An email landed in my inbox yesterday that sent a bolt of lightness through my cubicle-logged limbs: “Siren Nation Festival Tickets Now on Sale.”
Yes, indeed, it’s that time of year again – the time for a highly concentrated weekend of arts, craft, film, and music produced by a talented collection of female artists.
Siren Nation, a unique arts organization that showcases and creates performance and exhibition opportunities for women throughout the year, is the only women’s collective that produces an annual festival showcasing the original work of women working in music, film, performance, and visual art. And it all happens in one of the Northwest’s deepest creative pockets: Portland, OR.
As a senior in college, I traveled four hours to attend the very first Siren Nation Festival in 2007. There was a drum orchestra, an epic performance by Mirah at Wonder Ballroom, and every workshop under the moon at the Kennedy School, a renovated historic-schoolhouse turned hotel/bar/theater extraordinaire.
Four years later, Siren Nation is still bringing the babes together with an impressive lineup for the November 3rd – 6th festival. On Friday, November 4, anti-folk phenomenon Kimya Dawson will play at Mississippi Studios followed by two hometown favorites, Y La Bamba and Laura Gibson, on November 5 at The Woods.
A group art show, What Comes After Yes, is currently calling for artists to display their work in an exhibition intended to celebrate the bold decision to become a working artist. The art and craft sale will take place on Sunday, November 6 at the Kennedy School; a smattering of female-focused films will be shown throughout the weekend at the Mission Theater; and a culminating blowout of community workshops – from bicycle maintenance and women-in-rock history lessons to yoga and writing composition classes – caps off the weekend. And it can all be yours for a trim and slim 30 bones.
I encourage you to drive, fly, bike, bus, and/or walk to any of the listed events. For those several states away, take a moment or two to explore the links above and rejoice in the mere existence of such a badass festival.