Ladyfest Nevada County

Agent Ribbons

One of the most exciting bands to emerge from Sacramento's vibrant indie-rock scene is the Victorian punk duo known as Agent Ribbons. Consisting of Natalie Gordon on guitar and vocals and Lauren Hess on drums, the two pound out a singular sound reminiscent of the White Stripes lost in Alice's wonderland. Their sparse yet driving narratives have a surreal tint, often making the unlikely leap from children's story books to classic rock and back again. Gordon's guitar playing sets a perfect stage for her voice which unexpectedly leaps from low whisper to surprised yowl in a single phrase while Hess' metronomic drumming is steady and unique with unpredictable patterns and explosive fills. The two have carved a singular place for themselves on the West Coast with a rigorous touring schedule and instantly recognizable image. While local scenes fluctuate and disappear, the fortunes of these two talented musicians are likely to only rise. We caught a fleeting glimpse inside the brains of Hess and Gordon before Agent Ribbons make their appearance on the Ladyfest stage.

Sasha: How did you get started playing music?

Natalie: When I was five, my parents inherited a piano from my deceased great-grandmother. Despite the fact that we were dirt poor and living in one of the worst neighborhoods in Sacramento, they scraped up enough money to put me through piano lessons in hopes that I would have a career as a classical pianist one day. I think my mom hoped that I'd be a musician because her father--my grandpa--was and is a classical guitarist and she grew up admiring him. Anyway, I detested my piano lessons but always took great pleasure in writing my own little ditties about animals and holidays instead of practicing my watered-down versions of Ode to Joy and Rondo Alla Turca! I was later accepted to an experimental charter High School called The Performing and Fine Arts Academy where they encouraged me to learn how to play guitar. After eleven years of piano lessons, I gave it up and have not played since, though I do hope to have a piano again someday.

Lauren: My mother is an amazing classical guitarist, so I was able to learn a few chords from her at around age 12. I was obsessed with Nirvana, Hole and Sonic Youth and would spend hours watching music videos (MTV 120 Minutes was the BEST) to try and figure out the songs. I've never had any sort of lesson in my life, I just decide I'd like to pick up an instrument and jump in. Drums are a recent addition to my musical arsenal, I've been experimenting with the traps for about 3 years.

S: Your lyrics are amazing, with complex stories and intricate ryhme schemes; I assume you have a background in writing. What/who are your literary influences?

N: You know, no one ever asks me about my literary influences! Reading has definitely shaped my songwriting more than anything else, I'm sure. Growing up, I was very absorbed in fantasy and the macabre beauty of the writings of The Brothers Grimm or even Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. Later, I cultivated an appreciation for poetry--both free verse with tidy metaphors as well as smart little rhymes. I loved this Polish poet named Wislawa Szymborska, as well as Rainer Maria Rilke and the wise but naive insights of Kenneth Patchen. Most of the literature and art in general that I am most attracted to appeals to me because it mirrors the immeasurable innocence of everything that is alive while acknowledging the sinister and evil in everyone. That's probably why I was so obsessed with 'Demian' by Herman Hesse as a young adult. Even still today, I find myself undecided on whether I wish to be a virtuous hero-type or a world-weary villain! The truth of the matter is, we are all a bit of both, and you'd be a terribly boring person for this to not be the case.

These days, I've been reading the very clever rhymes and antecdotes of Dorothy Parker, as well as plenty of Tom Robbins and Jane Austen. I think many people are uninterested in reading Austen these days because her storylines have been reinvented and exploited over the years to such an extent that it is easy to believe that there is nothing fresh to be found in 'Pride and Prejudice!' However, her perspective is sharp and witty, not to mention that the 'Austen vernacular' is extraordinarily unique. I find her stories irrisistible because of this and I feel like a more accomplished, stylish smartass after putting down one of her books!

S: What is your songwriting process?

N: To be honest, your guess is as good as mine these days! I used to write songs almost always by making them up off the top of my head and then trying to put them to music later. Sometimes I might even find a catchy little tune and then put previously-written lyrics in there. Lately, though, my mind has been a jumble and I've been trying to overcome a lot of self-doubt and second-guessing, which is the number one villian of creativity! I have a whole cassette of song-pieces that have yet to be finished and my process has been different for each one.

L: With Agent Ribbons, Natalie brings in a song or idea and we work out the drum parts and arrangement together. Since there is only two of us, we pay close attention to the dynamics of each song. Our interplay is extremely important. We are anxious to add my vocal harmonies, which will add a new dynamic and will certainly be a challenge for me! I have an ongoing solo project as well that I am working on, low-fi fairly noisy sad songs. There is so not a process that it almost is a process! If that makes any sense.

S: What is the music scene like in Sacramento?

N: Well, it could certainly use a breath of fresh air, that's for sure! Sacramento is a really wonderful, magical place and there's a heavy sprinkling of inspiring folks living there. The music scene is in constant flux, and it's undulating downward right now; but I hope that just means that great things are in the making! Every community needs not only the right kind of venue in order for art and music to thrive, but it also needs artists to stick around in order to inspire and nurture younger generations as well as continue to contribute to the scene that supported them. It seems to me there's an 'abandon ship!' mentality that has infected my music community, and it is doing a lot of damage.

L: It goes in waves. Right now, we are on the cusp of greatness.

S: I know that you work your booty off doing all of your own promotion and touring constantly. Can you talk about what it means to be a DIY operation?

N: It means learning a lot of lessons the hard way, especially for a person like me! I'm a Saggitarius and am generally very anxious to start a million projects and never finish them. It is difficult for me to discipline myself because I begin to imagine that my freedom is being infringed upon if I have too much to worry about. Lauren and I really balance each other out in many ways since she tends to be frugal and pragmatic--the exact opposite of my own characteristics! However, we still have a great deal of trouble financially, trying to survive but also being our own investors. I'm always in debt to someone while simultaneously saving for something Agent Ribbons-related, and we regularly face unanticipated misfortunes that shed light on how naive we are. Our recent deportation from the UK due to the fact that we neglected to sort out work Visas is no exception! Being DIY can sometimes feel like a nihilistic experiment to determine how many wrong ways there are to go about something, but at least we're narrowing it down! And I think we've done a few things right, to our credit.

L: I have subscribed to the DIY way of doing things since my first band in high school. When you dont have money or label support, it is imparitive that you take control. As stressful and daunting it can be at times, doing everything yourself means FREEDOM.

S: How did you two find each other, and what inspired you to start a band together?

N: We ultimately met at K Street Records. I was in dire need of money as usual and told the owner that I had professional experience painting walls (not true). So, I was hired to tidy up the store's appearance, which is like being a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest! The building was in a foul state (it was torn down less than a year after I painted it) so not only did I half-hazardly repaint it, but it was also my duty to dump out numerous buckets collecting rainwater throughout the record store (which, by the way, was beneath four other condemned floors that the water had passed through first!). Picking dead bats out of the bins themselves was also not an uncommon chore, and I think this might have even been the conversation piece that brought Lauren and I together...I'm not entirely sure about that...

Anyway, we chatted often since she was a regular customer, and at some point she relayed that she had recently purchased a drum set for the first time. Since I was only just getting back into music myself, I invited her to play with me at my first show in over a year, and she was willing. The show was at the House of Shields in SF and was well-recieved, so we decided to start a band! The rest is history, I guess.

L: We met through mutual friends at a record store. I had been tinkering with a drumset and Natalie knew that I played music. She asked me to join her for a show in San Francisco a week later. We practiced once and the show went better than it should have been! After that, we decided we wanted to make the band a regular thing. We got along so wonderfully both musically and as friends, it felt right from day one.

S: Do you think that your gender affects your professional life in any way?

N: Of course it does. We very rarely encounter a show that does not bring this to light in some way or another, which is annoying. Young ladies in pretty dresses stereotypically do not run their own careers
or adequately play instruments, and we are treated accordingly.

Sometimes, if we have a male friend in our company, promoters will immediately assume that the dude is the one in charge and attempt to pay him instead of us at the end of a show. A while back, we had a male tour manager and as long as he was around, sound engineers would ask him all the questions about the drumset, placement of the amplifier, etc. regardless of whether or not we were standing right next to him! We are often booked on bills with music that has no relation to what we do, simply because the other acts are female, and it is all too common to hear people exclaim their shock over the fact that we actually play our instruments or that we rock out at times. There have been so many people that have said to us, "Wow, I thought you two were were both just singers that were going to do some folksy stuff!" and I really feel embarrassed for them.

L: My gender affects many aspects in my life. Women are still considered second class citizens. So much has been accomplished this century as far as women's rights and civil rights, but we are far from equality. I do feel lucky to exist in Northern California where there are more progressive thinkers and attitudes than most of the world. But there is sexism everywhere, even in 'indie" communities. American Apparel has made hipster sexism seem cool for a new generation,for example. In my first band in high school ten years ago, I feel we faced more sexism that I have faced with Agent Ribbons. I remember guys would call out at us "show us your tits" (to which, I would my riot grrl self would reply " fuck you, show us your dicks!", one time in the presense of my grandmother and aunt who had come to the show, oops.) and telling me how to turn on my own amp and where to place a microphone. Even though I havent felt as many extreme and ignorant displays of sexism, it is still a factor. There are doubts surrounding our playing abitlity because of our gender and especially because of our feminine appearances. Women are pitted against each other, forced into categories, or simply dismissed.

Oh goddess, I could write a 50 page paper on this...I will stop now for the sake of actually finishing this questionnaire!!

S: What keeps you going, despite some of the adversity that you may encounter in this notoriously difficult field?

N: Probably the exciting, unpredictible circumstances we end up in so often, as well as all of the unlikely friendships we've gained as a result of being performers and travelers. I definitely encounter the
occasional grim existential crisis now and then, but what else am I going to do? Someone once told me that the best way to secure a future as an artist is to never allow yourself to acquire any useful skills. If you do, you'll more than likely end up relying on them. Now, I am keen on learning new things and acquiring as many skills as possible, but I'm trying to put off my most useful areas of interest for as long as I can bear!

L: *cheesy cliche alert* the LOVE of MUSIC. honestly. and touring.

S: Who are your musical/artistic heros/ heroines?

N: Dame Darcy, Edith Beale, George Sand, Edith Piaf (Her demise is less than inspirational, of course, but she is a romantic symbol to me), Anais Nin, and many others I neglect to recall right now.

L: I have many, but here are a few.......

Mary Timony, The Slits, Team Dresch, Nina Simone, Exene Cervenka, Bikini Kill, Azita, Sleater Kinney, Lydia Lunch, Nico...

and a few awesome dudes... Brian Eno, Robert Wyatt, The Clash, Lee Ronaldo, The Beach Boys.

S: What are some of your other interests/ art forms?

N: Ever since Agent Ribbons came into being, I have unfortunately had little time and even fewer resources to pursue my other interests. However, I would very much like to be a quiltmaker, a vegetarian cook and eventually get a Holistic healing education. I was an art history major before I dropped out of college, but that was short-lived and I think I'd rather visit a museum than work in one. Someday, I will
write a children's book.

L: I love making jewelry and paper collages. For the first time in my life, I am extremely inspired by film.

S: Fave Saturday night record?

N: Well, if I was a stripper, I'd have an entire act to the music of Nancy Sinatra's 'Sugar' album.

L: Well, this may be cheating, but here's a Saturday Night Play List: 'Dance' by ESG, 'Fake Fight' by Team Dresch 'Get Yr Freak On' by Missy Elliot and 'Respect' by Erasure.

S: Fave Sunday morning record?

N: I love listening to Bach because I love the harpsichord, but I also have a quasi-embarassing soft spot for Medieval Babes! Lauren will be embarrassed that I told you this.

L: Nico 'Chelsea Girls' or 'Mountains' by Mary Timony.

S: What advice would you give to girls who want to grow up to become rock n' roll stars?



L: Commit to it in every aspect of your life. Know your history. Support other women playing music, don't feed into competition or envy.

Agent Ribbons will perform as part of our Ladyfest Nevada County evening concert. Show starts at 7pm!

Interview by Sasha Soukup and Chris Streng, Sasha and the Shamrocks

Ricky Berger

From the sun-drenched flats of the Sacramento River Valley, a new star is rising. Her voice and dress are unexpectedly old-fashioned, Judy Garland-esque, and she kicks butt on a dozen instruments like a vaudeville queen. The name of this ingenue is Ricky Berger, and the accolades for her first album (entitled, quite simply, "Ricky Berger's First Album") have been piling up like bouquets of roses in a diva's dressing room. Jerry Perry of Alive and Kicking magazine is actually comparatively dignified when he gushes: "(This) doesn't sound like the first album of someone trying to find their sound, but rather the first album of an artist so assured that more great albums to come is an absolute given...and this one just happens to be the first. This is an album of perfect, sublime beauty." I first heard about Ricky from a friend who saw her in Sacramento and actually called me from her car after her set, saying "you won't BELIEVE this girl onstage!" Ladyfest knew we had to get Ricky up to the foothills STAT for her Nevada County debut! Here we get a peek into the magic world of Ms. Berger...

Sasha: How did you get started playing music?



Ricky: I started playing the piano at the age of four.

S: You play multiple instruments-- the guitar, the ukulele, the accordian, and more. When did you figure out that you could branch out in so many different directions?

R: I actually stopped playing music between the ages of 11 and 16, but rekindled my love for it when I picked up a guitar that my uncle, Carson gave to me. He also gave me one of my favorite instruments to play, the flute, when I was quite young. As for accordion, I started playing the one my aunt Joanne had when she was a child a little under a year ago. I started playing the ukelele when a family friend, Roger suggested it and was kind enough to give me one of his. I've been very lucky because most of the instruments I own (a mandolin, my keyboard, a piano, an accordian, guitars, ukeleles, autoharps, an organ, harmonicas, a toy piano, a banjo, a violin, etc...) have been given to me by friends, family members, and fans of my music. When I'm able to afford them, I look forward to purchasing and playing the pedal harp, cello, clairinet, celesta, and vibraphone- though, I'm sure I'll be adding to that list in the near future...

S: What is the music scene like in Sacramento?



R: The music scene in Sacramento is always surprising me. There are so many gems here, waiting to be discovered. I've found personally that there is a large influence of bluegrass, folk, and blues on music here.

S: Who are your musical/artistic influences?

R: Honestly, my biggest influences are the everyday people in my life. My friends, family members, and when I'm fortunate enough to find one- romantic partner provide me with all of the music and lyrics I come up with. As far as music that i like to listen to, I'm a huge fan of classic approaches to music in general, whether that be pop, jazz, country, etc. My taste in music is pretty wide in range, I like anything if it's done right.

S: Can you talk a little about your songwriting process? Where do you get your inspirations?

R: This is such a hard question to answer. I don't think about what I am doing when I'm writing. I'm certainly not trying to write a song when I'm composing it; it just comes out naturally. I believe what happens is that when my surroundings effect me emotionally, out of habit, I turn to playing music and *ding!* a song pops out.

S: The life of a musician is notoriously challenging. What is your support system?

R: Anymore, living in our society for anyone is very challenging. Fortunately, I have a few close friends and family members that are very reassuring, sensitive, and understanding. I make it a point to visit my parents, sister, and gradparents (in Bakersfield and Nipomo) every month for a week and that is always so invigorating. I'm quite a spiritual person and find that regularly attending places of meditation keep me feeling centered. I also have a therapist that I see from time to time; she's so great. Most importantly, I try to go rollerskating once a week; it is so important to preserve your youthful enthusiasm for life!

S: Do you feel that your gender has influenced your professional life in any way?

R: I don't really think so. Even if it did, I don't think I would know that it had, since I've only ever been a lady. I feel that professionally, people have been pretty accepting of and very kind to me. If someone doesn't want to give you a chance for whatever reason, it's up to you to show them why they should.

S: You are recording your second album in Las Vegas! Wow! How is it going? And what do you think of the city?

R: Yes, I am so excited! I've been tracking at UNLV (University of Las Vegas Nevada). I love the sound of this album so far; it's more jazz oriented then my first, but still pop. As far as Las Vegas as a city, it's so bright and full of energy! I've sneaked into a few casinos and clubs (I'm 20 years old) to see some really great bands while I've been here. There are also some really great thrift stores. The only bad thing that I can say about the place is that it is so incredibly dry! I'm bringing a humidifier the next time I come.

S: What are your wishes for the world right now?

R: Wow! Should I say world peace? I'm only kidding... I wish that we could find a more practical form of energy, that our society could learn to slow down, and that we were more small business/local oriented.

S: Favorite Saturday Night Record?


R: Honestly, I love to turn on my radio and listen to NPR in the evenings, usually they have interesting guests and jazz music.

S: Favorite Sunday Morning Record?

R: 'Let's Get Lost: The Best of Chet Baker Sings' by Chet Baker or 'One Guitar, No Vocals' by Leo Kottke.

S: Favorite Driving Music?

R: Anything by Roger Miller or ABBA

S:Any advice for ladies who aspire to be super-star singer-songwriters?

R: I would say to remember to trust your heart, instincts, and conscience. Be brave. Remember that (mostly) people don't regret the things they did, they regret the things they didn't do.

Ricky Berger performs as part of the Ladyfest Nevada County evening concert. Show starts at 7pm.

Interview by Sasha Soukup

MaMuse

When Karisha and Sarah played their first show with us in Nevada City this spring, people kept coming up to me during their set wearing incredulous expressions. "Who ARE they?" and "Where did you FIND them?" When I informed everyone that they were from Chico, I was met with looks of disbelief. (Perhaps if I'd said "Venus" it would have made more sense!) Now I have to admit that I didn't know much about Chico until this year, and I was surprised to learn that it is a haven for artists of every ilk! MaMuse are the darlings of Chico's vibrant music scene, and for good reason: they exude a positive, playful energy that is matched by masterful musicianship and strong songwriting; their soulful, sweet harmonies lift the heart and expand the spirit. MaMuse are the perfect act to get our Ladyfest evening concert off on the Good Foot, so make sure you get there on time (7pm!) so you can catch them. You'll be glad you did! Here they are, interviewed by a mysterious entity named "The Muse"... -Sasha Soukup, Sasha and the Shamrocks





The Muse: When did you start your musical journey?


Karisha: My musical journey started in the womb, and before. It's the journey of the Universe. It starts with the first pulse and it goes on forever.


The Muse: Wow! That's quite a statement. It seems to be reflected in your music. Where does most of your inspiration come from?


Sarah & Karisha: Inspiration comes from where we live, which is Chico; and also from places that we have been before.


Sarah: I enjoy letting the essence of place speak through me. In Chico, the creeks and trees and slowness have a strong voice.


Karisha: We're also very much inspired by our friends and family.





The Muse: How are friends and family inspiring and empowering?


Karisha: I feel 100% supported by my friends and family. I feel seen and heard and encouraged. I feel like we live in a community that works as a complete circle where we support one another, young and old.


Sarah: My family always asks me about my music. They know how important this is in my life. Sometimes they've reminded me when I have forgotten. I see this as empowerment; we all need wakeups every once and a while.

My friendship with Karisha has deepened through this journey of music making. I feel her as an amazing support in my life. I feel so blessed.


The Muse: As a female musician, what empowers you?


Sarah: I felt a great sense of empowerment when I started playing my own instrument, as well as singing. I used to just sing back-up for other people's songs. It's been a gradual process of believing that I can actually hold my own both in writing, playing and singing.

Biking to all our shows is a great source of empowerment! I am noticing more and more women who seem to be just having fun with sharing a gift that is really our birth right: the gift of song and story.


Karisha: Learning from the women who've come before...Witnessing friends give birth has given me the knowing that anything is possible. Women are Powerful.





The Muse: Why do you make music?


Karisha: I'm following a thread that comes from the center of my Being. I may not know what's gonna happen or how it all will look. This is where it's taking me now, into this project known as MaMuse.


Sarah: I don't know how to not make music. It seems to be something that's followed me throughout my travels and adventures. I'm realizing that it's just a part of me.


The Muse: What inspires you about being a part of LadyFest?


Sarah: We're coming together to support each other and to inspire other women to share their own unique voice with the world.





MaMuse will open our Ladyfest Nevada County Evening Concert at 7pm.

Catherine Scholz

It is a rare person who lives their art form completely, but Catherine Scholz is not your average woman. She is not only a music educator and music therapist, she is an award-winning singer-songwriter. Her new album "Whirlwind Girl", won Album of the Year in 2008 at the Northern California Artistic Achievement awards ceremony (aka the "Grassies"). Crossing genres of folk, jazz, pop, classical and country, "Whirlwind Girl" is a heartfelt collaboration with guitarist/engineer Michael Logue of SunSound Studios. Here is a glimpse into Catherine's inspiring life!

Ladyfest: How did you get started playing music?

Catherine: I started 8 years of piano lessons at age 6, after our church music director noticed I could play melodies by ear. For the next 11 years, I was very involved in church music as a soloist and in instrumental and vocal music choirs. In public school, starting in 4th grade, I played the euphonium (baby tuba). In high school, on that socially ostracizing, yet strangely satisfying instrument, I auditioned for the Greater Milwaukee Youth Wind Ensemble through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. With that group, at age 15, I had the opportunity to tour in Europe. During college at the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, while I was studying euphonium performance, music therapy and music education, I started performing as a backup singer in a female-led, co-ed band called "Barefoot and Pregnant." The front person of that band was veteran singer-songwriter, Mimi Kniaz (also co-founder of Business Ethics Magazine), who invited me to play during her coffeeshop gig breaks. When I moved to Illinois for my music therapy internship, I started playing weekly at a coffeeshop run by Brent Young and his wife, actors from Chicago. For six months, though they were struggling as a business, they fed me bagels and coffee and always put $ in my tip jar. I've been performing as a singer-songwriter ever since.

L: What do you enjoy the most about your art form?

C: Let's be honest, it feels so good to just sing your heart out! But the thing that keeps me onstage is the response from the listeners. Usually if I have just one person sitting in the audience who has been moved in some way through my performance, I feel satisfied. Now the reasons for writing a song are entirely different and usually involve some intense need for personal self-expression.

C: What is the most challenging aspect of being a singer-songwriter?

L: Probably overcoming the mental construct that I am an American musician who's talented, but not (yet) world-renowned - that I need to be a household name to believe I'm successful. This absurd notion gets in the way of just being present to my process and to my listeners. Another obstacle is when I witness other female singer-songwriters performing and I start to feel competitive. You know, making music is a process of creating harmony. I have to keep reminding myself: There is enough bandwidth for every woman to have her own sound.

L: Where do you get your inspiration?


C: My material has come primarily from my personal intersections with external reality as perceived through all my many colored lenses. Inspiration to keep performing comes mainly from the listeners and other performers. That being said, in general, inspiration can come from anywhere at any time and I am always taking notes. It seems important to also acknowledge that it takes courage for the writer to write, the singer to sing and for the listener to hear something that may move him/her.

L: Do you feel that your gender has impacted your professional life in any way?


C: Gender issues affect us all, as with race, nationality, creed, etc. Most of us have stereotypes that can get in the way of perceiving someone clearly. If being in the category of "female" has impacted my music career in any way, it's probably been both good and bad.

A local promoter once wrote in an email, "You're a young female singer-songwriter, you should do well." I can't help but feel a little sad that some people believe my success would be primarily tied to my gender and age. That being said, I hope that female musicians of all ages, shapes and looks are being given equal opportunities in music. One thing is clear to me: I want the essence of my songs to come through to the listeners.

L What advice would you give young women who aspire to be singer-songwriters?

C: Here are my suggestions for success as a female singer-songwriter: It is so important to have good mentors to look to for guidance - in this case, female musicians or similar artists who have been writing and performing for a long time, have integrity, and are willing to give you support and advice when you need it; a spiritual practice of some kind for dealing with challenges on the way, and just one person (or animal) who believes in you so completely that they would give you a standing ovation even on your worst night. Oh yeah and one more thing, the ability to wait long enough for your goals to become reality.

Catherine Scholz will perform as part of the Ladyfest Nevada County evening concert. Show starts at 7pm.

Catherine Scholz is an award-winning singer-songwriter & music educator who muses in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. You can download her latest release on ITunes or buy an autographed CD directly from Catherine through GoogleCheckout.

Also, you can connect with Catherine online at:

Twitter

Myspace

Facebook

and Linked In.

Interview by Sasha Soukup

BEESHARQ

I was lucky to be at BEESHARQ's very first show early this summer. When this young, elf-like woman took the stage as part of the Hear Tell Summer Spells music series, you never would have known that she was new to performing. She wove us into the tapestry of her intricate melodies and words like a pro, with an intense, almost mystical quality that reminded me of a young Cat Power. In our special community which has become known the world over for its incredible young female singer-songwriters, BEESHARQ (aka Briana Williams) is the latest and greatest arrival on the scene. This interview, done by her sister Sarah and her good friend Briana, gives us a glimpse into the woman behind the enchanting guitar and voice. -Sasha Soukup



Ladyfest: How long have you been making music?

Briana: I got my first acoustic guitar for Christmas in sixth grade, which I was really excited about, but I didn't put in enough time and effort until about two years ago. I have been trying to play at least a little bit every day for about a year and a half. I've always liked to sing, since I was a tiny thing, but I was much too shy to sing in front of most people until three years ago. While Winter turned to Spring this year, I recorded a CD on my computer called "Hope Music" which I began passing out to every friend I thought would appreciate it in some way. In April, when pretty much everyone I knew had a CD, I brought a small stack down to After the Gold Rush Records, in Nevada City. They are $5.

L: How long have you been performing?

B: I played an open mic in Grass Valley about three years ago with my friend Evan King. I wrote the words and sang, he wrote the guitar part and played guitar. We got our act together in about a week. It was a really fun, exciting, and also nerve-racking week. I was SO nervous. That's the only open mic I've played. The next time I performed wasn't until June of this year, at "Hear Tell Summer Spells" at Coffee Town in Grass Valley. Since then I've played once at Briar Patch in Grass Valley, I've played at two art/music shows put on by a friend in Nevada City, and once at a benefit at Dos Banditos with my friend Benjamin Brown. We called ourselves "The Bumbling Bees" and we plan on performing together again soon.



L: Having now done both, do you prefer recording or performing and why?

B: I don’t really prefer one from the other. I like recording by myself because I never feel embarrassed about experimenting with my voice. I enjoy performing because it’s really exciting to get any kind of feedback, and when it’s positive it just blows my mind! They are very different experiences for me and I appreciate things about them both. On the other hand, they both make me nervous… so I’m working on that.

L: What inspires you?

B: I love the Yuba River. I love Autumn in Nevada City. I love to travel. My friends, strangers, flowers, trees, graveyards, so many things. I love watching life. I am inspired by all kinds of things every day. Lengthy road trips are very inspirational, life-changing events for me. They provide so much time for reflecting, I just wish that gas prices weren't so high!



L: Where did you go on your last road trip?

B: In the middle of last December, my good friend Camille and I headed out of Nevada City in her ’87 Toyota van. We had a single mattress in the back, lots of snacks, and no plans except for us both to see Arizona for the first time. We were on the road for almost two weeks. We went to several parts of Arizona, and ended up in New Mexico and Texas for a couple of days as well. We slept in the van almost every night. At the end of the trip we stayed in hotels for a couple of nights because we couldn’t take the cold anymore. In the van, we woke up with the sun and frost, and went to sleep soon after dark because it would get too cold to hang around outside the blankets. We saw and learned so much together on that trip. It was the freest I’ve ever felt, and maybe the freest I’ll ever be.

L: How often do you write?

B: I have written poetry since I can remember. Probably since I learned the word. Or the meaning. Or, maybe it was when I discovered synonyms. Or rhythms. Or rhymes. Maybe it was when
I
Learned
About
Lines.
But anyway I write all the time. I get the urge and I immediately have to find a pen and paper, of sorts. I write on a lot of receipts and napkins. Sometimes I just end up singing stuff out loud to myself, because I can't find anything to take it down with. I always think I'll remember if I sing it out loud, but I usually forget the whole thing even happened. Writing poetry is probably my favorite thing to do. It helps me in so many ways, and I enjoy looking back on old writings too.



L: Where did you grow up?

B: I was born in Grass Valley, at home. We lived in that house until I was about one year old and then we moved a couple of miles away to the house I lived in until I was seventeen.

L: Where do you live now?

B: I live in Nevada City with my older sister, Sarah. She’s twenty-five. We’ve been living there for almost a year now and we love it. We can walk to town in less than ten minutes, and drive to the river in about the same amount of time. I lived in Santa Cruz for a year before this house, but I missed the ways of Nevada County too much. The river, life-long friends and good food called me back.

L: What else do you do with your time?

B: I work at Video Library in Grass Valley four days a week, which I like a lot. I worked there for six months before I moved to Santa Cruz, and now I’ve been back for about six months. In Santa Cruz I worked at another locally owned video store, for a year, called Westside Video. I guess I have a thing for video stores. Besides work, I really enjoy hanging out with people and getting to know them. I also like collecting things, taking pictures, walking, listening, observing, and of course listening to music.

L: What kind of music have you been listening to lately?

B: It’s really hard for me to give straight answers about music. I have a really expansive music taste. I will listen to anything once. I like something from pretty much every genre. I am usually a very calm person so I don’t find myself listening to anything too hardcore…. I grew up listening to the oldies with my parents so I feel like that’s what always sticks around and brings me up when I’m down. I love a lot of ladies, like Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, and Aretha Franklin. Of course, there are so many inspiring ladies making music today too. One of my favorites, if not my very favorite, is Diane Cluck. Her music and voice speak to me as if they were written in my dreams. Plus, all the wonderful local ladies we have here in Nevada County! Thank you for making Ladyfest come to life! Lady Power!



BEESHARQ will be part of our evening concert at Ladyfest Nevada County. show starts at 7pm.

Tania Carlone

When we heard that Tania Carlone was going to teach a workshop about Growing a Grassroots Gardening Movement, we were thrilled. Nevada County loves nothing better than a Do-It-Yourself attitude... and in our rural county with its clear blue skies and long growing season, we all share a passion for digging in the dirt!

Tania is the Executive Director of the Yuba Watershed Institute, a non-profit organization committed to protecting, preserving and restoring the biodiversity of the Yuba Watershed. Her experiences and personal interests live at the intersection of education, environmental sustainability and social justice; so it is only fitting that she has created a "Victory Garden" in her front yard in downtown Nevada City.



Sasha: Have plants always been a part of your life?

Tania: While I have always enjoyed gardening, I came to my interest in permacultural design and organic gardening through my work as an educator at an independent school in Marin County more than ten years ago. In my four years there, I had the opportunity to be actively involved with the school's sustainability program which among other aspects included incorporating their 1/2 acre organic garden into the curriculum at every level. In collaboration with the school community, we developed a composting program and a vibrant school gardening program. Henceforth, I have been an avid gardener and have taken many courses and workshops throughout the Bay Area in pursuit of my passion. My husband, daughter and I moved to Nevada City three and a half years ago and within a few months tore up our front lawn and replaced it with an organic edible and perennial pollinator garden. We're currently tearing out vinca and Himalayan Blackberry, a pool and a concrete driveway in the backyard to make way for our ever-expanding gardens. Like life, our garden is a work in progress.



S: What do you enjoy the most about this amazing garden that you've created?

T: I enjoy the tremendous amount of community interaction that our front yard garden on East Broad Street in downtown Nevada City fosters. Since I garden year round, I'm always out front prepping, maintaining or harvesting in the garden. Nearly all of my conversations with my neighbors, tourists and passersby occur while gardening. I find working in the soil and with plants therapeutic and meditative. And there is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment and creativity when harvesting fresh, gorgeous foods from your own garden and allowing the day's harvest to guide you in your daily culinary creations. There are some days when I most enjoy literally watching my garden grow.



S: What is the most challenging aspect of your earth-based work?

T: Gardening in a seasonal and changing climate has its challenges. But the garden is an incredible teacher that encourages patience, flexibility and balance. It is a place of inquiry, experimentation and problem-solving.



S: Where do you get your inspiration?

T: I draw my inspiration for gardening from the beauty of the natural world, and the potential contained in every seed.



S: What advice would you give young women who have a passion for gardening and permaculture?

T: My advice to young women is to come to know themselves deeply and honestly and to pursue steadfastly those things they are most passionate about.



Tania Carlone will lead the workshop "Seeding Our Neighborhoods: Growing a Grassroots Gardening Movement" at Ladyfest Nevada County.

Interview by Sasha Soukup

Mandy Lucchese

Nevada County is a yoga-lovers paradise. The popular Wild Mountain Yoga in Nevada City is beloved for both its beautiful studios and amazing teachers. Mandy Lucchese is one of those flexible, passionate yoginis who aspires to bend our minds and bodies into new and beautiful shapes. Here we learn about how she came to her discipline!



Ladyfest: How did you get started on the yoga path?

Mandy: The first yoga class I took was in college in 1992. However, it was not until years later when yoga moved beyond just a cardiovascular exercise and became a spiritual practice. Yoga works and the high it leaves can be infectious. After attending Katie's classes from 2000 to 2005, I was thirsty for what was beyond the asanas. I received my Astanga training in 2005. The philosophy behind yoga enticed me. I became a teacher at Wild Mountain Yoga in 2006. This last summer I have begun my Anasara training in San Francisco. The deeper my road travels the more evident my commitment for creating space for people to heal.

L: What do you enjoy the most about the yogic life?

M: Once on the yogic path, it creates a life practice that nourishes the self in unfathomable ways. A well known teacher, Donna Farhi, wrote, "...yoga helps us find a practical relationship with the dynamic and unpredictable aspects of our life. We establish a calm abiding center, not to fortify ourselves against the chaos of life, but to help us become resilient, tolerant, and accepting of the inevitable, perplexing, and often agonizing losses we go through. A calm abiding center and a fully engaged life, therefore, go hand and hand."
Look around, people are stressed and hurting. We all need each other and to feel connected. In these challenging times, we all need to be a light for one another.

L: What is the most challenging aspect of this discipline?

M: My teacher once said that you could not pull on the pedals of a rose to make it bloom. It is an inner unfolding. The challenge is to let our inner grace, our true nature shine beyond the boundaries of our skin. It is finding your own answer to what anchors you. My challenge is to wed my mind to my essence.



L: Where do you get your inspiration?

M: All of life, my struggles, conversations, seasons, mothers, art, community... yoga effects all corners of my life to make it more vibrant and filled with gratitude. We are all teachers, we are all students. Just taking a deep breathe to sip in the wonders of the moment knowing that we all have a finite amount of breathes we will take. Inspiration comes from not taking things for granted.

L: Do you feel that your gender has impacted your professional life in any way?

M: Having a path carved out to me by women has been a blessing. Women do business differently. You can run a successful business and stay true to being feminine, genuine and compassionate in all your dealings. It seems as though it is not so much about the bottom line but the manner in which you got there.

L: What advice would you give young women who aspire to enter your field of study?

M: Honor your voice and the way you create your life. As women, we know that there are many different ways. Believe there is good in the world. Your contribution is valued. Don't let money stop you. Most importantly, be authentic, have integrity, and make decisions that you can feel good about. If you are inspired to become a yoga instructor first reach for your toes and then the stars!



Mandy Lucchese will start out the day at Ladyfest Nevada County with her workshop "Awaken with Yoga".

Mandy teaches Mountain Flow Yoga (Level 2-3) at Wild Mountain Yoga in Nevada City.
Monday and Tuesday 5:30-7pm
Friday 8:30-10am

Interview by Sasha Soukup

Lila Reyna

We all have our moments as women when we realize we are not living in our power. Sometimes the most negative experience can be the wake up call that stir the woman warrior within. We don't need to look outside ourselves for our strength, but sometimes it helps to meet a woman who has realized her own passionate fire to ignite our own inner flames. Lila Reyna is a inspiration to say the least! She has learned from life's hardships and risen above it all to be a strong women, a loving mother and a guide for martial arts students on the path to true inner awareness. Lila will be hosting a workshop on self defense entitled Awareness in Action at Ladyfest and is an instructor and co-owner of Kuk Sool Won in Nevada City.



Tiffany: What brought you to the practice of martial arts?

Lila: I have always been intrigued by what the body can do, especially when in tune with the mind. When I first started training in martial arts it was a time in my life that was accompanied by many personal challenges- both emotionally and physically. Stepping out from an abusive relationship, the vulnerability I carried remained stuck through an underlying depression, confusion, and hurt. It was these negative feelings that prompted my search for change because I knew this was not part of who I used to be, and more importantly, not who I was going to continue to be. It is difficult to recover your power and sense of self if you are a victim of crime inflicted by others, or victim to the demoralizing self-abuse that many of us become familiar with as daily habits or addictions. It is about taking step after step in a positive direction and believing that you are worth it. Martial arts was one step to reshaping my life and now it is a way of life.

T: How has your practice changed your life?

L: The martial arts provided a way to reconnect with myself, especially through the physical aspect of the art. This reconnection with body correlated directly to the positive mental perception that began to grow daily and through this I found the importance of self-appreciation. The consistent training with levels/goals to be met has helped me remain focused as well as providing physical and mental challenges that keep me from getting too comfortable and complacent, pushing me to learn more, accept what is, and continue to adapt and improve in all areas of my well-being.



T: In what ways does self defense empower women?

L: Women are not typically raised to strike out, to kick, or even to use their voice in a loud manner. For some, it is scary to venture into these realms of self as this might be preconditioned as an unhealthy or even non-spiritual way of behaving. Self-defense is often thought of, and often taught with, the singular focus being on the physical kicks, hand strikes, escape techniques, and modes of fighting. Through the use of your body and feeling the capacity that one has, it can be empowering on its own to discover your inner strength. This is very important to have some understanding of the physical aspects as it can aid in your survival and besides that, it's actually a lot of fun! However, I believe that physical self-defense is only one aspect of conscious self-defense and empowerment comes from utilizing the mechanics of the body, allowing the flow of the mind, and creating awareness of your environment, of others, and especially, of your self.

T: What do you wish to pass on to other women in your workshops?

L: Passion! Why passion, you might ask? It would seem more sensible to reply in regards to self-defense with the key words: awareness, protection, or survival techniques. But successful self-defense does not mean winning a fight, it means escaping bodily harm and ensuring mental aliveness. People can take workshop after workshop, of many different types and try again and again to apply the techniques offered, but often little will stick. Why? This is because often we want everything immediately, we want it now, and we don't necessarily want to work for it. First you have to start with taking a look at what makes you tick, what drives you forward, and begin to have an understanding of who you are, in order to fully apply what was learned. Passion...it covers it all. If you have passion you appreciate yourself, you know you are worth defending on all levels and immediately your awareness is heightened because you begin to notice and appreciate the little details of what is around and within you. Passion creates appreciation, appreciation creates awareness, and awareness creates prevention. And prevention is the best defense for a victim of crime, victim of self-neglect, or victim of health issues.



T: What lessons have you learned in your years as a black belt and a mother that has shaped who you are today?

L: As a mother of three children, I am tired each day with the challenge of balancing home, work, children, sports, more work, alone time, and of course, play! I know I don't need to go into more detail because for all the moms out there, I'm sure you have your own delicately balanced days. My children have been my biggest teachers. Through the endless and seemingly unanswerable questions, the "button pusher" moments, the laughter, and tears have all contributed to my belief that we should make the most out of each day. What are we waiting for? There are always petty excuses, "Tomorrow I will start eating healthier," or "tomorrow I will exercise," but there is no greater moment than the one directly in front of us-right now. Motherhood has offered learning in a variety of forms with patience, giving, and acceptance at the top of the list. It is with no doubt that many lessons continue to surface as I think they do for everyone. I think the key is in how fast you learn or understand the situation, and then put in action the tools that help to propel you forward. Martial arts training has been one of those "tools" that can be applied in multiple situations. There is a stigma that floats around the words: "Black Belt". Acquiring a black belt (for the most part) signifies goals met, hard work, persistence, and for many it is a high level of martial art ability. I am in training for my third degree black belt and the humble recognition upon receiving my degrees of black belt, as it can be with other accomplishments too, is that I did not suddenly know everything, feel invincible, or even know the meaning of life. No, it is just another step in the process of learning, understanding, and creating. On that note, you do not need to be any level belt to be successful with self-defense. In its own way, knowing that you are worth defending and truly believing that concept provides an incredibly strong foundation for your survival and well-being.



Lila Reyna will be teaching the workshop "Awareness in Action" at Ladyfest Nevada County.

Lila is the founder of Safety Awareness Training, a multiple level self-defense program for adults, teens, and children. She is a speaker, author, instructor of martial arts, and radio show host on Open Mind Entertainment Network openmindradio.com.
Join Lila's free newsletter at lilareyna.com and open up to the possibilities, power, protection, and passion.



Interview by Tiffany Malakian

Tiffany Malakian is an aspiring writer, poet, and artist. She has studied herbalism, mysticism and cosmology for years and still has much to learn. She is a new mother who has gained so much from the tiny zen master that is her one year old son and the amazing teacher (literally) that is her husband.

Anne Brannan

Most of us remember the first time we ever saw a belly dancer perform-- the entrancing music, the beautiful costumes, and the powerful movements. Belly dance is intriguing because it centers around a body part which our culture tells us to hide (unless we are stick-thin and 18 years old): our stomachs. Traditionally used to strengthen the core for the hard work of childbirth, this is a true Womb-an's dance form! Here, Anne Brannan of Troupe Al Ama shares her journey into belly dance.



Ladyfest: How did you get your start in belly dancing?

Anne: After realizing how out of shape and not happy in my own skin I was after having my daughter, I decided to do something about it. When I was in college and working at the Northern Renaissance Faire in Sonoma County (many many many years ago!), I saw a belly dancer perform in the gypsy camp and decided that was something I wanted to do. Some day. Much much later some day! That some day came about 20 years later (seven years ago in real time). I initially started belly dancing to lose weight, get in shape and make some connections with people that I didn’t work with. I also was in a “change your life” kind of space and belly dance was very far away from how I saw myself. One thing led to another, and I landed on Jacquie Bucknell’s doorstep – literally! – and began my journey.

L: What do you enjoy the most this beautiful art form?

A: There are so many aspects of belly dance that feeds my soul. I love that I have managed to become a woman who is comfortable in her own skin and feels beautiful at a stage in life when many of my peers might not. I love all of the women – young, middle and wise in age – that have become my sisters and extended family because we dance together weekly and perform regularly together. I love the women I meet when I’m away from Nevada County dancing in workshops and at out of town festivals. Belly dancing is very empowering for me as well. Dressing up in the fabulous costumes really does something for me too!



L: What is the most challenging aspect?

A: The one thing that I find most challenging is getting over that idea that I just can’t do this – women my age are not supposed to be belly dancing in public! The other challenge for me is when I push myself to try something new in regards to that next level of dance knowledge. My brain wants to tell me that I can’t, when in actuality it’s just something that might take a bit of work to get through.



L: Where do you get your inspiration?

A: My inspiration comes from all of the women that I dance with in Troupe Al Ama. Everyone that is in the troupe brings something different to share with everyone because we’re all such a diverse group of women.

L: What advice would you give young women who aspire to become belly dancers?

A: The only advice I would give to younger women getting into belly dance is to be open to whatever comes your way in regards to instruction. And pay attention to the wise, older women in the art because they have so much knowledge and wisdom to give back to you if you’re willing to listen and take heart.



Anne Brannan will be teaching Belly Dance at Ladyfest Nevada County.

Anne will be starting a beginning Belly Dance class on October 1st in Auburn. Her next event is a performance with Troupe Al Ama on Friday, October 31st at Fright Night in Nevada City at the Miner's Foundry.
She can be reached at 530-320-9461 or by email at anne@brannan.net.

Interview by Sasha Soukup

Nancy Shanteau

Nancy Shanteau has an impressive job description: Writing Coach, Somatic Coach and Bodyworker, and Skills for Change Coach. The title of her Ladyfest workshop, "Make Powerful Declarations", is equally intriguing. I was grateful for a chance to learn more about this powerful woman's unique work!



Sasha: How did you get started doing what you do?

Nancy: I was drawn to take a workshop and hire a coach to help me figure out conflicts in my own life and work – and the coaching worked! As I continued my training and study, I soon found myself certified by Strozzi Institute as a Somatic Coach, and later by Julia Kelliher as a Skills for Change Coach. I work through the body, which is a powerful way to make efficient and effective change. We do everything through our body, and our challenging emotions and history can get stuck in the tissues, making it hard to change. I help people release past reactions and patterns so that they can move more powerfully into their future, and get more of what they want in their lives. It worked for me and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned with others.

S: What do you enjoy the most about your work?

N: As a writing coach, I help people get their dreams and ideas on paper, and it’s extremely rewarding to help people bring something entirely original into the world. I am a writer myself, so it makes me very happy when people’s dreams become a reality! My work with the body can be so enlivening, and can show the way forward with great clarity. The body doesn’t lie. I love seeing people’s eyes light up as they report their successes, and I love being with them as we put our two heads together on a difficult and challenging situation.

S: Tell me, what do you find challenging about your profession?

N: Invoicing! There’s a slog to every job, and the financial paperwork is the slog in mine. I am so lucky to have wonderful clients, and hearing their voices each week makes all the paperwork worth it!

S: Where do you get your inspiration?

N: Teaching yoga is a huge inspiration for me. I find the connection to spirit in my yoga practice and in nature deeply feeds my daily work. I also love swimming in the South Yuba and biking – we are so lucky to live in the Sierra foothills, surrounded by so much beauty.

I also am blessed to have wonderful teachers: Julia Kelliher, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, and Staci Haines. My teachers both challenge and support me. And I receive extraordinary inspiration from my clients and students. Their questions, their listening, and their deep trust are amazing gifts.



S: Do you feel that your gender has impacted your professional life in any way?

N: Absolutely – women have so many gifts in the way we relate and collaborate, and we also have shared challenges. The work of feminism is just beginning! When we have equal numbers of women leaders, equal pay, and equal access to power, I will be very happy. Women’s success is deeply interrelated to the success of families and children, and that impacts all of us. I believe peace depends on women’s financial success, for when women thrive, the culture thrives. Until then, I continue to work to empower myself and other women, to raise the social and cultural value of our work in the world.

S: What advice would you give young women who aspire to enter your field?

N: Perseverance overcomes great obstacles. It’s really important to give ourselves enough time to accomplish mastery in a field or endeavor. Mastery takes years to achieve, and it’s worth the pursuit.

Also, it’s very useful to have sufficient funding when you start a business. It took me a year of solid work to see my referral business kick in. If I hadn’t had two years of funding, I think it would have been very challenging to build a successful coaching practice. I needed time to build my reputation, work practices, and a reliable income stream.

Most of all, do what you love. It’s so easy to get up in the morning when I look forward to the events in my day. Coaching is a powerful gift – coaches help people achieve their dreams. What could be more rewarding!



Nancy Shanteau will be leading the workshop "Make Powerful Declarations" at Ladyfest Nevada County.

Nancy's expansive client list includes small business owners, employees who want to develop their career, and leaders who want to increase their writing effectiveness and leadership presence.
She will be starting a women's group in late October on Tuesday evenings, and her 2009 teaching schedule includes workshops on Feedback, Making a Spirited Commmitment to Your Dignity, Generative Conflict, Navigating the Rescue Triangle, Releasing Internalized Oppression, and more opportunities to work with Declarations and Asking for 100% of What You Want.

You can email Nancy at nancy@nancyshanteau.com or call her at 530-273-5170.
You can also can find her at Wild Mountain Yoga Center on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:30 pm for her Ashtanga based flow yoga class, Up-Tempo Flow Yoga.

Interview by Sasha Soukup