The Wiltern is one of the most iconic venues in Los Angeles, making it a fitting location for a band of such importance to the history of punk rock as Bikini Kill. When I first arrived, I noticed the line wrapping around the block, with people excitedly shuffling their way inside. That particular day was a scorching 95 degrees, but fans were unfazed by the less-than-ideal weather, their energy buzzing as they filed into the main auditorium.

The opener, Alice Bag—a legend in her own right—set the pace for the night with an enthusiastic set. As Alice thanked the crowd, I looked around at the sheer diversity of the audience. Longtime fans wore their vintage Bikini Kill shirts, while much younger fans wore styles paying homage to the generations that preceded them.

When Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail, Kathi Wilcox, and Sara Landeau hit the stage, the crowd erupted. Kathleen tore through a set mixed with classics from different eras of the band’s history. She paused only to hold up a QR code raising funds for CHIRLA (The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights). Her advocacy for important issues like immigrant rights has been a constant throughout the band's history. Bikini Kill ended up matching the donations that night, bringing the total amount raised to $40,000.

The band continued through the set, finishing up with the aptly named "Finale." As I left the venue that night, I couldn't help but feel optimistic about the future of the scene. This was a night where fans both young and old came together to celebrate the history of the music, while also raising awareness for a cause so important to the city.