22/4/23 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed

The feminist punk band Bikini Kill is coming to The Salt Shed on April 22nd! The band was formed in Olympia, Washington by Kathleen Haang, Tobi Vail, Billy Karren, and Kathi Wilcox. Since their last album Reject All American in 1996, they have reunited to bring back their feminist riot girl charisma. 

Bikini Kill has created songs like “Rebel Girl”; a punk rock anthem that is enriched with feminism and criticizing the norms that society teaches us. According to NYPL, Bikini Kill has become a symbol for the riot grrrl movement. This movement’s message was simple: starting a girl riot. Women in Washington wanted to tackle how women were treated in the punk scene. The male dominated punk subculture didn’t make room to validate the experiences of women. So riot grrrls like Bikini Kill sought to give women the voice to discuss feminism and anti-racism through the outlets of punk music and zines. 

Now is the perfect time for Bikini Kill to reunite and spread their feminist unity to Chicago. Within the past year, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, meaning that the constitutional right to abortion no longer exists. This decision gives the states power “to bring a pregnancy to term even at the steepest personal and familial costs.” This decision strips people who are pregnant of a “fundamental constitutional protection”. 

With sorrow, this gives Bikini Kill and other riot grrrls the opportunity to continue to advocate for those who aren’t protected by society. 

Opening for Bikini Kill is Ganser! The Chicago post-punk band Ganser mixes cheeky lyrics with rattling guitars and a dark aesthetic. Recently, the band released singles “People Watching” and “What Me Worry?” in anticipation of their next EP. 

Tickets can still be bought here!

Location: The Salt Shed

  1357 N Elston Ave Chicago, IL 60642

Doors: 7:00 PM

Tickets: $49 – $65

Ages: Any