The annual post-Pride Parade bash for women, Girl Blast, is getting ready to celebrate a decade of dancing, partying and wild fun. Pictured: Girl Blast 2007. Images courtesy of Lynn Malec
La Tache owner Lynn Malec almost can't believe her annual Girl Blast party will mark its 10-year anniversary on June 29, complete with music by DJ Beth, dancing, beer, burgers and lots and lots of ladies.
When Malec, former owner of Girlbar, first heard the news that Paris Dance, which threw an annual post-Pride party for women, was closing, she gave them a call and asked if she could carry the torch. She rented out lot space near Girlbar and the rest is history.
'It just kept growing and growing and growing,' Malec said.
After a few years, Malec had to move the party over to the Ann Sather's parking lot to accommodate for the large number of local ladies who were coming to party down and let loose.
Besides attracting more and more women each year, Malec said that the party hasn't really had to evolve or change. 'It works, you know?' Malec said, laughing.
'It's really expanded, but pretty much has changed its course,' she added.
Girl Blast attracts women from all over—the Chicago suburbs, Michigan, Indiana and beyond. Each year, over 2,000 women participate in the parking-lot party.
'It's stressful to put it on, but it's definitely worth it,' Malec said.
In the 10 years of Girl Blast's existence, Malec said the one disappointment is that there still aren't many nightlife options for lesbians and bisexual women.
'I think that after I shut down Girlbar, the girl's options have completely diminished,' she said. 'It's unfortunate, but I think the big old party days and dance circuit days aren't as big as they used to be. We have so many other kinds of outlets now, and are more accepted, so we don't really need that as much. It's both good and bad at the same time.'
Malec encourages women who haven't tried out Girl Blast to stop by after the parade.
'It's a very safe and comfortable environment for them [ women ] to be themselves and celebrate who they are and the day,' Malec said. 'It's high-energy and lots of women. They pretty much come in and let their hair down and get crazy.'
Girl Blast kicks off in the Ann Sather parking lot, 929 W. Belmont, directly following the Pride Parade. The cost is $12, and the fun lasts until 10 p.m.
