Ladyfest Midwest Returns

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 16, 2011 6:20PM

Now that major music fests Pitchfork and Lolla are finally over, here’s a little something for the ladies - Ladyfest Midwest is returning to Chicago. The volunteer-run, non-for-profit event celebrates women in the arts and will showcase a handful of local, female musicians this weekend.

This year will be the fest’s 10-year anniversary, commemorating the first time it hit Chicago in the form of a 4-day event back in 2001. The fest is now whittled down to one day of music and two days of supplementary events, including a dance party and exhibit. And as it has in the past, the fest will serve to benefit the Chicago Women’s Health Center.

The whole thing kicks off Friday with a late-night dance party (10 p.m. - 4 a.m.) at Late Bar. Spinning will be Sam O’Rama from Laurie’s Planet of Sound, CHIRP’s Emily Agustin and Reckless’s Rebecca Crawford (who is one of the fest’s original organizers).

The concert portion of the fest takes place Saturday at 9 p.m. at the Empty Bottle. Performing will be punk rock quartet The Wanton Looks, The Cathy Santonies, garage rockers Hollows and DJ Reaganomix. Hosting the show will be Jyl Fehrenkamp, host of Poonie’s Cabaret.

Also, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons this weekend, the fest will put on a gallery and archive exhibit at LivingRoom Gallery. The exhibit will showcase photos, footage and other relics of its first edition back in 2001. If you have photos or stories of the first Ladyfest Midwest, submit them over at the festival’s website, where you’ll also find times and locations for this weekend’s events.