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An interview with WMN concert director and host, Lucy Holstedt.

By Kirk Etherton

A week before my favorite annual concert, I sat down at Davis Square’s Diesel Cafe to talk with its co-founder and leader, and fellow long-time Somerville resident.

Somervillian and Berklee Professor Lucy Holstedt.

Kirk Etherton: I believe you moved to this city around the time this concert began. Is that right?

Lucy Holstedt: Yes, I think it was the same year. And it’s appropriate: like Somerville, the WMN show is extremely diverse, exciting, and fun. There are musicians from around the world: Uruguay, China, Philippines, Korea, Cuba…and the U.S., of course.

KE: More than once, I’ve been asked if guys are allowed in the audience.

LH: It’s funny how people can get an idea of “exclusivity.” The focus is on Berklee women students and their bands from around the world, but there are men in many of the bands. So they are very welcome to come enjoy the show!

KE: Last year, there were 10 different acts. This year?

LH: Again, 10 acts, all completely different from last year. We have Cuban Jazz, Flamenco, Korean Folk, R&B, a great a cappella group called “Treble Threat,” and more.

KE: I’ve read that this is an “award-winning concert.” Could you talk about that?

LH: I’m really proud that this concert has received special commendations for consistently delivering a very high quality, diverse musical experience to the Greater Boston community. They’ve come from the Cambridge Mayor’s Office, the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and the founders of the Middle East Nightclubs. The Middle East is known around the world as a top live-music venue, so we were particularly pleased by that recognition.

KE: Is there one specific act you’re really looking forward to this year?

LH: Honestly, all the bands are excellent. On a personal level, I’d have to say the piece I’m performing in, playing piano, with our special guests – Christle Rawlins-Jackson is a very fine poet, and Marianne Harkless Diabate is a wonderful dancer – on the faculty at what is now Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

KE: What makes this special for you?

LH: I’ve had such a rewarding time collaborating with Christle and Marianne. The piece is centered on powerful poem of Christle’s, Cape Coast Castle, a tribute to her female ancestors who lived in Ghana.

KE: Are there any other “Somerville connections” with this concert?

LH: I live very close to the Market Basket in Union Square, which is the most “diverse” supermarket I’ve been to. I love it. The store manager, Joe Amaral, has been extremely helpful in recent years “spreading the word” about this concert. This makes sense, because Joe has told me that the diversity of people he deals with on a daily basis – what they’re looking for, the stories they have to tell – is the best part of his job.

KE: One last question. I know that being the faculty advisor and director for this show involves many hours, including late night rehearsals. Will you be relieved when it’s over?

LH: I’ll be relieved when it begins! That’s when all the hard work is done, and I get to enjoy hosting an amazing concert, at one of the most interesting colleges in the world.

Women Musicians Network 23rd annual concert
Thursday, November 7, 8:00 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.)
Berklee Performance Center
Tickets: $10 / $15 day of show
www.berklee.edu/BPC
“A concert almost as diverse as Somerville!”