Events
Grand Rapids had better watch out, because on Saturday, March 3rd, the ladies are officially taking over, and not in a way you’d expect. Ladyfest, hosted by Grand Rapid’s new mid-size music venue the Pyramid Scheme, will feature not only female-identified bands, but a variety show and a series of workshops, led by and made for women.
Ladyfest got its start back 2000 in Olympia, Washington and since then, has become an overarching label for similar events around the world. Its purpose is to shed light on the current challenges that women face, and to remove existing limitations on socio-cultural expectations. The three workshops include a broad range of relevant and engaging activities. A bike repair session is to be followed by an adult sexuality discussion and a women’s resource panel of Grand Rapids women professionals. A concert featuring only female-identified Michigan bands from genres ranging from punk rock to mellow electronic pop will conclude the evening. Dani Vilella, Planned Parenthood’s Public Relations Manager, has been a primary coordinator of the event. “We want it all female, but female-identified,” Vilella said. “Male or trans, it’s about how you identify and what you do with that. It’s not our job to define what ‘woman’ means.” Featured performances include hip-hop’s Irawniq and electronica queen Superdre, the three piece punk rock band Doctor’s Wives, British songwriter Fiona Dickinson, mellow pop’s Jes Kramer, and bluegrass group Nobody’s Darlin’. MC’ing for this unique plethora of feminine performance will be local comedian Sarah Jean Anderson. Also included will be live art by Georgia Taylor, a photo wall by Katy Batdorff, and a host of local artist vendors throughout the day.
The hope is to draw a younger generational crowd to the all-ages event and to create an opportunity for an annual presence of Ladyfest in Grand Rapids. Performing artist Jes Kramer also stresses the importance that Ladyfest is not only for the ladies. “It’s as important for men to come and see women do these things as it is for women to come and do these things,” Kramer says. “No one should be boxed into what we can and can’t do.” Doors open at 4:00p.m. Tickets are $5 for the variety show, $6 for the headlining event, and $8 for both events.
Ladyfest would also like to express its appreciation for its sponsors and their incredible support!
Lead Sponsors:
Pyramid Scheme
The Meanwhile
Absolut Vodka
Urban Pharm
Clothing Matters
DVQ Studio
Griffin Properties
Simply Born
One Girls Treasure
Sponsors:
Plenty Creative
Sparrows
The AntiBride
Issue Press
West Michigan Female Non Profit Executives
