“Mamapalooza came about because of a group of women who were bursting with creativity, inspiration and song. We wanted to show that we could also be entertainers as well as loving mothers and highlight the changing role of the mom in today’s society," said Joy Rose, founder of Mamapalooza and lead singer of Housewives on Prozac. “Over the years, the movement has grown, and it’s about letting people know that moms are here, they rock and they are a force to be reckoned with!”

I arrived at the packed NYC Cutting Room press conference knowing that not only are the groovy moms of Mamapalooza here, but some of them are also queer. I was eager to meet, interview, and spotlight the lesbian contingent of the tour.

The atmosphere at the crowded press conference was, on the surface, the typical glitzy NYC showbiz bustle--yet a certain, Fellini-esque air was present. All around, babysitting dads were dutifully chasing after toddlers, while moms--resplendent in stage outfits and rock regalia--were busy giving interviews, networking, looking fabulous and making last minute preparations for their evening show. Guests and media were offered “Mad Housewife” brand chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon (sponsor Rainier Wine’s new bid to target female wine lovers).

Unusual for a pre-rock concert affair, there was a special, down-to-earth energy to the overall proceedings, a powerful blend of “can-do” spirit and female comradery. These mamas had done their promo homework and packed the place with all manner of media: reporters, photographers, filmmakers, tie-in advertisers, etc.

The final touch of comical irony: amid all the female journalists on hand from mainstream hetero publications like Parents Magazine, Child Magazine, etc, the lone male reporter there--yours truly--had come from a lesbian website. Nevertheless, when the word spread that AfterEllen.com was on the premises, women and moms from many of the Mamapalooza acts graciously introduced themselves and talked up their talent with me. A splendid time was had by all, and the following represents a sampling of the lesbian talent included in Mamapalooza 2005.

Kim Char I have hosted and performed with the very talented Kim Char before. This whirlwind singer-songwriter-guitarist is a lesbian mom of two fine adolescent sons whom she sometimes brings with her on tour. Kim is also the Chicago Events Coordinator for Mamapalooza and one of the driving forces behind Women with Guitars. Watching Kim onstage, one can sense how well she could play to an arena-size crowd, she gives off that much energy. Known for her take-no-prisoners, no-nonsense star-quality, Char looks every audience member in the eye when she performs. With a pitch-perfect voice that goes everywhere, Kim sings in a variety of rock styles, and her songs address topics like motherhood, indigenous Hawaiian culture (her home state), women's issues, and good ol' rock 'n roll fun. Kim’s latest CD is Give and Take is available through her website.

Housewives on Prozac
I had a ball chatting with Mamapalooza matriarch Joy Rose of the glitter/glam band Housewives on Prozac. HOP has performed at several gay, lesbian and women’s festival events, and the band’s line-up includes two lesbian players: Kyleann Burtt on keys and vocals, and Donna Kelly on drums.

I asked Joy about HOP’s signature song “Gay Girls Make Great Moms.” She told me, “It was written for my neighbors here in Hastings-On-Hudson. They are a lesbian couple and have two daughters. Our other signature song: 'I Don't Think Like My Mom Anymore' honors the women who have gone before, while acknowledging our generation is not afraid to stretch the boundaries of what's possible in the name of love, light, fun and anti-stereotype.” The lyrics of "Gay Girls (Make Great Moms)" pretty much says it all: Judy and Evie wanted a baby / they had to devise a plan Judy and Evie wanted a baby / but necessarily the man Well it’s a crazy world, it’s crazy / but it’s good Well it’s wonderful, it’s marvelous / when mothers share motherhood