In celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Ladyfest Midwest, organizers of the original 2001 festival are planning a weekend of events on August 19 – 21. The weekend will include a dance party, music showcase, and gallery exhibit. Proceeds from every event will benefit the Chicago Women’s Health Center (CWHC).

Kicking off the weekend, on Friday, August 19th, is a dance party from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Late Bar (3534 W. Belmont). Three DJs will be spinning punk, post-punk, riot girrrl, girl groups, and international weirdness: Sam O’Rama (Laurie’s Planet of Sound); Emily Agustin (CHIRP Radio, Toast & Jam, Maybenauts); and Rebecca Crawford (Reckless Records and ex-The Dials). Crawford is an original organizer of the festival and performed at Ladyfest Midwest in 2001 with her former band, the Puta-Pons. Late Bar was a 2010 critic’s pick in Time Out Chicago. There will be a $5 suggested donation at the door.

On Saturday, August 20, from 12 – 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 21, from 2 – 5 p.m., there’s a documentation exhibition of video, photographs, and archival materials from Ladyfest Midwest 2001. The exhibition is free and located at Living Room Gallery (1530 W. Superior).

Saturday, August 20, at 9 p.m. is the music showcase at Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western). Performing at the showcase are the Wanton Looks, Cathy Santonies, Hollows, and DJ Reaganomix. The Cathy Santonies and Hollows were featured in the Chicago Tribune’s “11 local bands for 2011.” Jyl Fehrenkamp, a performer/dancer/choreographer and curator/host of Poonie’s Cabaret at Links Hall, hosts the music showcase.  Tickets for the showcase are $15 at the door and there will be a raffle with prizes from Reckless Records, Hanger 18, and Bucket of Blood.