This weekend: Ladyfest comes to Philly

Men and women both enjoy listening to music equally, but when it comes to participating in the local (and national) scene, there's no question that men substantially outnumber women. Which is why we're so excited about Ladyfest Philly, a three-day celebration of music and female empowerment, hitting our city this Friday through Sunday.

First held in 2000 by a group of organizers in Olympia, WA, Ladyfest has grown into an international event that celebrates the "artistic, organizational, and political work" of women, and combats inequality by fostering a positive community. This year's Philly celebration will feature more than 20 female-fronted bands, as well as numerous girl-only workshops on how to change a bike tire, build a webpage, defend yourself, and more.

According to a 2011 NPR survey administered to more than 700 female rockers, women in the scene don't just face minority status—they also face countless barriers, including unbalanced standards for physical attractiveness, stereotyped notions of skill, and challenges related to having children and raising a family. Ladyfest aims to help women overcome these challenges by providing a "safer space" that encourages open-mindedness and respect. And of course, awesome lady rockers!

Performances this year will take place at West Philly's The Rotunda. Here are just a few of the acts we're super psyched to see:

Screaming Females: New Brunswick, NJ trio Screaming Females offer fiery garage punk that packs a punch, thanks to front woman Marissa Paternoster's wicked guitar lines. We'd say she's our favorite lady shredder … but that would imply that lady guitarists are somehow less than men. So instead we'll just say it like it is: she's one of our fave shredders, period.

U.S. Girls: Meghan Remy crafts fuzzy, lo-fi recordings that mix her dark, sultry vocals with a classic rock sensibility.

Trophy Wife: I first caught these guys two years ago opening for The Dismemberment Plan, and have been hooked since. Katy and Diane stand face-to-face, and spew raw, punky, guitar-and-drum based nugs with a whole lot of attitude.

Ghost Ship: Vocalist Rosali Middleman (Blood Like Mine) and harpist Mary Lattimore join together to create something gorgeous and affecting.

Attia Taylor: Silver-tongued Philly native and Girls Rock Philly graduate Taylor crafts bewitching indie pop.

Amanda X: Philly indie trio Amanda X offer fuzzed-out twee pop with lush harmonies and an easy-going vibe.

Check out the full band schedule here—then stream a playlist of Ladyfest artists here. Scope the list of Ladyfest workshops here.