Zonta Fest returns to Custer Beacon June 6

Join the Southern Black Hills for a night of supporting women in music, dance and arts at The Custer Beacon June 6 from 4-8:15 p.m. for the 14th annual Zonta Fest, originally known as the Luna Fest. 
“We support women in the arts, dance and music not just to encourage them in their professions, but also because we believe being involved in creative art makes our lives fuller and more complete,” said Marianne Fridell with the Zonta Club. 
The Zonta Club’s mission is to build a better world for women and girls. 
Internationally, this includes goals “to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status; to work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of members; to promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programs and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations and the world.”
With the help of their sponsors, the Zonta Fest is one of the club’s biggest fundraisers to help make life better for women. This year’s sponsors include the Custer Area Arts Council, The Custer Beacon Women Escaping A Violent Environment (WEAVE), Custer County Chronicle, Daughters of the American Revolution, R.I.S.E., Peg Ryan, South Dakota Coalition Ending Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence, Sentinel Federal Credit Union, STARR Insurance and Lutheran Outdoors. 
Event entry is free, but free will donations will be accepted.
There will also be a raffle with prizes like two tour tickets to the top of Crazy Horse Memorial (donated by Deb and Dennis Crowley), a Calcutta Cooler, four tickets to Theater 605 (Black Hills Playhouse), a wildlife photograph, Black Hills jewelry and more. Tickets are one for $5 or five for $20. Winners do not have to be present to receive a prize. 
For the arts, there will be a vendor fair featuring wildlife photographer Deb Wallenberg, textile artist Rachel Haynes Pogorelski, stained glass artist Susan Scheirbeck, ceramic artist Emily Spencer, artist Jamie DeNoma, Black Hills Film Festival organizer Chris Van Ness, WEAVE and other organizations. 
The Black Hills Film Festival table will feature a tabletop screen looping trailers of films that will be featured in the upcoming festival. This year, the festival will be featuring the South Dakota Premier of the film “Catching Pinecones,” the story of Jan and Herb Conn.
“They’re doing so many neat things,” said Fridell. “The other thing that they’re doing that’s new is they are partnering with the Custer Area Arts Council and Crazy Horse Memorial to present three Native American Films, and that’s connected with the Native American Tourism Summit.”
The vendor fair will be open throughout the event, and food and drinks can be purchased through The Custer Beacon as well. 
As for the musical and dance portions of the event, the Siouxland Youth Chorus will be kicking things off with patriotic, jazzy and Broadway songs directed by University of South Dakota Hall of Fame recipient Dr. Shirley Luebke. The Siouxland Youth Chorus was founded in 1990 for the purpose of enriching the music education of Siouxland children and enhancing the enjoyment of area families through public performances.
At 5:15 p.m., Sultry Shimmy will take the stage for the third year to share their traditional Middle Eastern dance moves through belly dancing. 
“We just think it’s a statement to have women enjoying their bodies so much,” said Fridell. 
In talking with a belly dancer who taught a class in Custer last year, Fridell said the dancer shared, “It’s just what we do in our culture. It’s how we connect with people.”
“They are wonderful. They up the game every year with what they do,” said Fridell. 
Last year, Fridell said the dancers balanced swords on their heads, so they are excited to see what the dancers come up with this time. 
Gumbo Lilies is up next at 5:45 p.m. The group was initially brought together to create two CDs of “The Music of Badger Clark.” The second recording won CD of the Year by the South Dakota Country Hall of Fame. Their style includes country, bluegrass, old-time fiddling and rock ‘n roll. Pegie Douglas is on the guitar, Katie Sprague is on the fiddle, Marcia Kennobie is on the mandolin and Becky Vogt is on the bass. 
At 6:30 p.m., The Abbey Leach Band, which includes Leach, Kennobie and Louie Umbarger, will take the stage. 
“She does a lot of her own writing, and she is just so clear and pristine in how she plays and how she sings. Her songs are just wonderful,” said Fridell.
Finally, Betty Get Down will perform at 7:15 p.m. They describe themselves as a “five-piece funky, soulful, girl-pop band featuring tight folksy harmonies and sweet sax solos provided for the sole purpose of getting down.” Hailing from Spearfish, their music reflects the band’s eclectic tastes and backgrounds.
“It’s going to be very interesting to see what they do,” said Fridell. 
So come out June 6 to experience the Zonta Fest and support the Zonta Club of the Southern Black Hills. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy. 
“It’s going to be great fun. I think it’s going to be very enjoyable,” said Fridell. “The music is going to be amazing, and the artists who are coming and the performers are going to be wonderful. I think it might be the best one yet.”