Music and philanthropy will take center stage at Stage AE on Oct. 17 when Women Who Rock hosts its annual benefit concert supporting women’s health research.
The event will feature a female-fronted lineup led by platinum-selling artist and cancer survivor Taylor Dayne, according to a community announcement. Also scheduled to perform are Malina Moye, The Vindys, DJ Formosa and Kalie Shorr. Proceeds support Magee-Womens Research Institute, which the announcement describes as the nation’s first and largest research institute dedicated to women’s health.
Women Who Rock began as a concert and has since expanded into a broader effort focused on supporting women in music while raising awareness and funding for women’s health research. Through its partnership with Magee-Womens Research Institute, the organization helps support research involving breast cancer, heart disease, maternal health, reproductive biology and other conditions affecting women, according to the announcement.
Founder Melinda Colaizzi said the mission stems from personal and professional experiences.
A lifelong musician and Berklee College of Music graduate, Colaizzi said she saw challenges faced by women in the music industry throughout her career. She also spent 15 years seeking a diagnosis for endometriosis.
Colaizzi said medical research became even more meaningful when her mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She credits research and a clinical trial in Pittsburgh with helping save her mother’s life and said her mother has survived the disease for 16 years.
“Those experiences inspired Women Who Rock’s mission of combining music and advocacy to help fund research,” according to the announcement.
From concert series to media platform
The organization has expanded beyond live events through the “Women Who Rock Podcast,” which features conversations with musicians, celebrities, advocates and community leaders. The podcast highlights stories and achievements of women across a range of industries.
Supporters can also contribute throughout the year through the organization’s apparel line and other fundraising initiatives.
Concert includes additional experiences
The concert has sold out during the past two years, according to the announcement.
In addition to live performances, attendees can participate in several signature experiences, including a pink carpet, VIP lounge, silent auction, survivor tributes and recognition of women making a difference in their communities.
More information about the benefit concert is available at womenwhorock.info and through mageewomens.org.
Information about the media platform is available at womenwhorockmedia.com. Merchandise can be purchased through womenwhorock.shop, and updates are available on their Instagram.
This story was produced by reporter Gabby Sartori, [gsartori@usatodayco.com], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Women Who Rock concert returns to support health research
Reporting by Gabby Sartori, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published October 15, 2026 at 3:24 PM.