Amplify Her is a unique fundraising event for Tune In & Tune Up, an organization that provides support and resources for music professionals; the event shines a spotlight on just a small portion of the many talented female musicians this state has to offer.
“Women have always been an important part of music, both onstage and behind the scenes,” says Sarah Puerini, a board member and one of four event organizers. “I think it’s important that we continue to create opportunities for women to be seen, heard and celebrated. Women belong on the stage and in every part of the industry.”
“I personally would love to see more music professionals, and maybe this event can shine a spotlight that covers everybody and not just male musicians,” adds Co-Director Don Culp, who is handling the production side of the event.
Taking place October 18 at The Met, Amplify Her will showcase nine different acts along with headlining sets by The Winehouse Project and Debra Devi. Musical styles run the genre gauntlet: rock, blues, soul, pop, and a whole lot of groove.
“We weren’t looking for one particular genre or sound,” Puerini says. “We wanted artists who each had something different to bring to the show. The lineup came together through a combination of people we already knew and artists who were recommended to us.”
Featured performers include Adrienne West, Becky Chace, Beth Killian, Julie Rhodes, Lainey Dionne, Madison Curbelo, Marci Hooper and Maeve Malloy, Sarah Lupo and a group of fabulous young women representing School of Rock Attleboro. Most will be backed up by supergroup The Amplifiers (Culp on drums, Dean Cassell on bass, Andrew Clark on saxophone, Bill Light on guitar, and Kevin Simon on keyboards).
“These are top-level pros that will bring the magic for our amazing performers,” Culp says, adding that The Amplifiers have been working hard rehearsing the music for the event.
“We have a huge range of performers, backgrounds and styles,” Puerini says. “Everyone is bringing something different to the event. It’s been pretty cool to see people understand what we’re trying to do with Tune In Tune Up. Seeing the artists connect the event to the Tune In, Tune Up mission has been exciting.”
The idea for Amplify Her came about from a fan suggesting more female performers at Tune In & Tune Up events. The board has always aimed for their events to include all types of individuals both on stage and behind the scenes, but they took note of the request.
“We listen to the community when they give us feedback,” Culp says.
“The initial reaction was definitely excitement and something Tune In, Tune Up fans had been asking for,” Puerini adds. “RI has an amazing amount of female talent and we felt it was time to shine a spotlight on those women. Once we started talking about the personal connections we had to some of the prominent female musicians in the local area, the idea really started to take shape.”
“We are hoping this opens doors for females that want to be musicians or work in the business,” Culp says. “I want Tune In and Tune Up to fan the flames for opening the doors for more female musicians, workers, people interested in the business. Some get looked over because it’s more male-dominated… maybe this event can shine a spotlight that covers everybody and not just male musicians.”
Puerini, along with board members Pam Howard, Kate Noveau, and Lia DelSesto went to work on organizing the event, with Culp handling the production side.
“Pam, Kate and I decided to take the lead on planning with Lia designing all artistic assets and collateral,” Puerini says. “There is also a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work: artists, scheduling, production, promotion, sponsors, ticketing, press, design, communications, etc.”
“I’m super proud of all four of them for taking the lead on such a large-scale event,” Culp says. “I set up the production and the band, but they did the hard part. It’s an honor to be on the board with such great musicians and experts.”
Tune In and Tune Up is a 501c3 organization that provides support and resources for local musical professionals. Those who earn more than 50% of their income from the music industry are eligible for grants, but all musical professionals are encouraged to take advantage of the resources offered through their website.
“The money goes directly toward the work Tune In Tune Up is doing to help musicians and music professionals access resources and assistance when they need it,” Puerini says. “That can mean helping someone get medical or dental care, providing behavioral health support, assisting with co-pays or deductibles, or helping with other personal needs that can become difficult to manage when working in the music industry.”
“It is difficult to be a musician and can be exhausting,” Culp says. “It’s a difficult life, which is why we started Tune In & Tune Up.”
Puerini notes that there will be some unique items available via raffle or silent auction.
“One of our recent Tune In Tune Up beneficiaries, Matt Antunes, is giving back to the event in the form of a brand new Donner guitar and gig bag. It’s a gem of a guitar and an incredible full-circle moment for us, as we also supported his dad, Michael “Tunes” Antunes, before his passing in 2025. There will also be original artwork donated by local artist Jani French, including portraits of Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Janice Joplin, and Dolly Parton.”
Puerini is looking forward to seeing all the work and hours they’ve put in to setting up the event fade into the background as they enjoy a “room full of amazing, talented women, great music, collaborations and attendees that are cheering them all on.”
“My biggest expectation, or hope really, is that people have a great time and leave feeling like they were part of something special,” Puerini adds. “I’d love for Amplify Her to become an annual event that people look forward.”
“I’d love for people to understand that Amplify Her is bigger than one concert,” Puerini concludes. “It’s an extension of what Tune In Tune Up is trying to do for the music community. We’re incredibly fortunate to have so many talented people willing to contribute their time, talent and resources to make this happen. The artists, musicians, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and everyone working behind the scenes are all part of it.”
Amplify Her takes place at The Met on October 18 from 3 – 7 pm. Go to tuneinandtuneup.org for more information