Washington, D.C.’s queer music festival Phasefest is back for its eighth year and is bringing the lesbian community one of the best lineups yet. On Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27, Phase 1 patrons will rock out with their favorite local and national queer rock bands. Headlining this year’s lineup are Hunter Valentine and Minneapolis band Sick of Sarah.
“We are proud to say this is our eighth year of this fine event, which is truly a feat considering very few queer music festivals have had such longevity,” says Angela Lombardi, manager of Phase 1 and organizer of the event. “We work hard to bring these bands to Phase, where the audience can really get to experience the performances. You are so close to the stage you feel like you are almost part of the show.”
Last year’s Phasefest hosted Kaki King, the first female to make it on Rolling Stone’s “Guitar God” list. Even with big headliners Phase 1 still manages to keep the cover price low for guests.
“The toughest thing about this festival is walking the line on the financial side, and trying to bring really big names while not letting the ticket price go above 25 dollars, which is really hard to do in a venue as intimate as Phase 1,” explains Lombardi. Despite these challenges, year after year, like Tim Gunn…she makes it work.
Joining this year’s Friday night lineup are local favorites Glitterlust, The Michelle Raymond Band, Freeform Radio, and Company Calls. On Saturday night, Frankie and Betty, Playground Etiquette, Michelle Webb, and Lacey Liszt will grace the Phase 1 stage before headliners Hunter Valentine close out the night. A special performance by the DC Kings will also take place during the weekend festivities.
For bands and attendees alike, Phasefest is about the music and the spirit of the community. “It’s really important that people understand that our music isn’t catered to a specific group of people and that it’s meant for everyone that wants it,” says Athena Hiotis, lead singer of Playground Etiquette. “In the band we have members that are gay and members that are straight – both of which deeply support the idea of equality. We feel that represents the kind of community we want to promote.”
For more information about the weekend event, visit www.phasefest.com. A weekend VIP pass is available online at http://phasefest2014.eventbee.com/. Individual sales will also be available at the door.
