Lesbian Pirates Celebrate Music and Art

by E. Ross

Pictured from left to right: Janet Sarnick, Mandy Salgato, Jessicah Heller, Geysa Aldebot, Laura Carpenter, Stacey Uptegraft, and Amber Jay. Photos by Drea Hunnicutt. Design by Kenna Bates.

It's a pirate's life for Celebration of Change this year, and the Pirates of the Lesibbean have captured the Wilda Marston Theater for the annual women's performance. 

The show begins with a rowdy pirate song and dance number with music from the Pirates of the Caribbean 3. "Plenty of swabbing of the poop deck and stage combat," said Leslie Ward, who choreographed the scene. "Dancers 'capture' performers and 'toss them into the brig' (backstage)."

Ward will perform two solo dances later in the show, jazz/modern and hip hop style. Other performers include EverReady, Barbara Wish and Stray Dogma. There will be dance, song, spoken word and comedy, and Radical Arts for Women (RAW) will announce the winner of the Radical Woman Award.

The Bazaar before and after the show includes visual art, information and snacks.

"I haven't seen the rehearsals at all," said Laura Carpenter, Coordinator of RAW and Treasurer/P.R. for Celebration. "I'm the behind the scenes person this year. The show will just happen like magic for me that night. I'm excited about it."

Carpenter has been involved with Celebration of Change for five years and performed in several shows. As Coordinator of RAW, she oversaw the distribution of $2,000 in grants in 2007 to feminist and lesbian artists.

"Celebration is usually a full house, but not sold out," said Laura. "I like it that way because I don't like turning people away." The $15 tickets are available before the show at Metro and the GLCCA, and are the same price at the door Saturday night. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Celebration of Change is the annual fundraiser for Radical Arts for Women, a Lesbian and Feminist philanthropic organization that funds Alaskan women art projects. In addition to Celebration and the Radical Woman Award, RAW sponsors a short story contest for women in Alaska. This year's winning entry is posted on the RAW web site.

So hoist a lavendar skull and crossbones, and come to the Wilda Marston Theater in Loussac Library for Celebration of Change - Pirates of the Lesibbean!