MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES THAT RAISE AWARENESS AND CAUSE FUN!
CUT AND PASTE FOR PICS OF LAST YEAR'S EVENT!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/sets/72157604073490450/
SATURDAY
The Staircase 700-730
Becky Ward 730-800
Raw Earth Experience 815-845
HAIR CUTS 845-900
Aalim Dance Studio 900-920
Rebecca Ryan 930-1030
EarthSol 1030-1130
Hips Afire! 1130-1150
Celia's Big Rock Band 1200-100
Television
HERE'S WHAT THE BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT HAS TO SAY ABOUT This Year's EVENT!!
Herstory Weekend Lets Women Unwind in Downtown Belleville
Girls just want to have fun. This weekend, you can't miss if you attend Herstory Weekend on Friday and Saturday nights in downtown Belleville.
Where else could you enjoy an atmosphere that is a combination of funky, retro and sexy, with lots of live music, dance, art and fun? Women can not only unwind with a massage, imbibe, eat and enjoy a tarot-card reading, but they can bring their own gently used eclectic clothes to exchange with others. And it's all for a good cause.
The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday at The Ground Floor, 215 E. Main St. in downtown Belleville. Admission for those 18 and up is a $15 donation for a weekend pass.
Proceeds go toward a scholarship for a single parent to attend Southwestern Illinois College and to cover expenses.
"It just gets bigger and better every year," said Kim Vrooman one of the organizers and who will perform with the band EarthSol. "We raise about a thousand dollars a year and this year, our goal is to raise twice as much so we can backdate the scholarship a year."
"There are new interesting artists (where else could you pick up a pair of designer pasties?) and great new musicians -- including popular St. Louis singer Kim Masse, who will kick things off at 7 on Friday."
Ready to shed that winter ponytail? Participants can donate a minimum 8 inches of hair to Beautiful Lengths to be made into wigs for cancer patients. A hair designer from the Green Apple Salon will be on site to give all those who sign up a new look.
The clothing swap is another chance to help a good cause. Leftovers will be donated to shelter shop to benefit the Violence Prevention Center.
Twelve female artists will be on hand to show their ceramics, jewelry, paiting, sculpture and more.
Entertainment will be nonstop both nights with music ranging from Kim Masse to EarthSol to comedy/acoustic duo East End Girls to the bellydancing troupe Hips Afire!
HERE'S WHAT THE BND SAID LAST YEAR:
Herstory Weekend cranks up Women's History Month celebration
BY SUZANNE BOYLE
News-Democrat
Hard to imagine they could stuff more events into an already jampacked weekend, but Kim Vrooman and friends have done just that for their annual Herstory event Friday and Saturday night.
Still high off of last year's inaugural -- and successful -- attempt to raise money to help fund a single parents scholarship at Southwestern Illinois College, this year's celebration of National Women's History Month is being cranked up a notch.
"We raised a couple thousand (dollars)," said Vrooman, adding that about 500 attended the two-day event. "We had enough to fund a scholarship," plus a little extra to help pay for the cost of the event.
The first big change for 2008 is the move to Mosaics on Main in downtown Belleville, where owner Kathy Mordini is letting Vrooman and her creative cohorts turn the space into performance and artistic heaven for two nights.
The signature atmosphere of the Herstory Weekend is a combination funky, retro and sexy, with lots of live music, film, dance and fun. That may account for the new adult-theme inclusion of the Blaqueberry Puppet Theater, as well as the return of not one but two bellydancing troupes, Hips Afire! with an an amazing sword dance on Friday and Amazonia (Saturday). Plus, a big hit last year, the Alley Cat Revue Burlesque is back on Friday with a routine that would make Betty Page proud.
Women can not only unwind with a massage, imbibe, eat and enjoy a tarot-card reading, but bring their own gently used eclectic clothes to exchange with others.
"That's always been a great part of the weekend," said Vrooman. "Kathy is letting us use the whole second floor for the clothing exchange." Garments that remain at the end of the weekend will be donated to a women's charity resale shop.
Drea Stein, a deejay at KDHX-FM, will be stopping by Saturday night to have her hair cut for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program, which collects a minimum 8 inches of hair to be made into wigs for cancer patients. Three other women will join Drea, and others are welcome. A stylist will be on hand to do the snipping and give volunteers a great new look for free.
Other creative endeavors include a record number of artists this year: 15 women showing their ceramics, jewelry, painting, sculpture and more, including Michelle Hudgins' photography, Danielle Payne's computer art and oil on canvas and Kathie Harnacker's jewelry and paper art.
And finally, rockin' the house will be music ranging from the ever-popular Uncle Albert and EarthSol to comedy/acoustic duo East End Girls and a quartet of country-folk-rock chicks called MaidRite, to name a few.
HERE'S WHAT ST. LOUIS SOUND MAGAZINE HAS TO SAY ABOUT Last YEAR'S EVENT:
Get to Know Herstory: March 7 & 8 in Belleville, Illinois
By M. Maraschino
March is National Women’s History Month and organizers of the annual Herstory Weekend are gearing up for another exciting event: Friday March 7th & Saturday March 8th at Mosaics on Main, 124 - 126 E Main in downtown Belleville. Herstory Weekend offers the metro area two nights full of music, dance, art, film, handicrafts, an adult themed puppet show, tarot card readings, massage sessions, clever conversations, tasty treats, delectable libations, and a very unique clothing exchange: patrons are highly encouraged to come trade all of their gently used eccentric, eclectic, electric accoutrement, and fanciful accessories.
I catch up with organizer Kim Vrooman who is busy putting together a press release as we chat. She says, “We hope Herstory Weekend attracts folks from all over the area who want to do good things for other people and have fun while paying a bit of homage to women.”
Vrooman explains how the event began, “Five years ago, we threw a clothing exchange among friends and donated left over items to a local thrift shop that supports families in need. The next year we asked some friends to play a little music, and our private party turned into a public celebration.”
Vrooman feels the event became more meaningful when she began collaborating with Southwestern Illinois College and added this get together to the larger Women’s History Month calendar http://fac.swic.edu/jobekl/history.htm). Vrooman comments, “The most rewarding aspect for me occurred when we started to donate proceeds to a scholarship for single parents. We are helping people in need follow their dreams through education: that really sets the event apart.”
Originally organized by Amy Cyrus, owner of the folded Belleville venue the Ground Floor, Herstory Weekend has grown and blossomed because of the top notch local and regional artists who donate their talents and the patrons who share their time year after year. Organizers invite patrons to enter a unique performing/visual arts space & celebrate extraordinary women through music by Uncle Albert, Celia, Auset, .E, EarthSol, Heather Manley, East End Girls, Rebecca Ryan, Hello Seymour, Sarah McCracken, Syna So Pro, MaidRite, and Tenement Ruth dance by Coalescence, Hips Afire! and Amazonia Bellydancing, art by Novei Beige, Bridget Flood, Kathy Gomric, Kathie Harnacker, Yasmine Blaque, Michelle Hudgins, and film At Highest Risk by Rebecca Rivas.
HERE'S WHAT THE BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT HAD TO SAY ABOUT 2007's EVENT:
Herstory Weekend
BY ROGER SCHLUETER
News-Democrat
Women, get ready to party hearty: Ladies Night Out is turning into Ladies Weekend Out in downtown Belleville.
Last year, organizers Amy Cyrus and Kim Vrooman saw that their second annual salute to Women's History Month was just too jampacked with activities and entertainment to stuff into just one night.
So, this year, they'll be serving up three big nights of merrymaking Friday through Sunday at Cyrus' Ground Floor, 215 E. Main St. A $10 donation is good for the entire weekend; the fun goes from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night.
"We squeezed so much into one night, and it was, like, we could have done so much more," said Vrooman. "I mean, I really felt that last year it was, like, bursting at the seams. This will give people more of a chance to come."
That's not the only major change, either. After last year's event, which included a clothing exchange, they wound up with so many leftovers and money that they donated it to the Shelter Shop for the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois.
So, this year, they're billing the event as a benefit, hoping to expand their charitable work.
"We're actually setting up a scholarship out at (Southwestern Illinois College)," said Vrooman, who was an English teacher at SWIC before her infant son came along. "I'm hoping that we'll generate enough to set up the next two or three years worth so that we can ensure that it stays going for a little while. Our goal is to have a really nice-sized scholarship for some single parents."
And, Vrooman stresses, this is no male-bashing soiree. If they're smart, men should plan to attend, she says.
"In fact, last year we had a bunch of really fun guys come," she said. "It was really fun. Everyone kind of got involved, and I'd love to see that happen again. And, I think the smart guys come because there are so many good-looking, fabulous women."
In addition, they'll be treated to six hours of nonstop entertainment, starting with music, dance and comedy on Friday and Saturday nights and wrapping up with another Ground Floor film night on Sunday.
Vrooman herself will steal the spotlight a couple of times, both as Kimmy V., the well-known voice behind EarthSol at 12:15 Saturday night, and with Nicci Barty as the East End Girls acoustic comedy act at 12:10 Friday night. Other notable acts include Irene Ryan and Celia's Big Rock Band, both from St. Louis, and Tenement Ruth, featuring Kate Silsby, wife of Cumberland Gap's Greg Silsby.
If you're "hip" to the latest dance crazes, you won't be disappointed with such groups as the Ivy Divine Burlesque of St. Louis and Belleville's own Hips Afire! Belly Dance. Also coming will be the popular Gravity Plays Favorites, of St. Louis.
"They're basically burlesque dancers -- really talented," Vrooman said. "There's a new trend of, like, pole-dancing -- kind of bringing back the classic striptease, which isn't based necessarily on nakedness, but on performance. They're kind of appealing to that old Betty Page kind of performance arts. Really interesting."
On Sunday night, the focus will shift to the silver screen with both commercial and locally made films by and about women. Included are Adrienne Spindler's "The Chicken and the Egg" and "The Walk," Kristie Guttmann's "You Can Call Me Sweetheart," and "Smile Pretty," a film about young girls in beauty pageants.
Throughout the month, the Ground Floor also will be showing off a number of new art exhibits, including photos by Michelle Hudgins of Green Wall Studio in Belleville and work by Novei Beige and Abbey Lydia. Rebecca Ryan will do double duty both on stage at 11:30 p.m. Friday and with an exhibit of collages.
Don't forget to bring in those clothes you've pushed to the dark corners of your closet. You'll be able to trade your old clothes, shoes, handbags, purses belts and jewelry for other gently used items.
"And there's going to be handicrafts, there's going to be massage, there's going to be tarot cards, there's going to be all kinds of yummy cocktails," Vrooman said. "I mean, we have so much stuff, we could actually do the entire month."
Maybe next year.
Books
VISIT http://fac.swic.edu/herstory
FOR AMAZING HERSTORY EVENTS AT SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE ALL MONTH LONG!!!!!!!!!!!
Heroes
ABUNDANT THANK YOUS TO KDHX 88.1 FM, KLOU, Today in St Louis, TOCO, Womens' History Month at SWIC, & EVERY PERSON WHO LENDS A CARING HAND TO HELP THIS EVENT HAPPEN!!!!
INFORMATION ON SCHOLARSHIPS HERE!
TOCO Herstory Scholarship For Single Parents
Recognizing the challenges of combining single parenthood and college, Tapestry of Community Offerings donates this scholarship to help provide the opportunity to fulfill creative and intellectual promise. This economic support is intended to offer the recipients the breathing room to explore their potential and meet their goals for themselves and their children.
Award: One $800.00 scholarship for candidate who maintains all eligibility requirements. This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, transportation, childcare, utility bills, or anything else that contributes to the recipient’s academic success at Southwestern Illinois College.
Eligibility:
• Single parent who is the primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Financial need is considered but is not an exclusionary factor.
Application Procedure:
(YOU MUST BE A SINGLE PARENT)
This scholarship is administered by the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation. Apply online at http://www.swicfoundation.com When writing the application please include this information in addition to the required topics:
• Essay A: Educational and Professional Goals Include your intellectual and creative interests and indicate if you are a full-time or part-time student.
• Essay B: Recent Honors and Community Involvement Include extracurricular parenting activities.
• Essay C: Financial Need Include how you would use this scholarship award.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. Letters should be from professional references such as teachers, employers, volunteer coordinators, etc.
About me: HERSTORY WEEKEND 2009
FRIDAY MARCH 27TH~SATURDAY MARCH 28TH
7:00pm until 1:00am both evenings
In Honor of Womens’ History Month
PROCEEDS BENEFIT SINGLE PARENT’S SCHOLARSHIP
At Southwestern Illinois College
SURPLUS ITEMS FROM CLOTHING EXCHANGE
Benefit WOMEN’S SHELTER
HAIRCUTS by Green Apple Salon in Belleville Benefiting BEAUTIFUL LENGTHS: AIDING WOMEN WITH CANCER BY CREATING WIGS FROM HUMAN HAIR.
AT The Ground Floor Club
215 E Main, Downtown Belleville 62220
618-580-0303
herstoryweekend@gmail.com
DIRECTIONS:
www.mapquest.com/ 215 East Main St. Belleville, IL 62220
or
Highway 270; or Interstate 64/40 East to 255 South to Route 15 South/East toward Belleville. Exit onto Route 159 (left at end of exit ramp). Right onto East Main Street (at fountain). The Ground Floor will be on your left: 215 East Main Street Belleville, Illinois 62220
March is National Women’s History Month & organizers of the annual Herstory Weekend are gearing up for another exciting event: Friday March 27TH & Saturday March 28TH at The Ground Floor: 215 E Main in downtown Belleville.
Herstory Weekend offers the metro area two nights full of music, dance, art, handicrafts, clever conversations, delectable libations, & a unique clothing exchange: patrons are highly encouraged to come trade all of their gently used eccentric, eclectic, electric accoutrement, & fanciful accessories.
The event also includes tarot card & psychic readings by E. Loving Rose, & massage sessions by Circle of Health Wellness Center.
Also, if you have at least 8" of hair, and you've been considering a short sexy doo, then please consider cutting that hair with Herstorians at Herstory Weekend. ALL HAIR GOES TO DESIGN WIGS FOR WOMEN AFFECTED BY CANCER. A qualified hair designer from the Green Apple Salon will be on site to give you a new look and style too! So just email before March 25th to sign up!
Organizers invite patrons to enter a unique performing/visual arts space & celebrate extraordinary women.
One organizer comments, “One of the most rewarding aspects for me occurred when we began donating all proceeds to a scholarship for single parents. A bunch of people got together to enjoy art and the art of exchange and there was money left over, so…We aren’t just people hanging out enjoying art anymore: we are artists reaching out to our community, and more specifically to individual people in need. We help people follow their dreams through education: this reality really sets this event apart for me.”
Patrons may email herstoryweekend@gmail.com for more information.
Presented by Tapestry of Community Offerings
Sponsored by TOCO, KDHX 88.1 FM, WHM at SWIC, & Circle of Health Wellness Center
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Who I'd like to meet: HERE'S KIM TALKING TO JENNIFER BLOME FROM KSDK CHANNEL 5:
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=170827
WOMEN AND MEN THAT LOVE MAKING FRIENDS, LISTENING TO MUSIC, WATCHING DANCE, LOOKING AT ART, AND TRADING CLOTHES FOR A GREAT CAUSE!
Whats Up? I just wanted to drop by and leave you with the new info on me and DreamScape Sessions..The flyer below is a personal invite to our radio station... Click on Flyer For FULL VIEW
THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ARRIVED FOR YOU TO PERFORM AT HOT 104.1'S SUPER JAM 2! SATURDAY, JUNE 13TH AT THE VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER! STARRING KERI HILSON, SOULJA BOY, PLIES, PLEASURE P, LIL BOOSIE, DAY 26, HURRICANE CHRIS, OJ JUICEMAN, TREY SONGZ, JEREMIH, UNLADYLIKE, JOKA SUPER JAM 2 HEADLINER - YOUNG JEEZY, AND MANY MORE. TO PERFORM ON THE “SUPER JAM 2 UNDERGROUND STAGE” PRESENTED BY FYREBOY RECORDS – CALL 618-972-6869.
Option 1 StageTime-4 minutes Passes-3 max Cost-$550
Option 2 StageTime-8 minutes Passes-6 max Cost-$900
WEDNESDAY MAY 13TH INDUSTRY SHOWCASE PRELIMINARIES-- 20 SPOTS LEFT--10 GO ON TO SHOWCASE FINALS TO TRY TO WIN AN OPENING SPOT ON BIG BEAT MAYDAY FEST @ THE PAGEANT!
FRIDAY MAY 15TH "MODELS & BOTTLES INDUSTRY PARTY" CALLIN ALL MODELS--DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WIN BIG!!
SATURDAY MAY 16TH "INDEPENDENT ARTIST SHOWCASE FINALS" WIN A CHANCE TO OPEN ON BIG BEAT MAYDAY FEST @ THE PAGEANT PLUS $1000!!!
Your marvelous event was posted on my highLIGHTS calendar at InCityNews. com. I'll try to get more of your wonderful events posted next time. Click on the WORDwitch on the homepage menu to check out my articles & highlights.
peac,e love, & poetry,
Maria Guadalupe Massey Missouri Folk Artist Warrior Poet chingasdaughter WORDwitch curandera de palabras
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