HERStory of GRRRLZ Rock - 2008

Grrrlz Rock 2008  |  Grrrlz Rock 2007  |  Grrrlz Rock 2006

Summary
The 2008 Grrrlz Rock! Concert series was a huge success. It didn’t make a lot of money; in fact, it broke even now for the third year running. This is a HUGE accomplishment. The true measure of success in this year’s month-long festival was its ability to engage a new generation of young performers, an ever growing community of pro-women artists and intellectually inspire students who not only enjoyed the shows, but also explored issues of equality and gender. We are proud to have accomplished such huge growth within just three years. This report is to briefly outline some basic facts and goals for future GR events.

Where does the money come from, and where does it go?
Months prior to the Grrrlz Rock! Events, Cindy Ingram and contractor, Kate Davidson looked to the community for sponsorship. These sponsorships ranged from $250 to $1,500. There were also several sponsorship packages that included partial in-kind contribution of services and reduction of fees, such as Graphic design work. The funds raised from sponsorship covered the cost of pre-event printing, advertising and promotion.

Each performing act (excluding JH Burlesque and PNW Comedy Festival which are under contract with sponsoring venue/manager) received $75, a t-shirt with their act’s name on it, and a VIP pass for each individual within the act. Some acts are solo performers while others have up to 50 performers such as the Emerald City Roller Girls. Each act, regardless of size, are paid exactly the same. (Each VIP Pass has a value of $76.)

Here is an outline of the cost and income from 2008 events. NOTE: The largest line item paid within the series is talent fees, and contrary to some misguided critics, Cindy Ingram only paid herself $226 for coordination of the entire series.

What are some other facts about the 2008 Grrrlz Rock Series?

• There were more than 52 performing acts within the series
  
• A total of over 450 individuals participating
  
• 21 sponsors
  
• 20 shows
  
• 14 volunteers/interns
  
• 12 venues
  
• Events covered comedy, live music, dance, jam sessions, discussion groups, hair reception, dj dance party and a film festival.
  
• 500 VIP Passes were distributed to all performs, sponsors, media and volunteers 420 t-shirts were given away

Goals for the future?
The Grrrlz Rock! Concert Series has grown so quickly, that creator and coordinator, Cindy Ingram can no longer run the event on her own. This year a new level of leadership came into play. This included several community members taking on responsibility for particular components of the festival. Panel discussion, film event and sessions were all coordinated by volunteers. The writing of promotional materials and coordination of most volunteers/interns was taken over by sponsor, Verve.

In 2009, more departmentalizing will need to take place including vision, budgeting, booking of talent and sponsorship development. Anyone interested in volunteering your time to run the Grrrlz Rock! 2009 series please contact Cindy Ingram @ awecindy@efn.org. We would love your help.

2008 Festival Guide - pdf

2008 Poster	2008 T-Shirt	2008 VIP Pass	2008 Guitar Give Away

2008 Past Articles

Largest Female Concert Series Unites Local and International Musicians

Volunteer Chris Birke

Oregon Loves its Ladies' Rock!

Grrrlz Rock in a variety of fashions

Those Grrrlz keep on rockin'

Saturday Market #33: My Heros!

2008 Post Event Summary
Thank you you all again for being a part of the 2008 Grrrlz Rock! Concert Series. The shows went great, and we also raised $827 for the Emerald City Roller Girls, Jr Gems with the bass guitar give-away. What a year! I've attached a little summary of the year that includes some financial info as well as general summary data. : )

Whew! Now that the shows are over there are a few more things to do. You'll find some blog posts with highlights, new photos added and such to the website www.grrrlzrock.com so keep your eye out for that. I invite anyone to send me a guest blog.... maybe write about your show, your experience, whatever? Just send the text and/or photos to me and I'll post them.

We need your feedback!
Will you answer these few simple questions, so that we can help Grrrlz Rock! continue to grow and be successful? (Please pass this along to others in the band/group so others may answer as well. The more the better!):

1. What was one or more things about your experience with Grrrlz Rock! that was positive?
2. What was one or more things about your experience with Grrrlz Rock! that was NOT positive, or even down right lousy?
3. What ideas do you have for future Grrrlz Rock! events?
4. Would you like to join a committee to create future Grrrlz Rock events?

Thank you again for your gifts of time and talents. YOU ROCK!