Benefit showcases female artists

The electrical hum of Bob Stright's monitor can be heard every time the clarinet hits a high note during the performance of his band, The Moonlighters. The slow, easy sound of the instrument floats through the room as glasses of red wine are poured and couples dance slowly around the wooden floor. They are gathered to celebrate the accomplishment of women, and patronize Middle Way House, an organization that supports women.\nA night of music and dance showcasing female artists, coordinated by and benefiting Middle Way House, was held Saturday at the John Waldron Arts Center. Earlier in the day, an art fair benefiting the same cause took place at the Miller Showers Building. Both events were in connection with the March celebration of Women's History Month.\nMiddle Way House is a local program that, according to its Web site, strives to aid and empower women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Bobbie Summers of Middle Way House said the program's method is working. She said while national figures suggest 50 to 75 percent of women who have left abusive relationships eventually return, only eight to 22 percent of women who have worked with Middle Way House return to their past abusive relationships.\n"Unfortunately, the history of women is riddled with abuse against them," said Toby Strout, director of Middle Way House.\nShe said the event was to focus on accomplishment, talent, and on moving forward.\nPerforming in between the sets of The Moonlighters and Code Blue was a group called Women of Mass Percussion, an all-female drumming group. This eight-member ensemble choreographed dance steps, at times taking long, deliberate steps forward as they leaned into their succinct strokes before falling back into their places and previous rhythms.\nThe director of the group, Colleen Haas, said they were honored to be able to participate in such an event because there is often a lot of healing needed.\n"We also feel that if a young girl sees us playing, she might want to do the same thing someday," she said. For an event celebrating the empowerment and accomplishment of women, this group of women played an instrument that is primarily dominated by men.\n"You don't see a lot of women drummers," said Erin Barbour, a drummer and a master's student in ethnomusicology. "It's kind of like stepping outside the box." \nBarbour said she was glad this event went to sponsor such a good cause.\n"I'm glad we got to perform here tonight," she said. "It's just nice to do."\n-- Contact Asst. Photo Editor Andrew Prinsen at aprinsen@indiana.edu.