Pop quiz! Which do you prefer: feminist revolution or fried ravioli with porcini and ricotta and spicy Italian salsa? How about this: girl power bands like Slutever and Babes in Toyland or crack bacon dark chocolate cupcakes?
If you are in Los Angeles this weekend, you don't have to choose. Riot Grill, an all-femme punk, comedy and food fest is combining all your feminist passions and foodie desires into a single revolutionary festival. Is your mouth salivating while your hand subconsciously tightens into a fist prepared to pump? Good.
An original '90s Riot Grrrl flyer, plus burger!
This year's lineup features Babes In Toyland, Le Butcherettes, Slutever and The Menstruators. Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian Sara Schaefer will be your lovely host, and Bitchin’ Kitchen's celebrity chef Nadia G is providing the grub. Bonus: all proceeds from the evening will fund the Human Rights Campaign's fight to protect LGBTQ rights across the country.
If you need a little background, the Riot Grrrl movement has fought against patriarchal capitalism in all its manifestations since the 1990s. In the words of the original Riot Grrrl Manifesto: "BECAUSE we are interested in creating non-heirarchical ways of being AND making music, friends, and scenes based on communication + understanding, instead of competition + good/bad categorizations... BECAUSE we are angry at a society that tells us Girl = Dumb, Girl = Bad, Girl = Weak... BECAUSE I believe with my wholeheartmindbody that girls constitute a revolutionary soul force that can, and will change the world for real."
To add to those stirring words, we'd suggest a Riot Grill addendum: BECAUSE we femmes also deserve a dank six-course meal while benefiting the LGBTQ community and the belief that Love is LOVE!
This is happening tomorrow. Get your tickets now. "Riot Grill" begins at 7 p.m. at the The Regent Theater in Downtown Los Angeles.