Back in 2014, Joan Jett joined the surviving members of Nirvana to help induct them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, playing “Smells Like Teen Spirit” with admirable attitude.
Few of us needed reminding, but it confirmed that Jett embodies rock with a distortion-pedal, leather and sneer. (Presumably, fake leather, since Jett is an outspoken vegetarian and supporter of PETA.) Jett was, of course, a member of the Runaways, and went on to make seriously loud and crunchy radio rock in the ’80s, having hits with souped-up versions of “I Love Rock and Roll” and Tommy James and the Shondells’ “Crimson and Clover.”
Jett and the Blackhearts play Ridgefield Playhouse Sunday, Feb. 14. It’s a Valentine’s Day gala, with dinner, dessert and champagne, and there’s a convenient “heart” tie-in, should you be looking for one, since she’ll be backed by the Blackhearts. $175. Dinner and reception at 6 p.m., auction and performance at 8 p.m. 438-5795 and ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
