by David Byrne with additional reporting by Tony Peregrin
Starting May 16, Estrogen Fest 2007: Back On The Fringe begins a 10-day run of celebrating theater, dance, music, poetry, comedy, performance and visual art. During this year's Estrogen Fest, over 50 Chicago artists will showcase their talents.
Each program will be followed by a discussion with the artists. Attendees are encouraged to remain and understand the artists' craft, inspirations and motivations.
All of the events for this biennial happening will take place at the Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston.
During this celebration, most nights will feature late-night concerts. A broad variety of musicians will be performing for this festival. On May 16 and May 21, The Luna Blues Machine will be playing its hybrid of acoustic hip-hop soul. On May 17, Gamine Thief will wow the audience with its electric dance-punk music. Erica Burkhart and Matiss Duhon will perform their vaudeville-style musical juggling act on May 18 and May 23. On May 19, there will be a double-CD release party for MilKbabY and Stephanie Rearick. Chrissy Gardner will rock the house with material from her debut, WhiskeyHouse, on May 20 and again on May 23. Also on May 23, the duo O*VAD*YA will be on the bill with its neo-psychedelic world-influenced acoustic and rock.
There will be full days of workshops, panels, performances and a craft fair the weekend of May 19 and 20. During the fair, crafters will be on hand to sell their own works.
Don't be a 'nothing but a hound dog;' get 'all shook up' with Rachel Thorne Germond's Moving Like Elvis session on May 19.
It cannot be denied that the government has its hands in just about everything these days. One of the highlights of the festival will be the panel discussion 'Politics & Arts: Should They Mix?' on May 19, which will address this topic further.
On May 20, Room by Jenny Magnus will be shown in full. This piece contemplates the boundaries and exploration of space and music.
While most of the artists performing, being displayed and discussed are female, men are welcome to attend these events. Per estfest.org, 'we do not support the division of men and women. Instead, we bring men to the table to explore and focus on female voices.'
For tickets, more information and the most up-to-date schedule, please visit estfest.org .