Images courtesy of Eileen Motok Clary: Clary performs at Mamapalooza.
Columbus moms will showcase their artistic talents at Mamapalooza, noon-8 p.m., May 15 at the Global Gallery Coffee Shop in the Columbus neighborhood of Clintonville.
The fourth-annual event celebrates motherhood and provides a forum for women to express themselves through music, dance, poetry or whatever hidden talents they possess. The indoor and outdoor event also includes information booths and arts and crafts activities for children.
“Moms offer so much and have so much to offer,” says Eileen Motok Clary, regional coordinator of Mamapalooza. “Many moms with small children don’t have the time to get out and perform. Mamapalooza gives them a safe and nurturing space to keep up their chops. Moms with older kids are bursting with ideas, songs, businesses and causes.”
Mamapalooza is a national, grass-roots festival founded in 2002 by Joy Rose of New York. Rose, a rock singer and motivational speaker, wanted to create an event that honored moms by highlighting their talents. She used a public platform for them to build their self-esteem. To the mantra of “Moms Rock,” the first event commenced on a single stage in Manhattan and featured female singers, dancers and poets.
That event has since spawned other Mamapaloozas across the country, as well as in Canada, England and Australia.
The Columbus event kicked off in 2006 at the now defunct Little Brother’s in the Short North. In 2007, it moved to a private farm in Delaware. After a break year in 2008, the event resumed in 2009 at the Global Gallery Coffee Shop, 3535 N. High St.
“I think it’s important to empower mothers to follow their dreams, whether they be in the arts or in business,” says Motok, a Columbus mother of four and a regular performer at Mamapalooza. “I believe that happy, self-actualized, and fulfilled women make great mothers and role models.”
The event is free, but a $5 donation is requested to view the performances. The current lineup includes:
12:30 p.m. – Eileen Motok
1:10 p.m. – Randi Mockensturm
2 p.m. – Joanie Calem
2:50 p.m. – Tenara and Candice
3:40 p.m. – 7th House Moon
4:30 p.m. – Majestic Belly Dancing
5:10 p.m. – Vanessa Prentice
5:45 p.m. – Elliot 12 Trees
6:45 p.m. – TBA
Raffles will be held between scheduled performances, and moms may perform impromptu acts if the mood strikes them.
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