Patty Schemel's 'Hit so Hard' screens Thursday
This 5th edition of Siren Nation, a celebration of women in music, art, and film and takes over many venues throughout this weekend. They’ve had some great music acts over the years, including a Team Dresch reunion that was not to be missed. This year the fun begins with an epic looking art show at the Albina Press opening Thursday. It features over 40 local artists including the fabulous Alicia Rose and occasional qPDX photo contributor Anna Campbell. Tunes from DJ Safi will set the stage for the weekend at this all ages event.
This year also has a much more robust film portion in comparison to former years, kicking off with Hit So Hard: The Life and Near Death of Patty Schemel. It’s the perfect combo to exemplify the fest encompassing both music and film. When it premiered in Portland at QDOC last June we not only reviewed the film but interviewed the former Hole drummer. So go ahead and read or even listen to audio of Patty Schemel talking Hit So Hard to get excited because Schemel herself, along with producer Christina Soletti will be live and in person to for a special Q&A after the Thursday screening. And visit the SN site for previews and trailers of the rest of the incredible lineup including animation from local Laika studios and several films premiering in PDX for the first time.
But the biggest draw is most often the music and there shouldn’t be any disappointment on this front either. Friday headliners The Corin Tucker Band take stage at the oh-so-northwest Doug Fir along with Ximena Sarinana and kelli schaefer, among others. Saturday sees both an afternoon and evening shows at Mississippi Studios and the Woods respectively, giving us such acts as the drum dominating STLS, sweet and melodically moldy Kimya Dawson, Laura Gibson and more. And for the first time, even Sunday has music with My Brightest Diamond at Mississippi Studios.
What Sunday is really about, though, is the craft fair and sell and the workshops at Kennedy School. They range from yoga to writing, bicycle maintenance, tango and women in rock. And if too much learnin’ is filling up your brain just enjoy the shoporama of local artisans. Get a taste of what to expect for Christmas shopping season with a plethora of modded clothing, handmade vinyl purses, laser cut wooden earrings, cheeky stationary, and even toys cute and wholesome enough to be made at the North Pole.
It’s going to be a full weekend ladies.
