The Soundtrack of Change: Q&A With Melinda Colaizzi from Women Who Rock
Jan 28, 2025
By: Alexandra Papernick
On December 21, 2024, artists and supporters came together to celebrate The Commonheart's 10th anniversary at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA and to show support for women’s health at Magee-Womens. Melinda and the Night Sky opened the show, fronted by Melinda Colaizzi, founder of Women Who Rock™. Since 2018, Women Who Rock™ has partnered with Magee-Womens to raise awareness for women’s health research and women in music. We caught up with Melinda to discuss unforgettable highlights and lessons from the event.
Magee-Womens: What’s the story behind your partnership with The Commonheart, and how do collaborations like this amplify your shared goals?
Melinda Colaizzi: The partnership with The Commonheart is rooted in a love for making music, giving back, and celebrating the Pittsburgh music community. Me and Clinton Clegg, the lead singer of The Commonheart, have performed at so many charity events in Pittsburgh, but we never brought both of our full bands together.
Collaborations like this are powerful because they show the strength of unity—how artists supporting one another can amplify our voices and make an even greater impact, whether that’s through sharing a stage or working toward common causes like giving back to women’s health.
Magee-Womens: How did Women Who Rock™ and The Commonheart work together to raise funds for women's health research at Magee-Womens?
Melinda Colaizzi: Clinton and the entire band didn’t miss a beat when it came to supporting the cause that’s so meaningful to me. women’s health research. The show featured a rockin’ auction with unique experiences like a private concert with myself and Clinton Clegg and an autographed guitar signed by the Commonheart band members all helped us to raise over $4,000!
Magee-Womens: What was it like opening for The Commonheart at their 10th Anniversary show?
Melinda Colaizzi: The energy in the room was electric—Pittsburgh audiences always bring so much love, and you could feel how much this milestone meant to everyone there.
The Commonheart’s music is so powerful and soulful, and to be part of a night that celebrated their journey was truly inspiring. It was one of those shows where you’re reminded of the magic of live music and the incredible community we have here in Pittsburgh.
It’s a show that me and the band will carry with us for a long time!
Magee-Womens: How can music impact women’s health and women in music?
Melinda Colaizzi: Music can drive social change. Audiences attending these events feel connected not only to the music but also to the cause, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.
Raising awareness regarding the need for additional women’s health research around the world is at the core of WWR. If we can amplify social impact through the power of music to widen our audience's knowledge about important issues close to us, then it’s a win-win for both musicians and audience members.
By leveraging their influence, musicians and the music industry can become powerful allies in improving women's health, creating positive change that extends beyond music itself. It’s important to use our platforms to elevate women-led initiatives and advocate for healthcare access and equity. Creatively, through songs and videos, artists have the ability to shed light on the issues important to them.
Magee-Womens: What advice do you have for people looking to combine their passion for music with advocacy?
Melinda Colaizzi: Find a purpose and cause that resonates with you, then research the artists who may align with your values and interests. Music has the power to inspire action and motivate. If listening to certain music provides you comfort, encouragement and inspiration, then take the time to explore how you can become involved with an artist's cause. Often you can find information on their web site regarding charitable organizations they are affiliated with.
What’s next for Melinda and The Night Sky and Women Who Rock?
Melinda Colaizzi: Melinda and the Night Sky are back in the studio recording new music that we plan to release this year, so stay tuned! Women Who Rock™ is fully immersed in planning for the 2025 Benefit Concert. Every year the benefit continues to grow and reward us all on so many levels, I can't wait to see what surprises have yet to be unveiled.
Learn more about Magee-Womens and Women Who Rock™ are working together to address disparies: https://mageewomens.org/wwr