Join us for a powerful night of activist art and punk history as Kathleen Hanna, pioneer of the riot grrrl movement and lead singer of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, and Brontez Purnell, Oakland-based punk musician and writer, discuss their new memoirs and constantly shifting artistic careers.
Kathleen Hanna’s long and diverse career can only be described as punk. An activist and artist, she embarked on her journey to music stardom after meeting experimental writer Kathy Acker. Hanna’s influence on music can’t be overstated, both as a founding member of bands like Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, and Julie Ruin, as one of the creators of riot grrrl, a movement that focuses on intersectional feminism and radical political change. A career born in underground scenes and punk subcultures is now widely recognized by the mainstream; NYU has a collection of riot grrrl art pieces, and Hanna’s activism has helped people internationally through groups such as Planned Parenthood and the Peace Sisters in Togo. Her new memoir is Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk.
Since creating his first zine, Schlepp Fanzine, at the age of 14, Brontez Purnell has come a long way as a writer, activist, musician, and dancer. At 19, Purnell moved to Oakland, steadily gaining attention for his candid accounts of punk rock queer lives, both in his books, including Since I Laid My Burden Down and 100 Boyfriends, and his bands, including Gravy Train!!!!. Purnell’s ever-evolving artistic pursuits refuse boundaries, exploring punk scenes, queerness, and blackness. His new memoir, Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt, touches on capitalism, art, and various misadventures and sexcapades with musical verse and brutal honesty.
Marcus Books will host a post-event book signing with Brontez Purnell for his memoir Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt. Tickets include a copy of Kathleen Hanna’s memoir, Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk.
Want a copy of the poster from this event? It’s available for order in our poster shop!
Photo by Rachel Bright & Melissa Dale Neal