Glori5

continued

Actually, all the members of Glori5 are really good, accomplished musicians who've played in various bands independently or together over the years. They aren't just polite; they have maturity and poise that comes from years of experience and teaching geometry.

Yes, teaching geometry. That's what Jennifer does at EMU. Plus she runs her own business in Ypsilanti, Henrietta Fahrenheit, which carries "funky" items made by independent designers, or private labels. And Leighton does the booking for the Elbow Room. His tireless networking and dedication have elevated that dingy little pool hall to nearly-famous status in a few short years.

Leighton is also quite a zealot when it comes to promoting chick rock, so I asked why it's important to him that girls play rock 'n' roll. "Because we're getting only half an opinion in most 'rock,'" he answered. "And the dichotomy of perceptions pitting female lightness versus 'rock's' harshness is interesting. One of the coolest bands I ever saw was a group of girls in sundresses who set up onstage, then proceeded to play the harshest speed-metal I've ever heard. Yes, it was partially a visual trick, but there's more to having a female presence than appearance in any band. It's easy for guys to wank around about guy crap, but if there's another point of view or leading presence, it makes it much more interesting for the music."