Last night the Mama Hellcats brought authentic and passionate performances by talented mothers to raise funds and awareness for domestic violence resources at the Hook and Ladder. Performers included Katy Tessman, Haley E Rydell, Annie Enneking, Nikki Lemire, Samantha Grimes and Kashimana. It was a night of community and support, and I was lucky enough to be invited to emcee the event. Off the record, I was really nervous but honored.
Katy Tessman was the force of nature behind the event, although she’d be the first to generously admit that it helps when a lot of people to say yes. (Who could say no to Katy?) Each artist gave time during their set to speak to the resources that were highlighted, sharing words or wisdom and/or encouragement and personal stories.
Resources include:
- Sojourner supports the transition from victim to survivor and educates for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence.
- Standpoint offers attorneys and advocates against domestic and sexual violence.
- Alexandra House provides free domestic, sexual, and relationship violence services across the state of Minnesota.
- Bridging provides donated furniture and household goods to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
- Andrea Bennett is an activist and advocate for domestic violence awareness and has partnered with multiple organizations including Stand Up Survivor.
- Backpocket Vintage who donates clothing to a variety of community resources and will donate a percentage of their proceeds.
- MN Women’s Press is the event’s co-media promoter and an integral resource for sharing stories from women.
Throughout the night community turned into family. Family with a really fantastic soundtrack.
Katy Tessman and the Turnbuckles started out the night with bold hug for the audience. Music that somehow lifts your self-esteem and makes you feel like you can face anything. (Special bonus Katy played with her son, Louis Stanoch.)
Haley E, Rydell played the intimate stage and silenced the whole room with her honest music and stories of keeping a two year old alive. She softly commands attention. She made my night playing $20 Bill, which speaks to the interconnectedness of community – both purposeful and accidental.
Annie and the Bang Bang rocked the room next. Getting folks dancing like Boys in the Mosh Pit having Feelings. Her turn of phrase and tempo are amazing. Annie’s songs tell mini-stories and paint pictures that will bring you back to your own moments.
Nikki Lemire somehow fit a full band, leading with a harp on the intimate stage. Playing the Hook and Ladder is a far cry from her (soon to be released) album Live at Lakewood Cemetery but the songs were just as reverent and sweet in the bar and is the graveyard.
The Samantha Grimes Band brings her wit to her music. Her songs flip literary stereotypes by allowing strong women to get rid of big bad wolves themselves. Powerful and just great music. Also, the title Mama Hellcats originates from her lyrics.
Kashimana’s music makes you feel the message from the feet to your heart to your ears. The messages aren’t always easy, but they are important and the way she makes you feel them helps them seep in deeply. The looping, voice and rhythm are memorable and the ability to get the whole room singing made her the perfect closer.
Mostly Minnesota 