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Siren Nation women’s music, art and film festival takes on Portland for the 5th year

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.

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Interview with Hole drummer and ‘Hit So Hard’ subject Patty Schemel

Patty Schemel

I won’t say that I’m always particularly verbally eloquent but I was a little aghast at my rambling questions posed to Hole drummer and subject of QDoc Friday night film Hit So Hard Patty Schemel. I wasn’t necessarily nervous, but I can’t deny that Hole’s 1994 album Live Through This was second only to Team Dresch as the most played tape on my Freshman year walkman. And despite any verbosity on my part it was great to hear Schemel’s take on the documentary, and I’ve included the uncut audio below, in addition to the written interview. For a brush up on the film you can read the earlier post reviewing Hit So Hard.

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qPDX: How was it coming out publicly as a musician in the 90s? Any contrast to being out personally?

Patty: I didn’t have any concerns about it. I was out with my peers and in my band. In my band it was a safe place to do that.

q: Any public backlash?

P: None that I knew about. It was a good experience. I got a lot of kids that would say thanks for coming out.

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QDoc: Queer Documentary Film Festival starts this Thursday

Joey Arias appearing in 'Arias with a Twist'

QDoc, the only Queer Documentary Film Festival in the US starts in P-Town this Thursday. For its 5th anniversary the fest will feature 11 screenings and an opening party with opening night film star and drag and performance art sensation Joey Arias accompanied by local musical genius Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini. After seeing opening film Arias with a Twist I can safely say that you don’t want to miss Arias in the flesh. And in addition to the live performances the Mother’s Bistro (212 SW Stark) party will also have delicious, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Just Out has a great overview of the fest, including an interview with Joey Arias and a check-in with the organizers. We’ll have reviews of most films posted daily as well as an interview with former Hole drummer Patty Schemel, who’s film Hit So Hard screens Friday.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Equity Foundation, QDoc is offering 20 FREE tickets for EACH QDoc film for youth ages 23 and under.  Youth can reserve FREE tickets in advance by emailing QDocYouth@gmail.com.  Also, a limited number of FREE youth tickets will be available at the door for each film on a last-minute basis.

You can also get an idea of what to expect from QDoc’s 2011 trailer.

So stay tuned and check out the entire lineup below:

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