YWDEP Holiday REUNION! Dec. 22!

Dearest She Poets, Goddesses, Rhythm Prophets, Artists and Friends -

You are invited to the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project Annual Reunion Party!

To celebrate 3 successful summer programs; 16 wonderful initiates; dozens of inspiring performances;

To reconnect, remember rhythms, and reflect on our herstory;

To eat, drink, drum, laugh, cry, wax poetic and thank one another for the spirit of our community.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 22, 2-5 p.m.
WHERE: St Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW, Washington, DC 20010 (Columbia Heights metro - S2/S4 busline)

POTLUCK - Please bring a main dish, salad, snack, drink, or dessert. If possible, please bring vegetarian items
STORY - Please bring a story from YWDEP's past
RSVP - Please let us know you are coming (or not)

BEFORE THE PARTY
YWDEP will be performing at 12:30 p.m. at the CITY-WIDE KWANZA CELEBRATION at THE REEVES CENTER, corner of 14th and U Sts NW. Don't miss the performance!

YWDEP Performs at City-Wide Kwanzaa Fair, Dec. 22

Dear Friends:

Please see below! We will be performing at approximately 12:30 p.m. for 20 minutes at the city-wide Kwanzaa fair this Saturday, Dec. 22. There will be a huge marketplace along with other performers, a vegetarian food court, health talks and more for an extraordinary DC celebratory event!

Hope to see you there!
peace,
Kristen and the young women drummers
www.youngwomendrum.org

24th Annual
MarkePlace Festival
& Health Fair
(Formerly African American Holiday Expo)
Performances, Marketplace, Vegetarian food court, health talks and more
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project performs at 12:30 p.m.

December 22 - 23, 2007
10am - 6pm
Reeves Center
14th & U NW
more info at www.aaha-info. org

Young Women Drum at DC SCORES Poetry slam!

Just wanted to give a quick update and let you know how the YWDEP Fall Tour is progressing!

So far we've performed at Georgetown University for their Urban Fare - an incredible event full of talented young people sharing their gifts of dance, poetry, song and music. 5 of us opened the show, played for hundreds in the audience, and got huge praises of applause.

Next, we found ourselves at the 4th Annual BUMBADA Women's Drumming Recital in Baltimore. Four of us went, and were joined by one of the BUMBADA women, a professional dance therapist, who played with us on stage and taught one of our girls how to dance and drum at the same time!

and NOW we're on to the DC SCORES POETRY SLAM - this Thursday at Gallaudet University. We'll perform at 6:30 p.m.

DC SCORES POETRY SLAM, Thursday, November 29, 5:00pm – 7:30pm at Gallaudet University

About DC SCORES:
For the past 12 years, DC SCORES has supported over 3000 of the District's elementary and middle school students located in 23 under-resourced Washington, D.C. public and charter schools. DC SCORES operates five-day-a-week school-based programs for urban youth between the ages of eight and fourteen. Our kids learn important life skills through a unique program in which they split time between getting active on the soccer field, learning in the classroom, and making improvements in the community.

About the DC Scores Poetry Slam:
The Poetry Slam! is a city-wide spoken word performance and competition featuring DC SCORES students from each school performing their original works of poetry. The coveted Golden Mic and Spirit Award are up for grabs once again. Every school is sure to wow the crowd by recreating verbal expression as they do every year at the Poetry Slam! So come out and show your support of our amazing DC SCORES students in late November. This event is also free and open to the public.


Meanwhile if anyone on the list would like information on adult drumming classes, lessons or performances, please feel free to check out www.drumlady. com.

For YWDEP,

Kristen Arant
www.youngwomendrum. org

YWDEP Upcoming Performances, Fall 2007!

1. Nov. 1st, 7 p.m., 5-minute drumming performance at 8 p.m. at the Georgetown University URBAN FARE.
About the Urban Fare:
Urban Fare is a dynamic cultural performance showcase rooted in Georgetown University's foundational commitment to social justice. The show has built a seven year legacy at Georgetown as the prominent venue for Hip Hop Dance, Spoken Word Poetry, Emcees, R&B and Rap vocalists and all other forms of expression that do not have a home in Georgetown's mainstream performing arts community. Urban Fare has two core foundational elements: To bridge the cultural divide at Georgetown through a celebration of urban art forms; and to support educational access to urban students of color through mentoring, leadership development and financial support. All the proceeds from Urban Fare 8 will go towards a scholarship fund for college-bound seniors at Duke Ellington School for the performing arts.


2. DC SCORES POETRY SLAM, Wednesday, November 28, and/or Thursday, November 29, 5:00pm – 7:30pm
About DC SCORES:
For the past 12 years, DC SCORES has supported over 3000 of the District's elementary and middle school students located in 23 under-resourced Washington, D.C. public and charter schools. DC SCORES operates five-day-a-week school-based programs for urban youth between the ages of eight and fourteen. Our kids learn important life skills through a unique program in which they split time between getting active on the soccer field, learning in the classroom, and making improvements in the community.

About the DC Scores Poetry Slam:
The Poetry Slam! is a city-wide spoken word performance and competition featuring DC SCORES students from each school performing their original works of poetry. The coveted Golden Mic and Spirit Award are up for grabs once again. Every school is sure to wow the crowd by recreating verbal expression as they do every year at the Poetry Slam! So come out and show your support of our amazing DC SCORES students in late November. This event is also free and open to the public.


3. Opening performance (20 minutes, drumming) for city-wide Kwanzaa Celebration, Saturday December 22, 12 p.m. at the Reeves Center, corner of 14th and U Sts NW

Young Women Lift their Hands and Voices in "Empowering the Souls of Today"

For Immediate Release
Sept. 7, 2007
Contact: Kristen Arant, 202-213-7810

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project, a community-based organization that uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song, movement and performance to empower young women, is excited to announce its 3rd Annual Final Performances.

The performances, entitled "Empowering the Souls of Today," will be held at the Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts, at 1700 Kalorama Rd NW, on Saturday Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.; Saturday Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday Sept. 30 at 3 p.m.

YWDEP is thrilled to announce the graduation of four young women, who will be performing alongside graduates from both of YWDEP's previous summer programs as the “Sway2Beat Rhythm Prophets.”

"This summer we faced great challenges and learned the power of trust and commitment," said Kristen Arant, Project Founder and Director. "I have seen these young women grow in leaps and bounds, and couldn't be prouder to share the stage with them."

The performance includes a total of 11 young women ages 13-18 performing African, Afro-Cuban and Go-Go beats on hand drums and percussion, along with their own poetry, movement and songs. Their voices illuminate their perspectives and experience, projecting wisdom, righteousness, disillusionment and hope.

YWDEP has hosted workshops every Wednesday and Saturday since mid-June, and received a total of 40 young women participants throughout the summer. The girls worked on poetry and spoken word with award-winning artists including Michelle Sewell, Regie Cabico and Sage Xaxua Morgan-Hubbard. They discovered the power of movement with Binahkaye Joy, and took rhythm and drumming classes with Kristen Arant, Holley Meyers and Abasi Johnson. They learned songs from Elise Bryant, and built their performance repertoire and technique with The Princess of Controversy, Anu Yadav and Patrick Crowley. In addition, they engaged in team building, improved their leadership and communication skills, and formed lasting bonds with one another.

Now, they bring an immense feeling of hope and joy to audiences who witness their incredible talent and courage. Please join us!

Admission: $10/$7 for valid student ID
DISCOUNT GROUP RATES AVAILABLE by calling 202-213-7810/email info@youngwomendrum.org
For more information, or to purchase tickets in advance: www.youngwomendrum.org

Conga Drumming Class! Wendnesday, 7/18

Learn how to play the Latin Conga drums and percussion
instruments at tomorrow's YWDEP drum night, 6-8 p.m.
1525 Newton St NW, at the corner of 16th and Newton
Sts, inside the St Stephens Episcopal Church. Our
guest instructor, Holly, will be showing up the ins
and outs of the Rhumba - a Cuban dance accompanied by
rhythm on the Congas and other percussion instruments.


Please RSVP if you plan to come so we can plan for
drums!

Thank you,
Kristen Arant
YWDEP
202-213-7810

BUSY YWDEP SCHEDULE THIS WEEK! 7/11-7/15

WEDNESDAY SESSION - 6-8 p.m. at St Stephens Church
*IMPORTANT*
please attend, and bring any poetry, songs, raps or other items you might wish to use in performance. we will be holding "auditions" for the upcoming performance this Saturday. We'll also be drumming!


SATURDAY SESSION - 12-1:15 at St. Stephens Church
we'll be watching videos of the performances from our previous year's troupes, and engaging in an important discussion about our final performances, scheduled for late August this year. In addition, we'll be going over logistics and details for our performance at THEARC.

1:15 - TRAVEL to THEARC for our performance! 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020

2:15 - PERFORM at THEARC!

appx. 3:30 p.m. - ARRIVE BACK AT THE CHURCH - please tell your parents/guardians (if they are not travelling with us to the performance) to pick plan for a later ending time than usual this week.


SUNDAY at MALCOLM X PARK!!
The Malcolm X Park drum circle is a traditional Afro-Cuban style drum and dance circle that has been a staple of the park for more than 30 years. The circle is an inclusive, high-energy event celebrating African-style drumming and dance.

THIS SUNDAY we will meet at 5 p.m. at the park (LOCATION: the park is bordered on the West by 16th St; on the East by 15th St; on the North by Euclid St and on the South by Florida Ave. The actual address is 2330 15th St.) Find us by following the drum beats - we will be set up near the larger drum circle on the grass. Bring items to picnic if you wish!!
Note: the official name of the park is Meridian Hill Park


thanks so much,
Kristen
202-213-7810

We jammed out July 4th!

First I was so pleasantly surprised that when I showed up at the rendezvous point, at 8:45 a.m., there were already two young women there. ON TIME. many more arrived within the next 20 minutes making this a YWDEP record - all in all we had 11 girls come to pump up the July 4th Takoma Parade with their immense spirit - and almost every single one arrived ON TIME. I'm verclempt...really...it's extraordinatry.

We drove to our site in a caravan of 4 vehicles and somehow found parking slots right next to our HUGE TRUCK, sponsored by EDGE CONSTRUCTION and the wonderful man who volunteered to drive it for us. I'm not sure quite how big the truck actually was - but it held nearly 20 of us up there - girls, parents, henry and mark (my heroes, who basically lifted and carried stuff, and pounded out bass rhythms the entire time) and myself. And a big tub of ice sporting plenty of water, sponsored by the parade. There were around 15 chairs strapped with bungies to the sides of the truck. We began taking our seats around 9:45, after hanging our lovely shower curtain banners off the sides. We then waited for our turn in the line up to come - all were excited.

Only problem was that mark was standing up with his drums while everyone else was sitting, and the sides of the truck were pretty high. We were concerned no one would see us - that they would only see mark and therefore would think this was his harem, or something to that effect. So at mark's suggestion, we decided to stand, and lean our drums on the chairs, and face out to the crowd. The plan worked wonders - we started off, playing kuku of course, and got copious smiles and positive feedback the whole way. Of course there was some teenage craziness...but definitely no lack of spirit.
We weaved in and out of rhythms but always came back to go-go, which pleased the crowds especially since we implemented our chant, with 2007 embelishments: "Young women drummers got the go-go beat" (and embellishments...) "We Ballin!!!!"

I admit i couldn't resist the chanting myself.
Thank yous are in abundance -
to EDGE CONSTRUCTION and our wonderful driver...
to mary anne and mike who got us the truck and the chairs and set up this great opportunity up for us...
to the parents and guardians who brought the girls, picked them up, and some who stayed the whole time...
to henry and mark, for their diligence and commitment...
to staci, atolvise and shelia, who showed up late but were determined to find us, and did; and who helped us out so much by passing out fliers on the street...
and to the girls themselves, for really SHOWING UP, ON TIME, and for bringing such immense spirit to the day, even if their hands hurt (sorry ladies!! -- remember, ice 'em!)

Hope to do it again next year!!!
Who's with me?

FREE POETRY WORKSHOP with MICHELLE SEWELL!

Who: SPOKEN WORD POET MICHELLE SEWELL!! sponsored by the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP)

What: FREE Poetry workshop!!

When: 12-3 p.m. (as part of YWDEP's Summer Enrichment Program)

Where: St Stephens church, 1525 newton st nw, washington, dc 20010 - corner of 16th St and Newton St NW

How: Columbia Heights Metro or S2/S4 busline

Why: Because Michelle is one of Washington's most powerful spoken word poets and youth empowerment workers. Michelle has garnered awards for her work, and recently published "Growing up Girl," an anthology of voices from marginilized spaces. In addition, she is an amazing instructor and has dedicated her life to improving young women's lives.

Etc: We will also have snacks, team building and drumming as part of tomorrow's activities.

Questions? Call Kristen at 202-213-7810


The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
www.youngwomendrum.org
info@youngwomendrum.org

Young Women Drum Up Empowerment in YWDEP's 3rd Annual Summer Enrichment Program!

For the third year in a row, the Young Women's
Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) is preparing to
serve up loads of empowerment-infused expressive arts
workshops this summer, ending in a final public
performance that's sure to drop jaws.

YWDEP uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song,
movement and performance to empower young women's self
expression, self esteem, communication and leadership
skills, and strives to create a safe space for a
diverse group of young women to build camaraderie and
acceptance. YWDEP was founded in 2005 by
artist-activist Kristen Arant, and has grown immensely
over the past two years.

"I applied for a grant from the DC Arts Commission in
'04, basically after encouragement from a friend. I
didn't think I would get it," remarks Arant, 32, who
started out playing oboe and picked up the drum when
she became an activist. "Basically, I know what it's
like to be a teenager - all the challenges young women
face - and I know what brought me through that period.
It was music, dancing, and writing poetry."

After its first summer program in 2005, YWDEP held 4
public performances that simply astounded audiences.
"The young women found a safe space at YWDEP. They
flourished - their voices came out and loud; their
creativity soared. Their brilliance had the
opportunity to finally be seen and heard," Arant said.

The performances include everything the young women
study during the summer program. They take workshops
with incredible artists in poetry, song-writing,
movement, performance technique and more. Arant
teaches them how to play the djembe, a West African
drum that she has studied for seven years. Each year a
new group of young women get to know each other
through team building and working collaboratively to
produce their own performance. The young women come
from all over DC and some from Prince George's County,
MD. The group is diverse in every way - girls who
would not have spoken to one another in school
hallways become friends. They support one another and
build up each other's confidence.

This year, YWDEP boasts extraordinary workshop leaders
including local poet and publisher of Girl Child
Press, Michelle Sewell; Performing hip-hop artivist
The Princess of Controversy; Award-winning actress and
playwright Anu Yadav; Labor Chorus leader Elise
Bryant; Sol y Soul poets Sage Xaxua Morgan-Hubbard and
Regie Cabico; and the Mother of Movement, dancer
Binahkaye Joy.

In the past two years, YWDEP held its summer workshops
every Saturday afternoon; this year it is adding a
Wednesday evening session called "All Drumming, All
the Time."

"We spend a lot of time on Saturdays in team building
and engaging in our poetry, song, movement and
performance workshops," Arant said. "We realized that
drumming needed more attention, so we've devoted an
evening to it."

In addition, YWDEP houses a Mentorship Program, which
trains girls from previous years to mentor new girls.
The goal is for newbies to feel engaged and suppoorted
from the start. This summer, Nancy Umanzor, a
first-year YWDEP graduate, will be serving as the
project's Mentorship Coordinator.

"As the mentorship coordinator, I feel that it's a
huge resonsibility, but I know the YWDEP staff and
mentors will support me throughout the summer," said
Umanzor, 18. "I'm enthusiastic about meeting the new
group of girls who will join YWDEP this summer, and am
confident that our mentors will be able to meet the
challenges that YWDEP will have in store."

YWDEP is still taking applications for young women
ages 13-18. Young women must agree to attending the
majority of summer workshops in order to be accepted
into the program. An application is available online
at www.youngwomendrum.org.

Sessions are every Saturday 12-3 and every Wednesday
evening 6-8 p.m. from June 16-Aug 26. Performance
dates are TBA, but will likely be during the last week
of August. All sessions take place at St Stephens
Church, 1525 Newton St NW in Columbia Heights, DC.

Donations to help support YWDEP are always appreciated
- more information as well as a paypal option are on
the website.

YWDEP hosts info session for young women, June 2

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP)
invites young women ages 13-18 to an info session on
Saturday, June 2, 12-3 p.m. at St Stephens Church,
1525 Newton St NW (Columbia Heights metro/S2-S4
Busline.)

YWDEP uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song,
movement and performance to empower young women's self
expression, self esteem, communication and leadership
skills. YWDEP also strives to create a safe space for
a diverse group of young women to build camaraderie
and acceptance.

The info session will include an introduction to
drumming with Founding Director Kristen Arant, and
will feature interactive presentations from our summer
instructors Michelle Sewell, Regie Cabico, Sage Xaxua
Morgan-Hubbard, Anu Yadav and the Princess of
Controversy. Snacks will be provided, and young women
who entered the project in 2005 and 2006 will share
their experiences and answer questions.

YWDEP is now accepting applications for its third
annual Summer Enrichment Program. The program runs
from June 16-August 26 2007 and includes expressive
arts activities on Saturday afternoons; drumming
workshops on Wednesday evenings; peer mentoring and
team building; and four final performances open to the
general public. Applications are available on our
website - www.youngwomendrum.org - or by mail or email
on request.

Please forward this announcement to any young woman
who might be interested.

Many thanks,

Kristen Arant
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-213-7810
info@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

2007 Summer Enrichment Program Schedule

INFO SESSION!
Saturday June 2 - Info Session: Learn about YWDEP! with drumming
and snacks, St. Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW (Columbia
Heights/Green Line metro; S2/S4 busline) 12-3 p.m.

June 16-August 11:

SATURDAYS! 
Workshops with excellent local artist-intructors in DRUMMING,
poetry, spokenword, hip-hop,African dance, breakdancing, singing,
and more....build confidence and comraderie through MENTORSHIP,
team building, discussion, etc...snack and PLAY! 12-3 p.m.
St. Stephens Church  1525 Newton St NW

WEDNESDAY JAMS!
All Drumming, All the Time. Work on hand drumming technique, learn
West African and Latin rhythms, learn to play the go-go beat and
FREESTYLE! 6-8 p.m. St. Stephens Church 1525 Newton St NW


PERFORMANCES!!
YWDEP's Annual Public Performances - Aug 18, 19, 25, and 26
(TENTATIVE!! Please Keep Dates Open!)


QUESTIONS?
Contact Kristen - 202-213-7810 or
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Women's DRUM CIRCLE to support YWDEP!

Women's DRUM CIRCLE to support YWDEP's 2007 Summer
Enrichment Program!

candles - incense - refreshments - rhythms
DRUMS

$30 - ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT YWDEP (see description
below)
this fee automatically qualifies individuals as a
MEMBER of the organization

7-8:30 p.m.
St. Stephens Church
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010

Please bring a drum if you have one (we will supply
the rest)

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

IN RHYTHM-
kristen arant
www.drumladydc.com
202-213-7810

YWDEP Features at Teen Dating Violence Conference

Act Now, Choose Respect Teen Conference
March 30-31, Washington DC.

Break the Cycle, The DC Rape Crisis Center, My
Sister’s Place and Women Empowered Against Violence
present the 4th Annual City-Wide Teen Dating Violence
Conference, "Act Now. Choose Respect” in Washington,
DC. The mission of the conference is to inform teens
about dating violence and provide resources so that
teens could make more empowered decisions about their
relationships.

YWDEP will be featured as the OPENING ACT at this
important conference. We'll be performing at 9:30 a.m.
on Saturday, March 31st at the Equality Center in the
Human Rights Campaign Building, 1640 Rhode Island Ave
NW (near 16th and M intersection).

PeAcE and thanks for your support -

Kristen Arant
YWDEP Founding Director
www.youngwomendrum.org

Upcoming DC-AREA DRUMMING EVENTS!!!

March 28, 2007

Friends!
I'm writing to let you know about several upcoming
events of interest! FYI all of these are available on
my blog: www.drumlady.blogspot.com should you choose
to skip over this email for now.

A. This Saturday: Amazones: Women Master Drummers of
Guinea at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre in Arlington,
VA

B. Spring women's drumming class at Circle Yoga!
Sign up!

C. Afro-Latin Rhythm Circle at Art-o-Matic - May
5th!

D. New drumlady.com website launching on my b-day
(April 4)!

E. BUMBADA women's drumming conference April 27-29:
HELP A YOUNG WOMAN FROM YWDEP ATTEND THE CONFERENCE
THROUGH OUR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM!

F. SUPPORT RENEE BOWSER! Event at Blair Mansion Inn
TOMORROW!(featuring myself and henry on drums!)

Please see below for brief descriptions of all of the
above - thank you for your time and attention!

in RHYTHM!!
Kristen Arant
www.drumlady.com
www.youngwomendrum.org

A - AMAZONES!
These women are miraculous. Check their website:
http://www.amazoneswomandrummers.com/ - the photos are
incredible.
Amazones: Woman Master Drummers of Guinea
Saturday, March 31, 2007, 8 p.m.
Rosslyn Spectrum
1611 N. Kent Street
Free Parking in the building garage, access from
Arlington Ridge Road
Directions/Map to Rosslyn Spectrum
Tickets $20 through Ticketmaster (703-573-SEAT or
www.Ticketmaster.com)
General Seating
Information: 703-228-1850
TTY: 703-228-1855


B - SPRING WOMEN'S DRUM CLASS!
see www.circleyoga.com under "spring schedule." The
class starts on Sunday April 15 and runs through June
10. It's every Sunday from 12-1:15 p.m. Drop-in for
$18 per class or sign up for the semester and pay
less. The class is averaging around 10 women per
session now - very exciting, FUN and educational!

Hand Drumming for Women
In this class students will explore West African drums
and rhythms with djembe artist Kristen Arant, learning
basic notes of the djembe, parts to traditional West
African polyrhythms. Students will build confidence,
strength, and joy by playing improvisationally through
listening and bonding with one another.


C - ART-O-MATIC AFRO-LATIN RHYTHM CIRCLE! MAY 5, 8-10
p.m. Art-o-Matic is taking two floors of an unused
office space in Crystal City, VA this year, with huge
windows overlooking the metro, train tracks and the
airport. One floor will feature walls full of local
artists' work; another is devoted to sculpture and
live art forms. Bars and live music are on the
schedule for the weekends. I'll be hostng an
Afro-Latin rhythm circle there on May 5 - i'll have
drums but feel free to bring your own. More at
www.artomatic.org.


D - WEBSITE LAUNCH ON APRIL 4TH!
I am celebrating my 32nd birthday, and will be
launching a new website, built in collaboration with
Alexandra Silverthorne. Please
remember to check it out! www.drumlady.com


E - The BUMBADA all-women's drumming weekend is
FANTASTC. All levels come and experience workshops
ranging from djembe technique to drum circle
facilitation to shekere building and african dance.
April 27-29 - sign up by April 1st for the discounted
rate. The infamous UBAKA HILL will be presenting there
this year! It's a no-miss:
http://www.bumbadawomenweekend.myevent.com/

P.S. if you are interested in helping to SPONSOR A
YOUNG WOMAN FROM YWDEP to attend the BUMBADA
CONFERENCE this year, please call me: 202-213-7810 or
email me: kristen@youngwomendrum.org.


F - SUPPORT RENEE BOWSER!
I don't usually pass along information about political
events - but Renee is a friend and a Young Women's
Drumming Empowerment Project member-supporter. She's a
Washingtonian by choice, a part of the DC community
for nearly 24 years, served two terms as a
Commissioner on the DC Commission on Human Rights,
tutored homeless children for seven years and raised
scholarship money for college-bound DC youth. She's
also a Union lawyer who has fought to advance the
rights of working people, building on her experience
as a civil rights investigator. She's now in her 5th
year as an ANC Commissioner and her goals are all
about bringing consistent, effective ward-wide
constituent services to Ward 4.

FYI - My drumming partner Henry and I will be
performing at this event

SUPPORT RENEE BOWSER:
Spring Bash for Renee
Thursday March 29, 2007
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Blair Manison Inn, 7711 Eastern Ave. (near Georgia
Ave. & Kalmia Sts. NW)
Join Renée and friends for an evening of live
entertainment at this magical and historical DC
location. Tasty appetizers will be served. Cash bar.

Voluntary donations for Renée's Ward 4 Campaign will
be accepted.
RSVP requested at 202-291-3080

Community Fundraiser Supports Young Women's Leadership Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2007
Contact: Kristen Arant, 202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Community Showcase to Support Young Women's Leadership Development

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) - a youth development organization that uses expressive arts and teambuilding to boost its participants' self esteem, self awareness and leadership skills - is hosting a Community Showcase on March 10, 2007 from 4-7 p.m. at Edmund Burke High School, to raise funds for its summer programming.

YWDEP, founded in 2005 on a small grant from the DC Arts Commission, is planning its third summer Enrichment Program (SEP), which employs DC artists and youth workers to teach interactive workshops in hand drumming, poetry, song-writing, movement, team building and more throughout the summer months, resulting in a yearly end of the summer performance
that has stunned audiences. (See YWDEP show reel at: http://www.youngwomendrum.org gallery.html).

Currently YWDEP is supported through its community membership program, and is fiscally sponsored by One Common Unity, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

YWDEP is organizing outreach programs that will span the entirity of DC in order to build its youth membership base for the SEP. YWDEP is also expanding its mentorship program, which was initiated in 2006 when its first group of participants expressed an interest in mentoring new girls entering the second annual SEP.

YWDEP's own Nancy Umanzor, 18, an original project participant, has graduated to staff and will be serving as the Mentorship Coordinator this summer.

"This year we have a lot more staff and volunteers who have experience working with groups of adolescents," She said.

"With their help we'll be able to push forward our Mentorship Program, which will be a huge success because we'll have a diverse group of girls learning how to become leaders and demonstrating to our new members what women can do in today's society."

The showcase, which includes $500 worth of raffle prizes from local businesses, will be hosted by
hip-hop artivist the Princess of Controversy, and features community arts and youth groups such as Sol y Soul and Interstages - an organization that provides artistic and academic opportunities for early adolescents in low-income neighborhoods. Entertainment also includes a Brazilian Quartet, local poets and singer-songwriters, WeDance Ensemble, and members of YWDEP and the Intergenerational Women's Drum Choir.

The event will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 4-7 p.m. at Edmund Burke High School's new auditorium - 4101 Connecticut Ave NW, Van Ness/UDC Metro, corner of Connecticut and Upton Sts. Limited garage parking and street parking are available. $10 suggested donation.

For more information: www.youngwomendrum.org

YWDEP's SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER: MARCH 10!

JOIN US!

YOUNG WOMEN'S DRUMMING EMPOWERMENT PROJECT's
SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AWESOME PERFORMANCES, FOOD, RAFFLE!



SATURDAY, MARCH 10 2007
4-7 P.M.
BURKE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
4101 CONNECTICUT AVE NW (Van Ness/UDC Metro stop - red
line)
$10 Suggested Donation - All Proceeds go to support
YWDEP's Summer Enrichment and Mentorship Programs

----FEATURING!----

HIP-HOP & SPOKEN WORD:
The Princess of Controversy
Sol y Soul
Tehila Wise

MUSIC:
Singer-Songwriters Naudy Martinez and Julie Beth
The Brazilian Quartet
The young women of INTERSTAGES

MOVEMENT: WeDance Ensemble

THEATRE: Actress and Playwright Anu Yadav

DRUMMING!!!
The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
The Intergenerational Women's Drum Choir

AND FEATURING LIBERIAN STORYTELLER: Vera Oye Yaa-Anna




For more information:

www.youngwomendrum.org
202-213-7810
RSVP Appreciated to: info@youngwomendrum.org

To send donations via mail:
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) is a multidisciplinary, multicultural performing arts program dedicated to empowering young women in greater Washington D.C. through creative self-expression. YWDEP seeks to build young women's self esteem by offering workshops with area female artists in West African hand drumming, poetry/spoken word, song writing, team building and performance/stage techniques well as supporting a core group of women in the process of creating their own set list of original works to perform for the community at large. YWDEP seeks to sustain this mission by offering a free summer program along with school year programming for young women in area schools and youth centers. YWDEP is sponsored by One Common Unity, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Front Page of American University's Eagle

(double click to enlarge)

YWDEP Performs at Empower DC Anniversary Celebration!

Don't miss the opportunity to support Empower DC, and
incredible organization that has helped provide a
better life for low-income DC residents through
grassroots activism and community building. We'll be
there with drums!
peace
Kristen


Saturday Jan. 19th- 3rd Anniversary Celebation!
EMPOWER DC 3rd Anniversary Celebration!

Celebrate our Successes!
Honor the Work of Community Leaders!
Have FUN!

PERFORMANCES By:
Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project
DC Guerilla Poetry Insurgency
Friday, January 19th 6-8 PM

The Sumner School – 1201 17th St, NW 3rd floor
RSVP to Empower DC (202) 234-9119

Donations will be accepted to support the work of
Empower DC! Suggested Donation $5-10

No One will be Turned Away! Donate an item for our
fundraising raffle!

YWDEP Featured in Review from YBB Open-Mic Night!

Check out YWDEP in this review from the Washington Region on Justice and Inclusion - "Opening Minds"

http://www.openingminds.org/youth/12.8.06_YBBOpenMic_recap.html


Youth Building Bridges Open Mic Night Recap:

Around 40 people came together for WRJI's Open Mic Night fundraiser on December 8, 2006 to show their support for Youth Building Bridges program and enjoy the performances of numerous young musicians, poets, and drummers.

Our host, the Mayorga Coffee Factory in Silver Spring, provided an ideal atmosphere with delicious food and flavorful coffees and teas. Four lucky Open Mic Night guests were winners in our door prize drawing, which included restaurant gift dollars as well as two "dinner & a movie" packages, complete with movie passes to the nearby AFI Silver Theater & Cultural Center.

Although some youth were shy to perform at first, the mistress of ceremonies (MC) Princess of Controversy quickly warmed things up. The evening's performances ranged from spoken word poetry and rap, to acoustic guitar and a cappella singing. Towards the end of Open Mic Night, guests were treated to a show-stealing performance by the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project, featuring YBB delegate Shakiera Mosby.

In total, Open Mic Night raised close to $300 for Youth Building Bridges programs and scholarships. A hearty thanks is in order to the Youth Building Bridges Advisory Council (YBBAC) Fundraising & Publicity committee, whose members organized this event, as well as to the numerous contributing local businesses and individuals (listed below). Thanks to all who came out on Dec. 8th and made WRJI's first-ever YBB Open Mic Night a success!


thank you

WRJI is pleased to extend our deep gratitude to the following groups and individuals who contributed to Open Mic Night in support of Youth Building Bridges:

AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center -- door prize contribution
8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20910
www.AFI.com/Silver

Austin Grill -- door prize contribution
919 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910
www.AustinGrill.com

Eggspectation restaurant -- door prize contribution
923 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910
http://www.eggspectations.com/

Mayorga Coffee Factory -- generous host of our Open Mic Night
8040 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910
http://www.mayorgacoffee.com/SSPage.html

Princess of Controversy -- Mistress of Ceremonies
http://princessofcontroversy.net/

Romano's Macaroni Grill -- door prize contribution
931 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910
http://www.macaronigrill.com/

Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project -- featured performers
http://www.youngwomendrum.org

YWDEP Reunification Celebration!! Sat. Jan 13, 5-8:30 p.m.

YWDEP present and past members, artists, staff and
volunteers:

You are hereby invited to a REUNIFICATION CELEBRATION
on Saturday, January 13th from 5-8:30 p.m. at St.
Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW in the Auditorium
for:

*POTLUCK/SNACKS
*DISTRIBUTION OF GIFT CARDS
*ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
*DRUM/POETRY JAM
*RELEASE OF THE 2006 YWDEP YEARBOOK + CD
*BRIEF PRESENTATION OF WHAT'S NEXT FOR YWDEP!!

Please help us out by RSVPing if you can make it. We'd
love to see ALL OF YOU there for this beautiful
reunification event!

Peace & HAPPY 2007!

Kristen Arant
YWDEP Founding Director
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org