March ushers in Women’s History Month — a time each year to celebrate the achievements, artistry, and influence of women across history and into the present.
In the United States, Women’s History Month traces its beginnings back to the first International Women’s Day in 1911, which was initially organized by the Socialist Party of American in New York City as early as 1909. Then came two world wars, where (guess what) the observance was largely forgotten until over a half a century later, when women’s rights advocate Laura X organized a march in Berkeley, Calif. on International Women’s Day in 1969.
Eventually, Congress passed a law designating the month of March as Women’s History Month, with a specific theme attached to each year, decalred by the National Women’s History Alliance. This year’s theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping A Sustainable Future.”
For the rest of this month the Hamptons and greater East End community are hosting a unique lineup of events that spotlight women’s voices in culture, arts, and community life. As we move through the rest of March, remember what the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”
The League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, Shelter Island & North Fork invites all of its members, prospective members and interested residents of the East End communities to a program titled “LWV: History, Mission and Future” this Thursday, March 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. Set to be held in the Peconic Landing auditorium (1500 Brecknock Road, Greenport, 631-919-4691).
On March 6, gather at The Church (48 Madison St., Sag Harbor, 631-919-5342) for another round of Knowledge Friday, this time focusing on the “19 Power Poses” with Margaret Garrett. Exploring the intersection of the locale’s current exhibition on Martha Graham while also celebrating a creative community member of the South Fork — Shelter Island’s own Garrett, a former dancer turned visual artist — Friday’s event explore’s “The 19 Poses,” developed as part of The Even Project, Martha Graham Dance Company’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Audience members will learn a few of the poses. Starts at 6 p.m. General admission is $10, free for members.
East End Jazz hosts a trio of concerts across the Hamptons in honor of Women’s History Month. First off, “Voices of Vision: An All-Star Tribute to Women’s History Month” is at the Jamesport Meeting House (1590 Main Road, Jamesport) this Saturday, March 7 starting at 7:30 p.m. Featured in the concert will be a group of female musicians: saxophonists Ada Rovatti and ‘Lo’ Wood, bi-coastal pianist and educator Cecilia Coleman, drummer Yoko Togami, and East End Jazz founder and bassist Iris Ornig. The repertoire will showcase the music of iconic female jazz figures such as Billie Holiday, Mary Lou Williams, as well as original compositions and many more. General admission tickets are $20 per person. Next, it’s the “Let’s Swing!” East Meets West Jazz Jam Session sing along featuring Ludmilla and Vanessa Trouble on Sunday, March 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. Set to take place at the Southampton Cultural Center (25 Pond Lane, 631-287-4377), the performance is a jazz sing-along featuring some of the most iconic tunes from the Great American Songbook. Later in the month, a special concert dubbed “Generations of Jazz – Women in Modern Jazz” is on Sunday, March 15, at noon inside St. Ann’s Episcopal Church (2463 Main St., Bridgehampton, 631-537-1527) will be held at noon. Featuring a multi-generational ensemble of female vocalists and instrumentalists, performers include vocalists Lola Lama and Natalia Rahim, bassist and vocalist Brandi Disterheft and Jane Hastay on piano. The performance will be led by Ornig, one of New York City’s most original contemporary jazz voices and composers. Admission to both of these performances is free and all are welcome.
“Winter Wanderings” — a warming, creative deep dive workshop series for women to investigate, delight and ignite just in time for spring — is at LTV Studios (75 Industrial Road, Wainscott, 631-537-2777) on March 15 and March 29. Presented by the Neo-Political Cowgirls, the series is an array of expressive artistic journeys, intentionally curated to investigate, explore and delight. while also emboldening women to carry us through the season of darkness and eventually, prepare for the unfolding of the new spring season. Click here for more info.
The East Hampton Library (159 Main St., 631-324-0222) features a special Zoom presentation “Women of Ireland” with Kevin Westley on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m., covering the history of females from the Emerald Isle, from myriad Celtic goddesses to the women of modern times. Free to attend but click here to reserve your spot.
