Queer Dance Party on Simchat Torah

You will receive our address upon registration.

Tonight's event is specifically for queer folks and trans folks. Please respect this space by only attending if you identify as queer and/or trans. Most of Yesod's events are open to everyone -- you can find others here. Additionally, please make sure to read the consent, alcohol, and covid policies below.

Simchat Torah is a joyous holiday that follows Sukkot. Festivities celebrate a new cycle of Torah readings. Many Jewish communities have a custom of dancing with a Torah on Simchat Torah. We are not yet sure whether we'll have a Torah physically present at this event, but either way we'll dance in that spirit.

At this party, we’ll welcome in Simchat Torah as night falls and the day begins. (Jewish days begin and end at sundown.) The incredible drag king Chicago will perform two songs at about 8:30pm! Don't miss it! For the rest of the evening, DJ Mama Yaya will play music that makes you want to dance.

Bring your own mask. Bug spray and/or a tick check afterward are also a good idea since we'll be outdoors. Bring a flashlight to help you find your way back to your car (the pathway is not lit.)

This event is outdoors, but please **bring a mask** in case it's needed. 

Chicago is a dynamic and eye-catching drag king known for their captivating "fuck boy" persona. With a flair for the dramatic and a keen sense of style, Chicago commands the stage with performances that are both bold and irresistibly charming. Blending elements of masculinity with a unique twist, Chicago's acts often feature sharp choreography, playful humor, and a magnetic presence that keeps audiences coming back for more. An influential figure in the drag community, Chicago uses their platform to challenge gender norms and advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights.

Mama Yaya is a Palestinian and Ashkenazi Jewish singer/songwriter who grew up in Chicago. In 2021, Mama Yaya performed as Siren on Fox TV's new singing competition show - "Alter Ego". She performed "I Put A Spell On You", "I'm Going Down" and "Rise Up." She was judged by will.i.am, Grimes, Alanis Morissette, and Nick Lachey. She has been mentioned in the Rolling Stones Magazine, The Atlantic, in other publications and featured in several television interviews. Since Alter Ego, she has performed with Sofar Sounds Chicago, The NAMM Show, Buddy Guy Legend's, The Fly Honeys at Thalia Hall, WGN Morning News in Chicago, Fox 32 Chicago, Fox 2 Detroit, Arts Beats and Eats in Michigan, iO Chicago for Brandon Johnson, and backup vocals for Leon Bridge's tour in Chicago. Mama Yaya continues to use her voice and her music to speak out on traumas, mental health and injustices.

CONSENT

You must ask and receive enthusiastic verbal consent before touching another person, when you're dancing and throughout the event.

ALCOHOL

Yesod will provide light snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic). You can bring alcohol if you want to. Please limit your drinking to take care of yourself and others. We expect everyone to maintain enough sobriety to act respectfully, and no one will consume more than 2 servings of alcohol. Know that we’re on a dark winding road, and make a plan to get home safely. If you would like any support around being a space with alcohol, please say so in your registration form. 

COVID

Please stay home if you are not feeling well or if you have been exposed to someone with symptoms or who has tested positive for COVID in the past 10 days. We ask that everyone brings their own mask. We will also have masks available for those who can't bring their own. Individuals can choose how close/distanced they are from each other throughout the event. As we are in a covid surge, masks will be required at this particular event, except when you are eating/drinking, which must be at least 10 feet away from any person.

ACCESSIBILITY

We will be dancing and socializing on a grassy lawn. There is limited/dim lighting in the dance area.  General parking is a 3 minute uphill walk away from the dance venue and the walkway is currently not lit. Accessible parking is available a few hundred feet from the dance area. There will be chairs and picnic blankets for seating. The bathroom is a composting toilet and cold water handwashing station. Please email info@yesodfarm.org with accessibility requests and questions.

TICKETS

Please reserve 1 ticket per guest. This event is free, and we welcome donations to support Yesod Farm+Kitchen. Donations from this event will support our growing grapes! We encourage BIPOC to sign up for free tickets, and white community members to make a personally meaningful contribution, if you’re able. We also encourage you to join Yesod in making a donation to the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville (RSAA).

WEATHER: This event is outdoors. In case of severe weather, we may cancel. You will receive an email by 2pm the day of the event in case of cancellation.

QUESTIONS: Email info@yesodfarm.org