THE fourth annual Women's Work festival is currently under way in Belfast. Organised by the Oh Yeah Centre and running until June 9, it's a celebration of women in music which includes showcases, gigs, special events, panels, talks and workshops.
This year's Women's Work features the Belfast debut of Deborah Frances-White's award-winning podcast The Guilty Feminist, which will be recorded live at The Limelight on Saturday June 8, while Derry-born Music Love Drugs War author Geraldine Quigley will be talking to the Women Aloud podcast (June 9, Oh Yeah).
The Women's Work Showcase (June 8, Oh Yeah) offers live music from Wynona Bleach, Molly Sterling, Dena Anuksa, Gemma Bradley, Gender Chores and others. There will also be live shows from Alana Henderson (tonight, Strand Arts Centre), a Start Together Studios birthday party show headlined by confrontational Liverpool act Queen Zee (Sunday June 9, Limelight 2) and a Getting To Know... performance and discussion with Hannah Peel (June 8, Oh Yeah).
A 'women of Irish hip-hop' showcase will be presented by Elixer (tonight, Oh Yeah), Brigid O’Neill is this years 'rooftop artist' (tonight, Oh Yeah, weather permitting) and there will be a tribute to new wave icons Blondie with live music and karaoke (June 7, Oh Yeah).
Several workshops, talks and advice sessions also feature in the programme, including Girls Rock School NI (June 8, Oh Yeah, 12pm) Female DIY Tribe (June 6/7/8/9, Oh Yeah, 10am), GIRL (June 8, Oh Yeah, 11am) and the Musicians’ Union (June 8, Black Box, 12pm).
Escuelas de Paz & Beyond Skin will also host a conversation with their special guest, Columbian beauty queen, activist and musician, Genesis (June 9, Black Box, 7pm). Women In Music, a funding initiative through Help Musicians NI, will be highlighted at four different events including panel discussions hosted by FairPlé (June 7 at 11.30am, June 8 at 12pm, Duncairn Arts Centre), the campaign to achieve gender balance in traditional music and folk.
Charlotte Dryden of Oh Yeah says: "It’s shaping up to be another brilliant year. We’re absolutely delighted that the Guilty Feminist is making its Belfast debut as part of the festival.
"As for the rest of the programme, the level of collaborative working, shared ideas and ethos is humbling and it makes us proud to be able to facilitate, host and showcase so many initiatives.
"Thanks to Help Musicians NI for getting behind the festival, their support has been solid and we are proud to partner with them again for 2019."
:: Full programme information at Womensworkni.co.uk
