Lethbridge’s women and gender non-conforming artists came together to showcase some of their best talents on Nov. 14 at the Owl Acoustic Lounge.
FLIP Fest presented two local acts in Jesse Tollestrup and Ugly Cry Club, as well as Winnipeg-based group À La Mode.
FLIP Fest is a local music promotion organization devoted to celebrating and encouraging women and non-binary artists.
Jesse Tollestrup, one of the artists that performed, said their experience in the music scene in Lethbridge has been trying at times.
Tollestrup said the inclusivity FLIP Fest’s events endorse is important in a small city like Lethbridge.
“It’s really important. It can kind of be an all-boys club at times in Lethbridge. It’s really great to have people who are supporting women and non-binary talent so talented artists can get the stage time they deserve. There have definitely been open mics that I go to where—while I’m not a girl—I’m perceived as the only girl at the open mic and I’m treated as such. It’s a slightly different treatment and you’re coddled a little bit. It can be super frustrating.”
FLIP Fest originated out of a group of female and gender non-binary music promoters in the Lethbridge area.
Mechaela Marr, one of the co-founders of the organization, said she and the people she now works with felt unheard in their previous positions.
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“Each of us was the only women or non-binary people within the groups we were working with. We decided to put our efforts together rather than each being a voice that could be easily pushed down. I was the only woman promoter in town for a bit, thankfully that’s changed. It’s really hard when other people don’t think what you care about is important.”
Marr also said women and gender non-conforming people have to work harder to make a living in the music business.
She said female artists performances are often less attended and shows like the ones FLIP Fest host are hard to find, especially in smaller markets.
“I have had people not believe me that I do this job. Male bands have refused to talk to me because they think I don’t know what I’m doing. It’s not necessarily that these artists don’t exist and there’s not a place for us. It’s just that at every turn, there are people trying to make it harder for us.”
Marr added being part of a music community is a privilege, not a right and the safe environment they create at shows is necessary for Lethbridge’s sometimes intolerant music scene.
“I’ve had people say they don’t feel safe going to other shows. Due to the environment we provide, Flip shows are the only ones they’re comfortable at. If you’re making a scene, we’ll just kick you the f– out. You don’t have the right to be in this public space if you’re making other people feel unsafe. Lethbridge is small enough, we want to have a fun time. Let’s make it so we all can have fun. This place can be boring if you don’t.”
FLIP Fest announced a hiatus on Nov. 15 through its Facebook page, stating they will still be around to facilitate touring artists, but will no longer be hosting shows on a regular basis.
