On February 6th-8th, 2025, the Program in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies co-sponsored with WSU’s School of Music the annual Festival of Contemporary Artists in Music (FOCAM). The Gala Concert featured Genghis Barbie, “a post post- feminist feminist” all- female horn musical group. Performing on the Pullman campus on February 7th, Genghis Barbie filled the auditorium with versatile music, performing classical, pop, rock, jazz, indie, alternative, punk, and electro-acoustic scenes. They have performed at multiple International Horn Society Symposiums, premiered a solo commission at Carnegie Hall, and appeared on America’s Got Talent.
Recently, Genghis Barbie’s recording of “Take on Me” was featured in an episode of The Leftovers on HBO. Genghis Barbie group members Rachel Drehmann, Danielle Kuhlmann, Alana Vegter, and Julie Thayer are also educators who have toured numerous universities presenting workshops, masterclasses, and lectures on musical entrepreneurship. Genghis Barbie group members shared that they enjoyed educating and working with WSU Music students during their visit at WSU. This event was open to the public, and audience members from the School of Music, WGSS, and the WSU community experienced an evening of joyful listening in beautiful Bryan Hall.