2-Step Chicks blow up a backyard in Altadena!
2-Step Chicks were back on the Backyard Party stage this past Saturday night in Altadena. Friends and fans flocked to an actual backyard to watch a stacked lineup of teen bands from Highland Park, Orange County, Claremont, and Fontana.
Kicking off the evening of good vibes and even better music, local Marshall High students, Blush, launched into a definitive soundtrack of post-hardcore and emo punk covers, mixing it up with a surprising cover of The Cranberries' “Dreams” that had the whole crowd swaying and singing along.
Serenity was up next, and quickly broke into a tight mix of covers and originals, bringing riot grrrl and pop-punk energy to the suburbs. Although a four-piece band, they sounded huge with three singers, including the drummer!
Serenity! plays at Backyard Party in Altadena
Last Friday plays at Backyard Party in Altadena
Third on the bill were local favorites, Last Friday (no insta, proudly). The all-girl band kept the party going with a decidedly bratty and quick-witted mix of post-punk and indie rock hits, which, by the end of their set, had the crowd vibrating with energy in anticipation of the headliner.
2-Step Chicks hit the stage at 9pm, delivering a far-reaching set of originals and covers that fluidly transitioned through ska, punk, rock en español, and even bossa nova, offering something for everyone. The backyard exploded with energy during their Spanish songs, even drawing in neighbors from down the street to join the crowd! I guess the show was a little loud. Sorry not sorry.
2 Step Chicks play at Backyard Party in Altadena
A cry of “¡Viva la gente Latina!” echoed through the neighborhood between songs.
2-Step Chicks consider community and culture to be at the heart of their mission as a band. “Solo el pueblo puede salvar al pueblo.” They are proud of their Latino roots, working to honor their culture in the face of current adversity in the Los Angeles community by sharing their music with as many new audiences as possible.
Natalia Inez, of 2 Step Chicks
As a female band leader, Natalia Inez is well aware of the challenges of navigating a male-dominated space, pushing past barriers and flipping the script with her emotive lyrics and bold stage presence.
“Our goal is to start a new scene of music with women taking more charge and honoring our culture. I’m not afraid to speak my truth or my beliefs. I will always stand by my people, who have done so much for our country! Qué viva el rock!” - Natalia Inez
Overall, the night felt more like a stadium rock spectacle for a chosen few than your average backyard gathering. The bands, lights, sound, and crowd were all awesome, and so were the bands.
All BYP photos by Joseth Gonzalez
*Note from the editor: Backyard Party has recently received its non-profit status. You can now support their cause of making sure that live music is accessible to all, regardless of age or income, through their website at www.BackyardParty.org. The author of this article, Payton Owen, is a sophomore at John Muir High School, and the photos were taken by 19-year-old Joseth Gonzalez, both BYP volunteers.
