This is a movement described by words such as “underground,” “punk,” and “Feminist” that was kicked off in the decade of our lord: the 1990s! In the spirit of the titans of Riot Grrrl culture, such as, Kathleen Hanna, this fifth annual Riot Girll Fest is being brought to us by Jennifer “Zooki” Sturges. Hanna herself serves as the frontwoman for the Feminist punk band Bikini Kill and is an inspiration and idol to Zooki.
This year’s Riot Girl Fest is a rally for Queer and Femme empowerment. It is for all ages, all people, and FREE to attend.
Zooki is loud and proud in her staunch support of Queer and Femme artists and their importance to our community. “I’ve been not so quietly coming after the systems that oppress us” is the battle cry that Zooki uses as the frontwoman of her own feminist punk band, “The Ex-Regrets.” She lives out her own lyrics on a daily basis with her music, her acts of service, and her commitment to community as a whole.
On Sat, Oct 17 at Anderson Eatery & Distillery (410 N Bell Av, Denton, 817-203-0623), this carefully crafted festival is an all-day event that features the talent of 10 local queer and femme bands, 5 DFW non-profits, and 20 vendors and artists from around town. “It is important to me to make an all-ages accessible event because I am raising the next generation of Riot Grrrls,” says Zooki. Throughout the day, you can shop small businesses and local artists while being serenaded by the best of DFW’s Riot Grrrl sounds.
Courtesy Houston Ellsworth
Riot Grrrl Fest takes time to feature each of the non-profit organizations that support the festival, giving them time on stage and open-door conversations presented by their volunteers throughout the day. It is a fantastic way to get to know the local resources that may not always get their time in the spotlight.
As if all of these talents collaborating are not enough, Zooki has also coordinated local voices to produce a zine called “The Manifesto” filled with powerful art and words to represent the women who are foundational to this radical ideology. “I created the zine in order to expand the voice of our piece of the movement.”
Rae Lange of “BOOF” spoke to me about the weight of Riot Grrrl art in our community. “Who makes that art? In large part it’s primarily the LGBTQ community and women. Without those people, there’s no place to go on a weekend with your kids or your coworkers or even your drinking buddies. We make up your everyday enjoyment. And yet, we’re generally the most in danger on a day-by-day basis.”
They pulled no punches about why we gather in the name of Riot Grrrl and how crucial a safe event like Riot Girl Fest is for Queer and Femme people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors in our community.
For more promotional info and a full lineup of artists, visit RiotGirlFest.org or follow them on socials.
