INFO: chicagohistory.org/outatchs.html
BY MEGHAN STREIT
Gay and lesbian contributions to American history are so often overlooked, and as a result, much of our heritage is passed on to future generations only in fragments or lost completely. Recognizing the dearth of LBGT historical preservation and celebration, the Chicago Historical Society (CHS) has commendably initiated a five-year series entitled Out at CHS: Exploring the LGBT Past, to recognize the profound contributions that members of the LGBT community have made to local and national history. There will be three different events each year. The first two events of this year were extremely well received by the community, and organizers expect the last program to draw a large audience. The last event, called Women, Womyn, Grrls, and Kings: Chicago Lesbian-Feminist Women's Music Culture Since the 1970s, will take place on Sept. 26 from 1-6 p.m. at CHS (located at Clark Street and North Avenue). The program will explore the historical impact of women's music culture and showcase some of Chicago's finest artists, including beloved veteran performers.
The Out at CHS series grew organically from discussions among members of the LGBT community and CHS program organizers. Commenting on the evolution of the notion of a program on LGBT history, Josh Eisenberg, CHS Public Historian, noted 'a lot of GLBT history out there has not been documented.' The Out at CHS series is one way to fill in some of the gaps in LGBT history, and a time for members of the community to come together to not only recognize our colorful past, but also to celebrate the impact we have had on larger societal movements. It is in this kind of historical preservation that older members of the community can share their experiences and their knowledge, and younger LGBT people can learn a bit about the events and the people that have shaped the world they will inherit. Eisenberg said of the series that CHS hopes to add a layer to that.
CHS invited Toni Armstrong Jr., widely recognized as a national expert on lesbian-feminist women's music, to produce the last CHS event. Armstrong requested that Evette Cardona and Jackie Anderson work as co-producers. Both Cardona and Anderson have been inducted into the Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in recognition of their many years of service, as has Armstrong. Speaking about the lack of historical documentation of lesbian-feminist culture, Armstrong explained that 'lesbian-feminist culture has largely been either ignored or subjected to outright ridicule. Certainly this is true of the mainstream media, but sadly, also the gay press has not acknowledged our contributions. Partially this was because of the separatist nature of many of the events, but also because of sexism.'
Even when it was flying below the radar of—or being distorted by—the mainstream media, lesbian-feminist women's music culture has been thriving in Chicago for decades. The Midwest in general, and Chicago in particular, have provided much of the infrastructure that has helped to build women's music culture, as it exists today. Two of the largest women's music festivals, the National Women's Music Festival and the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, have been produced in the Midwest for 30 years. Even closer to home, Mountain Moving Coffeehouse is the oldest ongoing lesbian-feminist concert space, and continues to this day to operate collectively and on a sliding scale. Both HOT WIRE Magazine: The Journal of Women's Music and Culture, and Women's Music Plus, a national trade directory for the women's music industry, were published in Chicago [by Armstrong].
It was these festivals, concert venues, publications, and the women who made them happen that created the vibrant lesbian-feminist women's music culture that exists in Chicago today. If it were not for the perseverance, ingenuity, creativity, and downright courage of women such as Armstrong, Cardona, Anderson, and so many others, musicians who made their start in Chicago, such as Ginni Clemmens, the legendary blues and folk signer, and Paula Walowitz, internationally known for her chant 'She's Been Waiting,' may not have achieved the success that they did. And in turn, more recent local talents such Kim, a self-described 'geeky, cool rock band from Chicago,' and the Chicago Kings, the increasingly popular drag king performance troupe, may not have found such a welcoming environment if it weren't for those that came before them.
In light of the obstacles that the women's music community has faced in gaining recognition, CHS's decision to celebrate this important sub-culture represents a tremendous accomplishment for the artists and organizers who have been a part of this community for years. Armstrong pointed out, 'It is an honor for the lesbian-feminist community to be recognized and celebrated by such a respectable mainstream institution.' She went on to explain the CHS is making it possible for the organizers to create an event that is sure to be memorable to the audience and a real contribution to the celebration of lesbian history. 'Being given the funding to do the program on a grand scale has made it possible to include performances and panelists, rather than just one 'expert' lecturing on the subject. After all, lesbians and feminists didn't change the course of history by relying on one or two experts or leaders. What we accomplished has, for the most part, been done by working together.'
The all-day event promises to highlight the collaborative history of the lesbian-feminist women's music culture by bringing together a diverse line-up of performers, highlighting musical styles from feminist folk to spiritual drumming to 'grrl rock.' Audiences will be treated to performances by the Artemis Singers, Kristen Lems, Kim, the Chicago Kings, a reunion of the lesbian band Surrender Dorothy, Ubaka Hill's Chicago Drumsong Orchestra, and a jam on Ginni Clemmens' famous 'Solid Ground,' featuring Jorjet Harper, Tricia Alexander, Diana Laffey, Paula Walowitz, Laurie Lee Moses, Toni Armstrong Jr., and Laurie Benz. The event will also include two informative discussion panels entitled, 'National and Historical Impact of Women's Music' and 'Chicago's Contribution to Women's Music Culture,' both of which will feature some of the most knowledgeable and renowned players in the development of lesbian-feminist music.
Tickets are selling fast. For information or to reserve tickets, visit -www.chicagohs.org or call 鵸) 642-4200.
