Today, March 8th, marks International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to all the ladies around the world. The day celebrates the accomplishments of women from throughout time as well as brings attention to the importance of women in our society today, particularly as a means to advocate for gender equality. Your celebration of this day might vary, from highlighting the importance of women in the workforce by going on strike, to telling a woman in your life you love her, to calling your congressmen and telling them your thoughts on a number of “women’s issues” (though these policies, such as paid family leave or funding of women’s health services, ultimately affect all people, regardless of gender).

Here at Live For Live Music, we decided we’d celebrate this special day by giving some extra love to some of the incredible female musicians who inspire and entertain us on the regular. Check out clips of a handful of women in the scene we adore for their ability to throw it down with the best of them.

Nicki Bluhm (Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers)

Holly Bowling

Jaden Carlson

Sarah Clarke (Dirty Revival)

Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band)

Kanika Moore (Doom Flamingo)

Bonnie Paine, Bridget Law (Elephant Revival)

Erica Falls

Samantha Fish

Nikki Glaspie (The Nth Power)

Donna Jean Godchaux (Grateful Dead)

Jen Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band)

Judith Hill

Zoe Jake (Beats Antique)

Hayley Jane

Jackie LaBranch, Gloria Jones (Jerry Garcia Band)

Jenny Keel (Larry Keel and the Keels)

Arleigh Kincheloe (Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds)

Allie Kral

Adeline Michele (Escort)

Mimi Naja (Fruition)

Maddy O’Neal

Mackenzie Page (Gipsy Moon)

Kim Dawson, Mayteana Morales (Pimps of Joytime)

Grace Potter (Grace Potter and the Nocturnals)

Rachael Price (Lake Street Dive)

Leah and Chloe Smith (Rising Appalachia)

Alana Rocklin (STS9)

Maggie Rose

Karina Rykman (Marco Benevento)

Katelyn and Laurie Shook (The Shook Twins)

Tierinii and Tikyra Jackson (Southern Avenue)

Tank and the Bangas

Susan Tedeschi (Tedeschi Trucks Band)

Elise Testone

Kalmia Traver (Rubblebucket)

Sammi Garett, Shira Elias (Cool Cool Cool)

Jackie Venson

Happy International Women’s Day to all y’all badasses out there!

[originally published: 3/8/17]