White or not, there is a deficiency of women artists on the rock boat. I’m not looking for the next Lilith Fair on water, as I’m only half gay and then I would complain about penises, but seriously, how awesome would THAT cruise be? Moving on, I think the boat could use a little more estrogen. Ahem, of legal drinking age.

All that not intended to be said out loud, the women included in this year’s TRBX music festival were nothing short of amazing.

The Bridges were instantly one of my faves upon listening to TRBX sample CD. Matt informed me they opened up for the one-and-only Susanna Hoffs and the Bangles. The Bridges are an (almost) all-female band comprised of siblings and one cousin — Brittany Painter — who writes most of the lyrics and leads the group with an amazing set of vocal chords. Siblings Natalie Byrd, Stacey Byrd, Isaaca Byrd and Jeremy Byrd all collaborate on music, AND The Bridges are produced by THE one-and-only Matthew Sweet.

I would compare their music to a cross of Girl in a Coma female rocker angst, with softening influences of Fleetwood Mac. Their TRBX show in the Candlelight Lounge was a definite DO NOT MISS. Unfortunately for my boyfriend, he DID miss it (we separated for this show) — and upon seeing the acoustic artist collaboration on the last night of the cruise between The Bridges and Sister Hazel, did he realize his error. The performance was chilling.

During that Candlelight concert, I sat with an older couple (who I SWEAR had to be their parents or something… I didn’t pursue). Throughout the show, they both asked my opinions on each song, on the band itself — what I liked, didn’t like — what other kind of music I enjoyed or would compare the girls to. It’s not often someone asks your opinion at shows, and I gave it — The Bridges are fantastic. I need not hesitate to gush on their music and lyrics. And thanks for the cranberry & vodka! Cheers!

TRBX performance (obvs, recording is not great):

Did I mention they are also HOT!? Err, and too young.

“Pieces” is a hit. I also love their songs “Runaway” and “All the Words.”

These girls have talent out the wazoo. And Ken Block approves.

The second and last female-centric act (yes, there is a chick in Gaelic Storm too, who will be featured in a different post) was Chelsea Williams.

Surprisingly, this chick makes her living performing on the STREETS of Los Angeles. Therefore, there is not a whole lot of background info. Take an opportunity to listen to some of her music on her Web site. Upon entry of The Rock Boat, she was playing acoustic for us in the atrium. Her set includes a perfect selection of covers (Salt n Pepa!!!) and original songs, comparable to the great voices of Brandi Carlile and KT Tungstall (two of my favorite female artists).

I heard rumors on the boat as to her breaking out in song at random opportunities — and there is evidence! I love this Elevator Party video a fan posted on YouTube:

By the way, it was Mardi Gras Night – crazy, random shit like this happened all over the boat at any time.

But you can gather a bit more of her talent in this video:

Right? I may or may not have chased her around the boat like a dog in heat. Or was that my boyfriend? Hey, her fault for wearing short jean skirts and cowboy boots. RAWR.