The Women Who Rock™ Benefit Concert, presented by Gibson Gives, will return to Stage AE in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with pop music icon Taylor Dayne headlining an evening dedicated to celebrating women in music while raising critical funds for women’s health research.
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. ET, with all proceeds benefiting the Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation (MWRI), the nation’s first and largest research institute devoted exclusively to women’s health.
An All Female-Fronted Celebration
Continuing its tradition of showcasing women across genres, this year’s event features a diverse lineup of female-fronted performers.
Headliner Taylor Dayne, whose chart-topping career spans decades, will lead the evening alongside acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Malina Moye, who will once again open the event with her signature performance of the National Anthem.
Returning fan favorites The Vindys will bring their energetic blend of rock and soul back to the Women Who Rock stage, while country-rock artist Kalie Shorr will perform her empowering anthem “Fight Like A Girl” during the annual SURVIVORS WHO ROCK tribute presented by UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.
The evening will also feature DJ Formosa and a performance from the 2026 Women Who Rock Rising Star Contest winner, highlighting emerging female talent alongside established artists.
More Than a Concert
Women Who Rock has grown into far more than a live music event, offering attendees an immersive experience that blends entertainment, community, and philanthropy.
Guests can enjoy the event’s signature Pink Carpet entrance presented by UPMC Health Plan, complimentary beauty activations at the Beauty Bar, interactive photo opportunities, and the annual Rockstar Silent Auction.
A limited number of VIP tickets will include access to an exclusive VIP Lounge, Gifting Suite, and pre-show happy hour. Longtime host Kelly Dzanaj of 100.7 Star FM returns as the evening’s emcee.
Supporting Critical Women’s Health Research
At the heart of Women Who Rock is its mission to address longstanding disparities in women’s health research.
Although women comprise more than half of the global population, women’s health research receives less than 10 percent of federal research funding. As funding uncertainty continues to impact medical research nationwide, the organization’s fundraising efforts have become increasingly significant.
Proceeds from the concert directly support the Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation, whose research spans a broad range of critical health issues, including:
- Breast and gynecologic cancers
- Heart disease
- Maternal and infant health
- Infertility
- Mental health
- Substance use disorders
- Infectious diseases, including HIV and COVID-19
MWRI currently supports hundreds of active research studies and has enrolled more than 160,000 clinical trial participants worldwide, contributing to life-saving advances in women’s healthcare.
A Mission Powered by Music
Michael Annichine, CEO of the Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation, emphasized the importance of partnerships like Women Who Rock at a time when research funding faces increasing challenges.
“Women’s health continues to face significant gaps in clinical research, clinical trials, and funding. As federal funding cuts and uncertainty impact research nationwide, the need for community support has never been greater. Partnerships with organizations like Women Who Rock and Gibson Gives help close critical funding gaps, fuel innovation, and raise awareness about the importance of investing in women’s health.”
Women Who Rock founder and CEO Melinda Colaizzi said the event continues to demonstrate how music can drive meaningful change.
“Women Who Rock was built on the belief that music can spark real change. As women’s health research faces critical funding gaps, our mission has never been more urgent. Together, we’re proving that when women come together, we don’t just amplify voices—we accelerate progress and create meaningful, lasting impact. This concert is more than a performance—it’s a movement uniting voices to drive progress, fund life-saving research, and put women’s health where it belongs: center stage.”
Representing presenting sponsor Gibson Gives, Chief Marketing Officer Beth Heidt highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering women both on and off the stage.
“At Gibson, we’ve always believed in the power of music to inspire, connect, and create lasting change. Through Gibson Gives, we are proud to support Women Who Rock and its mission to elevate women in music while advancing critical women’s health research. Together, we’re not only amplifying incredible talent, but we’re also helping drive meaningful impact where it’s needed most.”
Music with a Purpose
Since its inception, Women Who Rock™ has distinguished itself by pairing a 100% female-fronted lineup with a meaningful charitable mission, using the power of live music to advocate for greater investment in women’s healthcare.
With Taylor Dayne leading a lineup of accomplished female artists and every ticket sold contributing directly to life-saving research, the 2026 Women Who Rock Benefit Concert promises to be both an unforgettable evening of music and a powerful demonstration of how entertainment can fuel lasting social impact.
Taylor Dayne: Website
Women Who Rock: Website
Magee-Womens Research Institute: Website
Gibson Gives: Website