It is that time of year again and I am ready to ROCK!

New Ownership

My name is Matrisha Armitage of Tea Time Productions and I have been a Grrrlz Rock participant and volunteer since 2007. This year I am excited to introduce myself as the new coordinator of the month long festival.

As president of a bookkeeping company by day and drummer for Bajuana Tea by night I am looking forward to applying my business skills and passion for music to make the Grrrlz Rock 5th Annual festival a huge success!

Those of you who know me understand how much participating in Grrrlz Rock has meant to me these past several years. In the coming months I will be spreading the word, expanding our audience and meeting more of the ongoing supporters who have made every year such a wonderful experience.

Working with the community, listening to ideas and creating valuable marketing opportunities for local businesses will be my focus this year and I need you to be a part of the action!

Grrrlz Rock Summary

Grrrlz Rock is a month long festival that celebrates the participation and growth of women in music and the arts. Thousands of performers and artists from all genres have been represented by the festival’s numerous events. Hundreds of businesses have benefited from highly visible and affordable sponsorship packages including print advertising, website links, social media, blogs, unique promotional products, radio and television coverage, interviews and on-site event opportunities. Grrrlz Rock events have encouraged, inspired and supported so many female performers, bands and artists from all walks of art and life.

Last year marked an important moment in the festival when the City of Eugene and Lane County proclaimed November as “Grrrlz Rock Month”. The mayor of Eugene and Lane County commissioner presented the founder with a reception and framed proclamations openly expressing their support of the festival and the women in this community.

The Raven Project

This year’s Grrrlz Rock theme is “The Raven Project”, a format that came to mind while I was dreaming of what it would be like to organize this awesome event. We are going to support young female artists and musicians in leaving their nests, spreading their wings and expressing themselves. The image of the Raven evokes a strong sense of mysticism and reminds me of the powerful nature found in the potential of every girl.

Wikipedia on Ravens: “Some remarkable feats of problem-solving have been observed in the species, leading to the belief that it is highly intelligent. Over the centuries, it has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art and literature. In many indigenous cultures…. the Common Raven has been revered as a spiritual figure or god.”

My favorite part about this year’s theme is our plan to use event proceeds to sponsor young girls by providing financial support for their explorations of music and the arts. I believe strongly that in order to increase female participation in music and the arts, we must reach out to the next generation of grrrlz and support them as they develop.

As a young girl who was raised in poverty, I was able to grow into a dedicated female performer through the support of family fundraising efforts that purchased my instruments. This is one reason that I am extremely passionate about this year’s cause and plan on empowering many young, artistic girls to follow their dreams.

Youth will be selected from the local community based on financial need and will receive gift certificates for the purchasing of art supplies and musical instruments from local businesses.

Events In The Works
Ravens of Blues, including Rainy Day Blues Society Monthly Meeting at Mac’s at The Vet’s Club, at least two more blues events waiting to be confirmed.

Ravens of Rock & Roll, including a heavy rock show and jam band show and we are currently begging the Emerald City Roller Girls for some Ravens of Roll action at these shows.

Ravens of Art & Fashion, silent auction and month long art showing at Kitsch clothing store on Willamette, art will be provided by local, young female artists of various mediums with business spotlights at Deluxe and Redoux Parlor to host Grrrlz Rock information stations including VIP pass sales, schedules, posters and of course, great shopping!

Ravens of Folk, various folk artists to perform at beautiful cabin setting on the McKenzie River.

Ravens of Film, a film event showcasing up and coming female film directors and writers, spotlight director is Johnnie Mazzacco of Dark Moon Lilith Productions who will be also premiering her latest trailer for her next film release, along with a Motherhood Project film that is sure to create a stir in the audience, authentic female writing, acting and directing.

Ravens of Funk, a themed DJ party in true 70’s fashion with bells on the bottom and afros on top with lady DJ’s spinning soulful female classics from the disco and funk eras.

Ravens of Wealth, business development seminar with question and answer session for women organizing bands, running businesses and trying to raise families in this busy world to ensure they are taking advantage of the resources available to them.

Ravens of Culture, various cultural performances to be presented within and throughout the month, currently working towards Hawaiian, African, Native American and Asian music and dance.