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7/12/2020 0 Comments Queer Voices #9: Veronica May
Next up in our Queer+ Voices series, we'll be featuring musician, songwriter and music instructor Veronica May who proudly identifies as a lesbian.
Image description: Photo of scrunchy-faced grinning Veronica May wearing white short sleeve shirt and playing her guitar, which has a black guitar strap that reads: "Veronica" in cursive writing. Photo taken at The Merrow. Photo Credit: Sharisse Coulter
Tell us a little bit about your coming out experience(s). How has life changed for you since being “out”?
VM: Looking back, my first crush was kindergarten. I didn’t even question my sexuality until I was 21. I remained in the closet for over a year after until I was outed one too many times. I finally surrendered. It might be assumed that a small-town Catholic family would turn their backs away from me, but they never took their love away. I know it took some time for them to accept it, and sadly, immediate family members admittedly believe what I’m doing will send me to hell. But they always ask how my partner is doing and genuinely care about the response. It’s a hard truth, and yet I can still find the love to share. LBP: How do other aspects of your identity intersect (or perhaps clash) with your sexuality? VM: Being a more butch woman, I generally only notice a difference with how I’m treated by men. Once I cut my hair, it was like I was one of the guys. My male barbers through the years would make sexist jokes and I’d nervously laugh along. Like I wasn’t a woman. I also seemed to get more respect as a musician. I was in a duo with Lindsay White, a more feminine presenting woman. She noticed whenever we’d get to a gig, the sound person would always come to me for technical issues. 
Image description: Square graphic with yellow background and large white quotation mark at the top. At bottom of square, large black text reads: "queer+ voices." In the middle, in black text, is a quote from Veronica's interview. (The second and third sentences of her response to question 4). Under the quote, in bold black text reads: "~Veronica May. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers"
LBP: Pride is a celebration of liberation but also an acknowledgement of struggle, resistance, and revolution. Where do you see yourself in that celebration? Where do you see yourself in that struggle?
VM: Lately I have found myself grieving for the community and on another level grieving for the injustices that go beyond sexuality and gender identity. Our communities of color. It took far too many black people dying in the name of racism for me to wake up. LBP: As an artist, how does your “queerness" or sexual orientation show up in your creative work? VM: Lots of love songs through the years. I think as a baby lesbian I would have liked hearing a woman sing a line like, “I love her” instead of “I love him.” Representation really does matter. Off the top of my head I can’t think of a popular song that does this even now.
LBP: What queer-centered artists, shows, films, podcasts, authors, etc. are you into right now?
VM: Lindsay White always and forever. LBP: What are some of your favorite LGBTQ+ organizations or businesses you'd recommend our readers look into, buy from, donate to, volunteer for, etc.? Lady Brain Presents would be at the top of my list. LPB: Open mic - Is there anything else you'd like to mention in closing? I’ll be releasing a music video later this year about white privileged titled, “Bad Wolves.” Other musicians in the collaboration were Miki Vale, Rebecca Jade, Becca Jay, Meghan Lowery, and Jason Mraz.
To find out more about Veronica May, visit http://veronicamay.com/. Stay tuned throughout the month of July for more Queer+ Voices interviews!
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February is the shortest month of the year, but it is jam-packed with events from members of Lady Brain Collective. Mark your calendars for great music, art, and entertainment from the most creative womxn in town! Saturday, February 1 - Corina Rose Collective Album Release w/ Shane Hall at EVE Encinitas Groovy, funky spiritual soul and rock and roll! More info  Friday, February 7 - Donna Larsen and Messengers at Amplified Ale Works in Pacific Beach Join Donna Larsen and Messengers for great-tasting ale and great-sounding Indie Pop and Rock! The Mediterranean restaurant upstairs will deliver your food right to the table so you don't have to miss a beat. 8-10pm. More info  Friday, February 7 - Lindsay White, Becca Jay, Veronica May at The Merrow in Hillcrest Kick off the weekend with full band sets from Lindsay White (folk/rock), Becca Jay (jazz/pop), and Veronica May (rock) at The Merrow in Hillcrest. Also featuring Lady Brain Collective members Jules Stewart and Paige Miller! $10 cover, 21+. More info  Saturday, February 8 - Tori Roze & The Hot Mess at Amplified Ale Works in Pacific Beach Tori Roze & The Hot Mess brings you funky-jazzy-Neo-soul original music and cover jams at your fabulous neighborhood brewery featuring 16 original brews and delicious Mediterranean grub. No cover. 8-10pm. More info  Friday, February 14 - Calamity at De Oro Mine Company in El Cajon Come solo or bring your sweetie to “the Ford Pinto of bars" De Oro Mine Company on Valentine's Day. Join the Calamity gals for some self-love, great music, games, and raffles. Three full hours of fun beginning at 8pm, no cover. 21+. More info  Saturday, February 15 through Wednesday, February 19 - The Muse in Winter: A Creativity Retreat in Taos, N.M at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House Restore, revitalize, and nourish your creative self where creative greats from Georgia O'Keefe to Martha Graham received creative inspiration. Writing, art, yoga, improv games for the intimidated beginner to the seasoned expert. With author/illustrator and creative coaching guru, Jill Badonsky. More info  Tuesday, February 18 - The Spiritual Motels and The Banduvloons with Touchtone at The Casbah Come out and support Lady Brain members Amy Day, Karina Frost Moreno and KC Deichler as The Spiritual Motels and The Banduvloons make their Casbah debut! 9pm, $6, 21+. More info  Thursday, February 20 - Compassion: A soulsong.life Transformative Songwriting Workshop with Astra Kelly at The Lotus Room in Hillcrest Experience growth, healing, and connection through music by tapping into the creative source on the very auspicious date of 2.20.2020. We will explore the theme of “compassion" in depth and write (and record!) a song together that reflects our shared perceptions and experiences. No musical skills necessary! 6-9p, $75. Advance registration required. More info  Saturday, February 29 - Lady Brain Presents “Love in the Round" Community Gathering in South Park Please join us for this historic leap year event at a private residence in South Park, where we will explore various definitions of and experiences with love. Our host Bonnie Nicholls will kick off the night, followed by a Nashville-style songwriters round featuring Astra Kelly and Carissa Schroeder. We will also showcase art by Barbara Rutherford. $10 advance tickets. Limited capacity seating; please make sure to RSVP early! More info  Attention Business Owners: Advertise Your Company on the Brain Candy Blog! Rather than spend your advertising dollars on sponsored Facebook/Instagram ads and seemingly fake engagement, our advertising partnership offers genuine organic engagement increases your company's visibility as well as its reputation for supporting the community and empowering local womxn creatives. More info  12/29/2019 0 Comments Brain Candy - January Event CalendarA new year and a new decade are just around the corner, and Lady Brain Collective members are already working hard to bring you fun live events throughout San Diego. Mark your calendars and go support womxn creators in your community! Thursday, January 9 - Plunderbund at Amplified Backstage Beer Lounge in Pacific Beach Join Lady Brain Collective member Lisa Brackmann and her Plunderbund bandmates for free live music and the freshest craft beer inches away from the Pacific Ocean! 7-9pm. More info Friday, January 10 - Naiomi Sounds Co-Hosts Open Mic at Bad Ass Coffee in Rancho Penasquitos A few Lady Brain Collective members will be heading out to the Bad Ass Coffee open mic, which is held every other Friday and co-hosted by member Naiomi Sounds. Sign-ups at 6pm, event runs from 6:30-8:30pm. More info Saturday, January 11 - Lizzie Wann at Meraki Cafe in University Heights Start the year off with some poetry! Enjoy social time with fellow poets starting at 5:30pm. Lizzie Wann's feature starts at 6pm followed by an open mic. The reading will be held inside, but wear layers, as it might prove chilly nevertheless. No Cover. More info  Sunday, January 12 - Lindsay White at Women's March San Diego Wine Mixer in Private La Jolla Residence Lindsay White is back for a performance at the third annual Women's March Wine Mixer. All proceeds from this fundraising event go toward the 2020 Women's March on January 18. More info  Thursday, January 16 - Marie Haddad at Belly Up in Solana Beach Marie Haddad will play a solo set opening for Midge Ure (Ultravox) during his acoustic duo tour stop at Belly Up. 7pm, $25. More info  Saturday, January 18 - Women's March San Diego at Waterfront Park San Diego Be on the lookout for several Lady Brain Collective members, including Veronica May and Julia Sage, performing at the 4th Annual Women's March San Diego. Come early for the music and march with us! Music starts at 10am, march begins at noon. More info  Thursday, Jan. 23 - Astra Kelly at The Riviera Supper Club in La Mesa DIY steakhouse, crafty cocktails, loungy hang, and live music? Yes, please! Astra Kelly plays two sets of her originals and unique artist tributes, featuring Tony Econom on drums, from 8-10:30pm. No Cover. More info  Thursday, January 23 - Golden Howl at Music Box in Little Italy Golden Howl hits the Music Box stage with a stellar line up of local bands: Aviator Stash, MDRN HSTRY, The Frets, and Coral Bells. Doors at 6:30pm, 21+. Claim as many free tickets as you want via email, or DM on social media.  Attention Business Owners: Advertise Your Company on the Brain Candy Blog!
Rather than spend your advertising dollars on sponsored Facebook/Instagram ads and seemingly fake engagement, our advertising partnership offers genuine organic engagement increases your company's visibility as well as its reputation for supporting the community and empowering local womxn creatives. More info Happy fall, friends! We hope you're enjoying this sweet spot between summer and holiday craziness. If you find some time to get out into the world and enjoy live art/music, please consider adding one of the below events to your calendar! Saturday, October 5 - Lizzie Wann at BookBar in Denver, CO Support Lady Brain member Lizzie Wann in Colorado (or pass this invite along your Denver friends)! Enjoy an afternoon of wine and poetry with Happy Hour mingling starting at 4:30pm followed by a reading at 5:30pm. Co-featured with Jared Smith. No Cover. More info  Wednesday, October 9 - Rebekkah Darling, Karyn Ann, and Julia Sage at Lestat's in San Diego Join us at the legendary Lestat’s West for Listening Room Night, featuring original songwriting from local Lady Brain Collective members Rebekkah Darling and SDMA-nominated Julia Sage, along with nationally touring artist Karyn Ann from Portland, OR. More info  Saturday, October 19 - Rockshop: Note To Self at Cinematic Arts & Sound in Oceanside Rock n'Roll Camp for Girls SD proudly presents our first ever day-long workshop! Over the course of 1 day, participants will write original lyrics, collaborate with professional musicians, and explore themes of self-expression and identity. Open to girls 12-17 years old. Email rockcampforgirlssd@gmail.com for more info  Saturday, October 19 - Calamity plays the Borrego Springs Desert Fest Join the Calamity gals in the desert 5-7pm no cover, lots of fun for the entire family! More info  Saturday, October 19 - Rock The March Benefit Concert in El Cajon Women's March San Diego presents an evening of music with several Lady Brain Members on the lineup, including premier activist band The Resizters who are releasing their new CD Upload Democracy (filled with all the resistance music you love), and special guests Veronica May, Lisa Sanders and Lindsay White, Best Singer Songwriter 2018 San Diego Music Awards! More info  Friday, October 25th - Julia Sage and The Bad Hombres at Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs Start your weekend right by enjoying some delicious food and drinks and listening to the crooning of Julia Sage and The Bad Hombres' serenading you and your family from 5pm to 8pm on an early Friday evening. No cover. All ages venue. More info   Please Join us on Thursday, September 26 for an evening inspired by death, dying, grief, and existence. This special gathering will feature a variety of music/spoken word/visual art from many of our Lady Brain members, including:
Marlo Smith Golden Howl Lindsay White Veronica May Marie Haddad Astra Kelly Carissa Schroeder Julia Sage Ren Daversa Barbara Rutherford Jacqueline Jax Silva Busy Buckley Susan Lipson Gaby Aparicio $10 Suggested Donation - Private Sunset Cliffs Residence- RSVP here Beverages/small bites available for small donation (A portion of proceeds will benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) Folks are encouraged to stroll to Sunset Cliffs to enjoy a 6:30 sunset. Then join us for social hour/art viewing. Performances begin at 7:30pm Guests are welcome to bring: -Blanket or chair (there will be some will be available) -In addition to beverages/small bits provided, folks are welcome to BYO -There will also be an interactive community art installation. If you'd like to participate, please bring a photo, trinket, or offering of sorts in memory of your loved one(s). You can take these items home with you at the end of the night. There will also be some supplies available to leave a message/make an offering if you forget, or are unable to bring something. Please dress appropriately for a beachy autumn eve! 2/26/2019 0 Comments Brain Candy - Feb/March News
Welcome to Brain Candy, our monthly-ish roundup of our wonderful members' projects and happenings going on around San Diego. The Lady Brain Collective is an ACTIVE bunch, so check back regularly for our recommendations on all the best woman/womxn-creations to check out in the coming weeks. Enjoy!
The Banduvloons Release New Single and Video, Will Open for Gina Chavez Feb 28
The Banduvloons just released a new single for “Enjoy the Moment" and a new video for “Midnight Sunshine." Listen, watch, like, share, and if you want to #getloony with them in person, go support them this week at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, where they will be supporting nine-time Austin Music Award Winner Gina Chavez. (February 28, 7:30pm, $20-35, 340 N. Escondido Blvd, Escondido CA)
Lindsay White - March 3 at Fallbrook Library
Check out singer songwriter Lindsay White in her natural habitat (a building full of books) at this free Sunday showcase. (March 3, 2-3pm, 124 S. Mission Rd, Fallbrook, CA) 
Corina Rose, The Spiritual Motels, and Podunk Nowhere - March 9 @ The Backdrop
ALL of the acts on this bill feature Lady Brain Collective members, not to mention Chance at the Backdrop is an awesome supporter of local music, so you can bet your sweet lady brain it will be a great time. (March 9, 7pm, $10 Cover, 2611 Congress St. San Diego, CA) 
Miki Vale - March 10 at the 2nd Annual March for Black Women San Diego
This all-ages event is for all Black Women/Comrades/Co-conspirators/Allies/Non-Black POCS/MEN/Non-Binary folks! The march will begin around 10am and Lady Brain member Miki Vale will take the stage around 11:30am (approximately, when the march ends). For more information, please visit the event page. If you are unable to attend, but still want to support, please donate here. (March 10, 10am, Euclid & Logan San Diego, CA 92114) 
San Diego Music Award Week - March 6-11
Congratulations and good luck to all our Lady Brain Member nominees (Whitney Shay, MC Flow, Tori Roze & the Hot Mess, Corina Rose, Veronica May, Becca Jay Band). We are proud of you! Visit the SDMA website to check out all the events and live performances going on during awards week - you can catch the Becca Jay Band March 8 at Navajo Live, and Veronica May will be performing on March 11 at the House of Blues. (March 6-11, Various Locations)
Astra Kelly - March 17 at Orfila Winery
Forget the green beer on St. Pat's and sip wine in the vines at the award-winning Orfila Winery while listening to tunes by local songwriter and Lady Brain member Astra Kelly. (March 17, 4-6pm, 13455 San Pasqual Rd, Escondido, CA) 
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