LadyFestGR: Girls, Girls, Girls

If there were an official from-the-street slogan for our version of the international LadyFest event, I would propose, “Think global, play local and be (or identiy as) a female.” The event’s purpose is to shed light on the current challenges women face in our world and to remove unnecessary limitations on socio-cultural expectations. At a time when men sit around talking about what women can or can’t do, it is perfect timing that LadyFest is landing here.
 
LadyFestGR will debut in Grand Rapids with a wallop of activity from informative workshops, a locally rich and dynamic variety show and a wild rumpus of an all-star concert sure to leave your inner core vibrating (if not your ear drums) for hours after.
 
Starting at 4 p.m., LadyFest presents a workshop in DIY bike repair from Ada Bike Shop. The Vagina Unveiled is a frank Q&A discussion about all things vag by Rebecca Bannink of Planned Parenthood. Additionally, the event features a panel of female business owners, including artist Alynn Guerra who plans to share her experiences with the GROW program.
 
Immediately after is a Variety Show with area music performers, hoopsters, drag superstar Britney Storm and B-Girlz break dancers (including 12-year-old Sylentz). The show is hosted by the fabulously funny comic, Sarah Jean Anderson.
 
At 8 p.m., the stage shifts to a fun concert program with Fiona Dickinson, The Doctors’ Wives, Nobody’s Darlin’, Jes Kramer, international DJ SuperDre and L.A’.s (and former GR resident) Irawniq.
 
“We are also excited to feature many female vendors and artists like Georgia Taylor and Katy Batdorff, Bertha Zamora and Kathy Sam,” says co-creator Sarah Scott. “But what I love the most is that I can bring my daughter down here and she will see all these amazing women doing what they love, whether it be owning a shop, fixing a bike, singing on stage or creating a work of art. For my daughter to have a moment in her life where women can assume all the roles in this way is truly a powerful counter to the images out on the street.”
 
So hats off to the ladies who are producing this event that reminds us that we live in a world that needs to be shared by all. 
 

Admission: Workshops 4 p.m., Free. Variety Show 6:30 p.m., $5. Headlining Event 8 p.m., $6.