by Steven Ashford

February 29 has held many folkloric traditions throughout its years, including the legend that claims women could propose marriage to a man only on leap day. Women will shine this leap year in what X-Rated: Women in Music and HN contributor Hilary Stohs-Krause calls “a male-dominated society and culture.”

Tonight will mark the third installment of the Women in Performance: Lady Roundtable and Discussion at the House of Loom. This event features an additional dynamic with female performing artists, as well as musicians. Stohs-Krause is teaming up with Sally Deskins from Les Femmes Folles, who organized the spoken-word performance portion of the show.

“This is the third roundtable I've helped with — the first being Becky Lowry's, the second being the X-Rated Showcase for Lincoln Calling this past fall,” Stohs-Krause says. “Sally and I had talked about collaborating a while back, and this seemed like a great way to combine our interests and expertise.”

The workshop kicks off with a discussion about women's careers, experiences and perspectives on the craft behind feminism. After that, Felicia Webster will perform her poetry titled "WithLove," and Susann Suprenant will follow with "time.laughs." The evening will end with musical performances from Anna McClellan's Howard and Laura Burhenn of The Mynabirds.

“The thing I really like about this format is the way it not only introduces the audience to female artists in their community and their work, but also to the experiences behind their craft,” Stohs-Krause says.

The idea to have Howard and Burhenn perform was was a premeditated effort to showcase both a youthful, up-and-coming talent, as well as a veteran female performer who can bring a perspective that originates outside of Nebraska to the table.

"I hope tonight's showcase serves as a chance not only to hear some great music and watch some great theater, but also provides an opportunity to go beyond what's onstage to the heart of the performers' experiences and what drives their creative endeavors,” Stohs-Krause says.

Tonight's Women in Performance Roundtable will start at 5 p.m., beginning with a social cocktail hour during which the first 20 attendees will receive a complimentary drink ticket. For more information regarding the show, check out the event page.

Steven Ashford is a Hear Nebraska editorial contributor. He thinks women are the best. Reach him at stevena@hearnebraska.org.