Siren Nation

While Katie and Kjerstin spent last weekend at Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, I hung out in Portland, basking in a whole bunch of awesome lady-made music for Portland's annual Siren Nation Festival. In the Ladyfest spirit, Siren Nation celebrates the many contributions women make to the arts, whether it’s music, crafts, art, or film. Siren Nation, now in its fifth year, is more than just a one-weekend festival. In addition to the annual festival, the organizers of Siren Nation hosts fundraisers throughout the year in Portland, including Dolly Parton, Billie Holiday, and Patti Smith tribute nights, providing opportunities for women in the arts all year long. This year's music lineup was phenomenal, and turned us on to lots of new music from female artists.

Reviews and a playlist after the jump!

Portland's annual women-centered arts fest Siren Nation is back, from November 5-8! This three-day festival is packed with women musicians, filmmakers, artists, and craftsters. Siren Nation's mission is to showcase and support women in the arts--and inspire other women to make their own. This year's festival promises to be as great as ever! The film lineup alone is awesome: four documentaries on four strong women, including Ahead of the Majority on Patsy Mink, the first Asian-American woman to run for president, and Ridin' and Rhymin' on cowgirl-cum-poet Georgie Sicking. As for music, check out this rundown of lineup, including Lovers and Tender Forever:

Northwesterners, get your tickets now! For non-Portlanders, it's worth it to check out the line-up for unknown artists you didn't know you were missing.