19 Years of Celebrating Women and their Music

Music | February 18th, 2016

By David McCoy

Following their successful showcase in December, Deborah Jenkins’ brainchild The Celebration of Women and their Music, is back for their 19th year of inspiring and entertaining the Fargo community. This year they have three days dedicated to the musical celebration that honors women in the performing arts.

The Celebration of Women and their Music was founded by chef and renowned blues singer, Deborah Jenkins. The show was made to recognize the creative passion and pursuits of local women in the performing arts. For the past 19 years The Celebration of Women and their Music has given awards to a variety of talented musicians, artists and dancers in a range of genres from country to pop to jazz. In addition to the award, scholarships with the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation are available to High school senior contestants.

Starting Thursday February 18th, the Pat Lenertz Band will be performing a pre-show alongside members of the Celebrating crew at the Hotel Donaldson. The following Friday night, the electric ensemble TABAH will hold another pre-show at the same venue and times. The pre-shows are for 21 and up and will both run from 8pm until 11pm. No cover will be needed for either show.

Saturday, the main event begins at 6pm with doors opening at 5pm. This year diverse musicians of country, jazz, and rock are scheduled to share their music.

Performances will include, Connie Gjermundson Hill and her high energy folk, blues and jazz infused country music; Fargo-native Nora Hyde and her classical and jazz piano skills; songwriter and singer Randi Kay who finds inspiration from Joni Mitchell and Ella Fitzgerald; Bismarck’s own Kris “Kittyko” Kitko who specializes in music as a teaching medium for her students; the 2013 five-member group TABAH and their honest, organically represented music; Denver’s Best Singer/Songwriter Angie Stevens & the Beautiful Wreck who’ve won Emerging Artist of the Year and Best independent Artist of the Year awards; and Fargo’s singer and songwriter Hannah Westerholm who sings for local band Shape Then Shift. Tickets for the event are $20 for general admission and $50 for VIP tickets. Tickets can be bought online at tickets300.com or at the door on the day of the show.

Seven high schoolers will receive awards during the event. These awards highlight the artistic prowess of these young women: Ellie Anderson, and Camilla Herbel, Emily Lech Megan Vetter and Christina Erb, Laura Jossund, Abby Stugelmayer, who will also be performing.

Connie Hill and Angie Stevens and the Beautiful Wreck will be hosting a post-show at The Aquarium with guest performances by Haley Rydell. The post show will start at 10pm and be 21 & over with a $5 cover at the door.

Founder of the Celebrating Women and their Music, Deborah invites everyone to come to all three days of events, “Having women come from all over the US to participate says a lot and validates that we are doing something right.”

IF YOU GO:

19th Annual Celebrating Women and their Music Pre-Show

Thursday February 18th and Friday February 19th at 8-11pm

Hotel Donaldson 101 N Broadway, Fargo

701-478-1000

21 and over, no cover charge

19th Annual Celebrating Women and their Music

Fargo Theater 314 Broadway N, Fargo

Saturday February 20th at 6pm. Doors open at 5pm.

701-239-8385

19th Annual Celebrating Women and their Music Post-Show

The Aquarium 226 Broadway, 2nd Floor (above Dempsey’s Public House), Fargo