It’s with great excitement that I sit down to write this column about the return of Siren Open Mic for Women. Sure, it’s a shameless plug – I am the host, after all – but Siren is one of those topics I have a hard time not writing about, perhaps because it’s a project that’s so close to my heart, or perhaps because, almost every day, someone calls me or taps me on the street to ask, “When is Siren starting up again?” It seems that despite the fact that Siren was on hiatus for winter (a decision I feared might deflate everyone’s enthusiasm) there is still a thriving demand for feminist, outspoken, female-forward events in San Diego – and for that I say, “Thank Goddess!”

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Siren, allow me to give you a little background. My partner, Taylor, and I founded Siren in July of 2003, after an exhausting tour of the local open-mic circuit left us feeling that there were no open forums in San Diego specifically geared towards feminist, queer and women’s issues. We picked a location (David’s Coffeehouse), borrowed some sound equipment, ran off some cheap flyers, and Siren was born. I’m pretty sure both of us were somewhat shocked at how quickly the event caught on. Almost immediately, we were hosting some of San Diego’s most talented writers and musicians (including Eileen Myles, Brujas y Bellas, Lauren DeRose and Steph Johnson), and packing the little patio behind David’s to capacity. Siren became a Thursday night haven, as women of all kinds took to the mic to share their stories of love, sex, sexuality, friendship and more.

As we begin a brand new spring 2005 season at Siren on April 7, the mission of the event remains the same – to provide a safe space in which female artists may inspire and support one another via the expression of the creative arts. Some of the details, however, have changed. To begin with, Siren has found a new home at Korova Coffee Bar (4496 Park Blvd.), in University Heights. It is with no ill will that we leave David’s Coffeehouse, as we have many fabulous memories from that space. We’ve made the decision to change locations based on the fact that Korova can provide us with a stage, and a roof – two things we need to make performers and audience members more comfortable. We are also thrilled to be working with Korova because the space is just wonderful; if you haven’t been there, make sure to swing by and check out the local art on display inside (it’s some of the best in town). Their soy lattes kick butt, too.

In other changes, Siren is changing to a monthly cycle (fitting, isn’t it?). Instead of putting on two shows a month, we’ve decided to place all our emphasis on one show, which will always take place on the first Thursday of each month. Sign-up time remains the same (7:30 p.m.), along with showtime at 8:00 p.m. Each show will continue to highlight a featured artist from 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. Kicking off the first Siren on April 7 is Molly Jenson, a SoCal singer/songwriter with a great sound. I recently caught Molly’s performance at Plush Café in Fullerton, and was impressed by her confidence and singing chops – I’m sure you will be, too. For more info on Molly, visit this column online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to her website.

I’m looking forward to a powerful new season at Siren. Every performance has brought something unexpected – women coming out on the mic, friends praying for injured friends, activists asking for support with local events – all of these combine to create an experience that is intimate, warm, exciting, and of course hilarious at times. I invite you to get involved, by either sitting in the audience or grabbing the mic yourself. And of course, we’re always looking for volunteers to help with setup/breakdown, flyering, etc., so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to contact me, at queerabby@hotmail.com. As we say at Siren – It’s more than a mic. It’s a movement!

The Center, Say It Records and Champ Records present, “Celebrate Women’s History Month!” (CWHM) on Sunday, March 20, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Center. Live performances by Danielle LoPresti and The Masses, Alicia Champion, Julie Wolf (of Ani Difranco), Eveoke Dance Theatre, Mary Dolan, Saba, Jane, Drop Joy, Catherine Beeks, spoken word by Tryce Czyczynska and more. Keynote speakers are the world-renowned human rights activist and women’s suffragist Gracia Molina de Pick and Gina Angelique, founder and choreographer of the award-winning, activist dance company Eveoke Dance Theatre. The day’s excitement and inspiration will be followed by an all-ages dance, featuring both live music and DJs, from 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. All ages are welcome and encouraged to come party, dance, refuel and get inspired! Tickets are $10 general, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for kids ages 4-12 and free for kids 3 and under.

Women in San Diego have begun to organize LADYFEST and are looking to have the festival on a weekend in July. A planning group is forming. LADYFEST will present a four-day series of bands, readings, photo exhibits, film/video and workshops. Coordinators are looking for people to organize the festival, submit work, offer support, etc. A planning meeting will take place Saturday, March 26, at 12:00 noon at Caffe Italia (1704 India St., under the Little Italy sign). For more info, email Jenny Donovan at jdonovan@hampshire.edu.

For those looking to get out of town, don’t forget that Dinah Shore Weekend is March 23-27 (it’s longer this year!), in Palm Springs. Apparently, reservations are rolling in quicker than ever, since Dinah Shore’s pool-party madness was featured last season on “The L-Word”. Highlights include the White Party on Friday night and the Moulin Rouge party on Saturday night. For more info, visit this article online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the official website. And bring sunscreen!

If you’re staying local, the party is always going strong at Six Degrees, our local ladies’ bar. On Friday, March 19, The Six presents Abigail’s Attic. Don’t know who Abigail’s Attic is? According to their website, they are “a quartet of freakishly fantastic female musicians currently residing in San Diego, California. Their music is an ass kicking blend of rock, pop, punk, funk, and any other sounds they can conjure up!” See for yourself when they play the patio on the 19th from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

And don’t forget that Six Degrees is also showing “The L-Word” on Tuesday nights, in case you happen to miss it on Sunday, or just want to watch it twice in one week (in which case, we may need to talk). Just think – if everyone takes a drink whenever that Jenny character says or does something idiotic, everyone at the bar will be completely plastered. Isn’t that reason enough to go?

And if you’re craving something sweet on Saturday nights, check out Candy at The Flame, the sweetest girl party in town! DJ Tova spins – sure to make you shake what mama gave you.

You’re invited to get a mini Women’s Studies degree at The Center, thanks to the Women’s Lecture Series, which begins March 17. The workshops will be held Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Women’s Resource Center. Coffee and tea will be provided. Dates and topics are as follows:

Thursday, March 17: “Feminist, Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender Research in the Humanities, 1990-2005.” Professor Anne Donadey

Thursday, March 24: “Lesbian Literary Pairs,” Professor Bonnie Kime Scott

Thursday, April 28: “Lesbian Health,” Professor Susan Cayleff

Thursday, May 26: “Feminism and Science,” Professor Deboleena Roy

The Center is calling for nominations of San Diego women who have made significant contributions to the GLBT community. Those selected will be recognized at The Center’s Annual Women’s Night. This year’s event, “Cherchez les Femmes, Monte Carlo,” will take place Saturday, May 7, at the El Cortez Hotel in downtown San Diego. Ten local women will be honored at the event, including the top honor going to the Woman of the Year. To vote and get involved, call (619) 692-2077.

That’s all for this month, friends!

Email me with news/gossip/questions/comments at queerabby@hotmail.com.