Girls Weekend at the Grayslake Oasis

The Girls are taking over the Grayslake Oasis. Girls' Weekend will take place Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27. This two night event showcases 10 regional and local acts including solo female artists, all-female bands, as well as bands with prominent female members. Both shows begin at 6 pm, are all ages, and have a recommended donation of $5 at the door.

The Grayslake Oasis Youth Center is a staple in the local music community and loves the opportunity to empower female musicians within the community. It is old news that women are under-represented in the world of independent music. Oasis Booking Manager Julie Ihlenfeldt started Girls Night last year to help foster growth and promotion of female musicians. In just one year, the response has been so overwhelming that last year's one night event turned into a full weekend of eager acts. "As a girl who was in a band in high school, I know first-hand what a boys' club the music scene can be," noted Ihlenfeldt. "It is great to have the opportunity to bring in new acts to the Oasis for this event and celebrate the amazing talent of women in music."

Kat Farnsworth of the indie folk band Pancake Riot will be participating in Girls Weekend for the first time. For her, music is really an expression of self that is both reaffirming and inspiring. The best part of being a musician is "Creating something of my own. My own words, my own poetry. My own thing. And then getting to share it with people…Writing music is wearing your heart on your sleeve."

Commenting on the importance of this event and why she is participating musician Sarah Jo had this to say, "Events like Girls' Night spread love and encouragement for individuals who seek to be judged by their art, not their gender."

So if you have nothing to do on the weekend of September 26-27, or even if you do, you should come to The Oasis and support some truly talented musicians. Not because they are females, but because they rock. Candace Griffin from Pancake Riot said it best, "…people should come to the show because there's going to be good times and great talent there!"

The Grayslake Oasis Youth Center is a non-profit Youth Center located in downtown Grayslake at 151 Hawley St. For more information about the Oasis or Girls Weekend, please visit their website at http://www.oasisgrayslake.com