Punk Women and Their Legacy Highlighted at Lincoln Center’s American Songbook Series

For the first time, Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series celebrates the raw energy of punk music, particularly focusing on women pioneers in the genre. Curated by influential punk musicians Kathleen Hanna and Tamar-kali, the series honors the legacies of trailblazers like Fanny, Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex, and the Slits. With performances by artists such as Princess Nokia, the concerts aim to introduce a new generation to the revolutionary spirit of punk, while acknowledging the vital role of women in shaping the genre. The curators hope to inspire audiences to recognize punk as a form of expression that challenges societal norms. The series will include tributes, performances, and screenings, including a focus on Fanny, the first all-female band to sign with a major label, and the late Poly Styrene’s contribution to punk’s legacy. Through this event, the curators aim to validate and bring attention to a genre often overshadowed by its male-dominated history. They also seek to provide a platform for voices on the margins, offering both cultural recognition and a joyous, rebellious celebration of punk’s enduring impact.