To get in the summertime groove, Girl in a Coma just released their cover of the classic “Heatwave.” Personally, as a big Martha and the Vandellas fan, this made my day and am adding to my summer playlists. But the bigger news is that North Texas-based retailer JCPenney has picked up the song for its July national ad campaign. Whether by coincidence or design, this should reinforce the company’s support of the LGBT population. But they pretty much have won the community over already.
“Heatwave” is now available on iTunes.
Earlier this month, the nominees were announced for the 11th Annual Independent Music Awards and a few queer artists were among the 300-plus artists and bands nominated. The awards celebrate self-published musicians and independent labels. The winners will be determined by an esteemed panel of judges that includes Keith Richards, Tom Waits, Suzanne Vega, Tori Amos, Shelby Lynne and Ozzy Osbourne among the mix and will be announced in April.
Call it nostalgia, call it fun, but all of it’s good. With their iconic infectious ’80s tunes, The Go-Go’s are back (although they said they never went away) and are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album Beauty and the Beat. That alone is hard to beleive, but they come to town and for a little chunk of tonight, they’ll take the audience on a little “Vacation.” Lesbi-centric rockers Girl in a Coma from San Antonio open the show.
The Dresden Dolls and Girl in a Coma are perhaps one of the better musical pairings this year. At least for the gay contingent. GIAC rocks out the lesbian in all of us and The Dresden Dolls’ is a given with its dark cabaret act resurrected by Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione, much to the delight of the fans who thought their self-imposed hiatus would never end.
