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Second Annual Fem Fest Happens At USC

Christianna Wiggins |
April 19, 2014 | 7:19 p.m. PDT

Executive Producer

 

MUNA performs at 2014 Fem Fest (Christianna Wiggins)
MUNA performs at 2014 Fem Fest (Christianna Wiggins)
As the sun set on the University of Southern California's Founders Park on Friday, feminist friendly bands took to the stage to serenade audiences at the 2014 Fem Fest.

The day started at 5:30p.m. with free activities and Fem Fest gear to stimulate good vibes. A table filled with beads hosted different arts and craft. An adjacent food booth served tacos, pizza, cookies and ice cream. Meanwhile, a nearby photo booth and free t-shirts brandishing the slogan "This Is What A Feminist Looks Like" offered festival goers fun souvenirs. 

The aforementioned, along with a few other activities, spread across the lawn to keep attendees busy. Or more appropiately, distracted from the tardiness of the main event, the music. 

However, when the first performer, Becca Marlee, began to sing around 6:40p.m., she soothed the crowd within minutes. Her unique voice paired with an acoustic guitar was a great kickoff to the event. 

The musical acts following were equally excellent. A few electrical snags, lengthly transition times and a couple cases of forgotten lyrics left a few bumps in the road, but the talent itself was undeniable. 

The acts offered a couple of distinct musical genres to satisfy everyone's personal taste.

Vocalists Ren and Katie got everyone to sing along when they beautifully harmonized Avril Lavigne's "Complicated." Later, guitarist Livia Slingerland delivered an electric rock and roll performance that left viewers in awe, and even as the night was coming to a close, no one could resist the urge to dance while the group MUNA fiercely jammed on stage, giving audiences an honest taste of experimental pop. 

In total, the event hosted 10 different musical sets including the headliner, The Blow, and the LA centric band, Girl Pool. 

Each band was either solely comprised of women, or fronted by a woman to showcase and praise female musical talent. 

The event, which is sponsored by the Queer and Ally Student Assembly, USC Spectrum and the Women's Student Assembly, was created in 2013 to dually highlight the lack of female performers at USC concert events while also promoting genuine female talent.

The founder, Kaya Masler, is a USC senior and the president of the Women's Student Assembly. She recognized the need for Fem Fest after observing the absence of women in the university's annual Springfest lineup. 

Springfest officials told one student that the event is usually male centered because it would be difficult to attract a crowd for female performers, but the large turnout at Fem Fest proved that statement couldn't be further from the truth.

READ MORE ON FEM FEST HERE.

Even so, the event may not be everyone's cup of tea, and certainly not as well organized as other USC concerts but it was a cool experience that allowed performers and viewers alike to chill out, rock out, eat and repeat. If that interests you, be sure to check out Fem Fest 2015! 

Reach Executive Producer Christianna Wiggins here and follow her on twitter here



 

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