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By Megan OuateApril 2017 issue.
Club Skirts presents The Dinah, an annual music festival and poolside party event, will once again take over Palm Springs for what is billed as the world’s biggest girl’s party.
Marking its 27th year, the star-studded weekend will begin at the end of Women’s History Month and promises a five-day celebration at various Palm Springs locations, including the host Hilton Palm Springs hotel.
Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of the event, said she was excited about the musical talent that will take to the stage at Dinah this year.
“Dinah has always been a party first and foremost, but we added stellar musical offerings because it was the perfect complement,” Hanson said. “We have incredible musical talent this year, a strong cross-connection of familiar and groundbreaking artists from the 90s. [and] a group of emerging artists, [of which] we think at least one has a chance of becoming the next big thing.
Attendees can expect performances from Lady Cultura, Cece Peniston, Tish Hyman, Lizzo and Black Box – to name a few.
The weekend, which includes the White Party on March 31, the Hollywood Party and Dinah Comedy Show on April 1, as well as plenty of pool parties, celebrity meet-and-greets and water games, is become an oasis in the desert for women around the world.
Many “celesbians” are always present at Dinah, and this is no exception. According to Hanson, the stars set to make appearances this year range from actors and reality TV stars to filmmakers and screenwriters — gay and straight.
Celebrities expected include Jamie Babbit of Itty Bitty Titty CommitteeMarlene Forte from “The Fosters”, Bridget McManus from “Maybelle” from Tello Films and Liz Vassey from “CSI” and “Nikki and Nora” the web series.
“We have a lot of celebrities coming in this year to meet and greet,” Hanson said. “Mindy Sterling from Austin Powers, Elizabeth Keener of ‘The L Word’ and many more. We are thrilled to have a variety of artists joining us this year. Everyone comes together to celebrate community and honor our femininity.
Every year, Le Dinah takes place on the first weekend of April. This year, the fact that it begins just as Women’s History Month is coming to an end, was a happy coincidence, according to Hanson.
“It’s the perfect transition for us, as this year we’re making a powerful statement about empowering women,” Hanson said. “What we’re doing differently this year is using The Dinah to make a wonderful political statement to the world that even when we take our breaks and enjoy life for five days, we’re still vigilant.”
This year, Hanson said the event will use its star power to try to help give back.
“Many of us will be applying for Dinah matching funding and giving our participants the opportunity to help us raise a lot of money for [The National Council of La Raza] and other watchdog groups,” Hanson said. “Because we need it more than ever, and The Dinah is able to help.”
Additionally, Hanson expects to see the biggest attendance ever for The Dinah.
“We are thrilled to have so many women this year because it feels like an incredible opportunity to show the world our power and our dedication to a better America,” she said.
The one aspect of the Dinah experience that Hanson said she is most looking forward to is having everyone come together to celebrate unity.
“I think the community needs a break from the craziness,” Hanson said. “We experience [unity] when we all celebrate our lives together, live out loud and be who we are, proudly and with a vision of a better future.
Dinah Comedy Night
The annual Dinah Comedy Night will be held April 1 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs.
“We produce a comedy show every year as we try to offer a variety of events that appeal to all ages and demographics. We choose our actresses very carefully,” said Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of The Dinah. “Our participants can expect to laugh really hard for 90 minutes.”
This year, Erin Foley, Julie Goldman and Gina Yashere will be among the funny ladies who will take the stage.
Echo Magazine caught up with Foley and Goldman to find out more about what attendees can expect from their upcoming shows at Dinah and here’s what they had to say.
Julie Goldman
Echo: With election season finally behind us and with the political scene as volatile as it is right now, are you planning to talk politics? What can we expect?
Goldman: At 100%, I will talk about politics. I generally like to talk about things that make me angry. Sounds hilarious, doesn’t it?
Echo: Will you adapt your jokes to the event?
Goldman: I will probably be talking about pure and pure lesbianism going downhill. But for the most part, my act stays pretty much the same. I will say, I think my act and my life is a bit like Dinah, so it should be fine.
Echo: How is performing at Dinah different from performing in other venues?
Goldman: I think I played Dinah maybe 3 or 4 times. What makes it different is that Dinah is a full lesbian spring and the energy is wild and unique. Usually clubs or theaters or other types of events are a little less drunk! Plus, it’s mostly lesbians! Imagine the drama! It’s incredible.
Echo: What should attendees expect from the show?
Goldman: Fellow actresses Gina Yashere and Erin Foley are amazing. I am very excited to share the stage with them. They are the pros of the pros and how often do you see three women, three lesbians in a show!? Only in Dinah.
Echo: What projects are you currently involved in?
Goldman: Currently I’m working on a new podcast called DUMB GAY POLITICS with Julie & Brandy. Brandy Howard, my creative partner and I, do all things politics. We basically watch the news as if we were watching reality TV and commenting on it.
