheridge, and Ann Wilson of Heart; the current roster also features rising‑star contest winner DJ Coachelly.
Beyond the concert, WWR mentors emerging women musicians and offers networking opportunities. Colaizzi has emphasized that mentorship has been essential to her own career and to the organization’s success.
WWR’s impact is part of a broader trend of women‑led initiatives in the music industry. The Daisy Chain Fields festival, an all‑female event that raised $10 million in 2026, matched its proceeds with a $10 million donation from Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures. Daisy Chain Fields focused on reproductive rights, economic empowerment and gender equity.
Despite these successes, women remain underrepresented in festival lineups, making up only about 22 % of performers at major events. WWR’s work aims to address this imbalance by providing visibility and resources to women musicians.
The benefit concert will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Stage AE. The night will feature a silent auction, a photo booth and a live performance by Taylor Dayne. All proceeds will support Magee Women’s Research Institute research projects.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit womenwhorock.info.
The event is a collaboration between Women Who Rock, Magee Women’s Research Institute, Gibson Gives and the Entertainment Industry Fund, highlighting the intersection of music advocacy and women’s health research.
The concert and associated initiatives demonstrate how the music industry can contribute to scientific research and community support.
The event will also serve as a platform for the upcoming podcast series, further expanding WWR’s outreach to women in music and health.
The benefit concert’s success reflects the continued partnership between the music community and health research institutions.
The event will be covered by local media and the WWR website.
The concert is part of a broader movement to support women in music and women’s health research.
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