Big thanks to the amazingly talented and gorgeous feminists on the stage last night for the second annual Vajamma Party at the Parkway Theatre. The music was tremendous and the opportunity to do good and learn about good was even better!
Great Music
As Tina Schlieske noted last night, there was a time when bookers thought one woman on the stage was maximum. They were wrong. It seems like 15 should be a minimum because each voice has its own delight.
It starts with the band Quartro, including Tina Schlieske and her ethos that transcends genres from crooning to punk, Molly Maher’s amazing guitar and ability to herd cats, the storytelling retro-freshness of Becky Kapell and effervescent hippy seeking (and finding) of Mary Bue.
There’s a house band that has an understated cool and ability to match each artist where they are. They are steady and supportive and can do the musical version of pitching the ball behind their backs. A few real wow moments with Jenny Case (Flamin’ Oh’s, She Rock She Rock), Barb Brynstad (Turn Turn Turn), Maureen McFarlane ( Megonia & Run At The Dog ), and Gabby Helf (Bakermiller Pink).
The featured artists were equally impressive. The Twins Of Franklin brought the softer side of music and we could have heard a pin drop. Whoa – the nerve to whisper. And the whisper bounced off the powerhouses of Jaedyn James and Rachel Kurtz. Both can belt it out. I’d expect to see one at a church and the other at the bawdy bar and what I love about them together – you might not know which is which. Jazz singer, Leslie Vincent, brought her particulants – I think that’s what we were calling it last night. It’s the ability to nail each note with precision. Newcomer, fifteen-year-old, Ani McQuillen, brought a new song (Bleach My Eyes Out) that brings a new energy with a nod to the women who are helping her up the musical scale.
Doing Good
The event invited attendees to bring period products to distribute to folks in need. Something that will help so many people with a financial break around the holidays. It’s also a reminder of financial inequities too many suffer monthly, or more often with diapers. We also learned about a couple of organizations that are working to lift up and support women.
Abortion Access Front is a group of comedians, activists, writers, and producers that uses humor to destigmatize abortion and expose the extremist anti-choice forces working to destroy access to reproductive rights in all 50 states. Founder, Lizz Winstead was there to talk about reproductive rights and hand out some Plan B. (Maybe it’s time to keep them like band-aids in the medicine cabinet.) Jenny Case talked about She Rock, She Rock, which is dedicated to empowering girls, women and gender-expansive folks through the art of music. They host classes, camps and other opportunities for women to learn all aspects of the music business. Ani McQuillen is a prime and shiny example of She Rock.
Moving Forward
What we need to do now is hold onto the momentum of last night and there are a few events coming up with the next month that can help us to that:
- Lizz Winstead in This Super Weird Year in Review 2024: Dec 28 and 31at the Cedar Cultural Center. A humorous look at the last year and the not-so-funny consequences. It’ll make you made, make you laugh, make you hug your community!
- Forward Together: Rally for Equal Rights: Jan 14, 2025 at the State Capitol Rotunda (inside) in St Paul. A rally to support the Equal Right Amendment on the first day of the Legislature.
- Fire Up, Follow Up: The People’s March hosted by Women’s March MN: January 18, 2025 at the State Capital (outside) in St Paul.
Mostly Minnesota 