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Local Music Tap: Lizzo-Caroline Smith Duo @ First Ave. To Benefit Women's Group

Indie-R&B artist Caroline Smith and alternative hip-hopper Lizzo are teaming up for a couple of special shows at First Avenue this weekend – with proceeds benefiting a women's equality group.

Recently, the pair released a collaborative new single, "Let 'Em Say," a song that conveys their journey of becoming empowered women and expresses their desire to influence girls to be proud of doing the same. (Fans who'd like to download the song are asked to pay what they can.)

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"When we made "Let 'Em Say" it was so gratifying, because the song was everything we had been trying to get off of our chest," Lizzo said. "We have two completely different struggles, but the overall theme of independence is the same. We're liberating ourselves as women in this industry and as citizens in this industry and as human beings, and we're so excited to be able to share that with everybody."

The First Avenue Mainroom shows, which will be held Friday and Saturday (the latter of which is sold out already), are a celebration of Smith and Lizzo's collaboration and for women in general.

"Lizzo and I will join forces to share each other's songs in celebration and recognition of all the ladies out there that were told they were 'too this' and 'not enough that.' This is for all of the mamas out there busting their asses and all of the girls and women out there that make us proud to hold a microphone," Smith said.

The shows will invest in their vision of equality for women everywhere, with a portion of the proceeds from the single benefiting the Women's Foundation of Minnesota.

"When I first found out about The Women's Foundation of Minnesota, it was like a match made in heaven," Smith said. "A foundation that promotes gender equality with programs to encourage girls and young women to pursue leadership roles? Here in Minnesota? Is this real? I immediately reached out to them because it was way too perfect. We have been singing "work like a boss" and they are literally helping girls and women do that. I am so happy to announce that a portion of the proceeds from the single will go to their foundation, so we can keep women working like bosses and to let girls know that they can."

Friday's 18-plus show features special guests TAWST (Shannon Blowtorch & Sophia Eris DJ set). Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. For ticket information, click here.

Also, follow Smith and Lizzo using the links below!

Lizzo: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Caroline Smith: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Local Music Tap is a blog aimed at promoting Minnesota-based musicians, bands, shows and events. If you have music blog ideas, please email cepremo@wcco.com or leave a comment below. Also, follow the Local Music Tap on Twitter and on YouTube.

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