If you’re in the Northeast this weekend, you should really check out Ladyfest, a 3-day art and music festival featuring workshops, vendors, readings and discussions by feminist organizations and punk legends (Alice Bag!), and over 20 bands. Ladyfest goes down Feb. 3-5 at the YMCA in Cambridge, MA, organized by volunteers with the goal of creating a safe, empowering space for women in the arts.
The very first Ladyfest took place in Olympia, WA in 2000, and included performances by Sleater-Kinney, Bratmobile, and The Gossip; since then, Ladyfests have sprung up independently in communities around the world. The 2012 Boston Ladyfest Committee says,
At a time when it’s being argued that feminism languishes in the dust of riot grrrl’s third wave, or even that the women’s movement has expired, Boston Ladyfest responds to the need for community awareness, spotlighting women in creative arts.
The lineup is diverse and inclusive, featuring hardcore punk bands (Sick Fix, Libyans, Ampere) as well as indie pop groups (Cotton Candy), comic artists (Liz Prince will lead a comic-making class) and authors. The Boston committee hopes that the spirit of Ladyfest will resonate long after the weekend wraps up, and inspire ladies and not-ladies alike to work toward creating positive change in their respective scenes; the first meeting of the Boston chapter of New York-based feminist organization Permanent Wave will take place after the last show on Sunday.
Proceeds from Ladyfest Boston will benefit the Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund. To check out the lineup, buy tickets ($15 for a one-day pass, $35 for three days) and/or volunteer to help out, visit the Ladyfest Boston website.
Feeling inspired? Let us know if you’re planning a Ladyfest in your city!
READ MORE: Ladyfest is Coming! [The Boston Phoenix]
Ladyfest Boston on Facebook
