The Panties are a-changing. After fronting all-female local punk band The Dirty Panties since its inception, K.C. passed the microphone to new singer Melanie last Saturday at the Beauty Bar.

Clothed in all black with her dark hair in pigtails, Melanie showed off strong vocals and a kick-ass stage presence that date back to her years at the Las Vegas Academy ... though the Panties’ song subjects are slightly different from those from Annie. K.C. could still be heard singing along—from the audience.

K.C. explains that she left the band to focus on her business, Enchanted Florists, and to start a family. The move follows a change of bassists, from Linda to Little Moe, about a year ago. “We’re excited about Melanie starting, but we’ll miss K.C. being around all the time,” guitarist Barbara says. “[But] she helped in the transition a lot, and she’ll still be there to support.”