Pax Robinson challenging Reno’s masculine culture with “She’s on Fire” Art and Music Festival – Sierra Nevada Ally

Women are vastly underrepresented in many corners of the arts world. But, organizers are working to celebrate women artists for an upcoming one-day art and music festival, called She’s on Fire.

“The dream for the event was an old-fashioned variety show format, but instead of accordion playing men in an ugly sweaters followed by a creepy ventriloquist, we wanted women musicians, artists, comedians, dancers, poets and other acts not yet imagined. We wanted to bring together and highlight the depth and diversity of talent and skill the women of Reno possess, while attracting as many people as possible to appreciate and enjoy them,” the event website states.

Sierra Nevada Ally contributor Cheyenne Lester spoke with Pax Robinson, one of the organizers behind this event, which doubles as a fundraiser for The Beauty Project in Reno.

Cheyenne Lester: I was wondering what you think the importance is on shedding light to female performers in our community, whether it be dancers, comedians, poets, musicians; why do you think this holds value?

Pax Robinson: I think there’s a strong masculine culture in Reno, there [aren’t] too many spaces set aside for women. I wanted to create an event that celebrates women, and to provide more opportunities, to see each other and cross pollinate. I’m finding that a lot of female artists are more versatile. I wanted to create an ecosystem of talented women coming together.

For example, we’re always going to have live music, but then some pole dancers reached out to dance to the music, which is great. I think it’s going to come together in an organic way. I want to bring different creative communities of people together and support each other.

I’ve had similar thoughts; there are a lot of men who are performers in Reno, and I’m always searching for more female bands, artists, comedians, dancers, musicians. I do believe this festival will be a great tribute to that. But, can you tell me a little bit about the fundraiser being held for this festival and The Beauty Project?

Jillian Haun (founder of The Beauty Project) is an amazing hair stylist. She finds people’s unique beauty and brings it out. When I see her postings, no haircut is the same. She helps people shine their light and brings out what’s unique about them through these haircuts. Jillian wanted to make sure that people who are in financial distress have access to these beauty services to make them feel more confident, and beautiful and to build that confidence to further assist them in finding their way into the world.

The fundraiser has two goals: to pay the performers fairly and to fund The Beauty Project, to be able to give these services to people who need them. Some resources for people who are experiencing houselessness are very bare bones, they can be dehumanizing in the way that they’re presented. Her approach is very refined in the fact that she respects these people and know they deserve these basic needs to help them feel better, more assured and positive about themselves.

I absolutely love that. A great haircut can certainly make you see yourself and your daily life in a better perspective. Can you tell me about the performers that will be there?

We will have a burlesque dancer, Native American dancers, pole dancers, DJs, poets, spoken word performers, comedians, female-fronted bands, improv performers, and live visual artists who will be painting during the show.

We’ll have a bigger stage for the performers, and a smaller open mic type stage for anyone who wants to get up there and perform.

Such a wide variation of performers for this festival. So, one last question; What do you hope to take from this event once it’s all said and done or maybe even in the moment? What do you hope the performers or the audience take from the day?

I want all of the performers to feel appreciated and inspired and I hope everyone there feels like more is possible, that a different world is attainable. A world where women are celebrated and not taken for granted. I want people who don’t consider themselves artists or creative to feel empowered to take steps to explore their own creativity. I also desire at least six couples there to meet and get together (laughs).

As she says this, we both high-fived each other on that hopeful notion. I’m sure I’m not alone in longing for new friendships and hoping that community connections are started and that they can fuel other creative endeavors.

But, the conversation also made me think about all the women who have inspired me in different ways, in different takes about life and creation, and how necessary it is to expose women to each other.

There will always be something sacred about females who come together for the greater good. We certainly are on fire; whether it be as artists, or chefs, or mothers, or sisters, or just being the intuitive creatures that we are. We bring so much light and life into this place. Sometimes it can feel extinguished by the notion of this earth being, “A Man’s World.”

There is something to be said about a woman who burns with passion in her heart and in her soul – and a woman who wants to share that passion with a world that sometimes can feel dull and out of touch with beauty. This festival looks to be a testament to the intricate aspects of creativity that our gender can transmit to each other and the people in our community.

This event will take place on Sunday May 19 from 2-7 p.m. at Abby’s Highway: East 4th Street in Reno. Participants are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at womenonfirereno.org. Tickets can be bought at the door the day of the show for $40 each.