Central New York is a region that has a rich legacy of important women. From the birthplace of the suffrage movement in Seneca Falls to Underground Railroad “conductor” Harriet Tubman, many women have come through the area on their way to making history.
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Joanne Shenandoah, an award-winning musician, will be a featured guest at this year's “Room Full of Sisters event in the Holiday Inn in Auburn.
Joanne Shenandoah, an award-winning musician, will be a featured guest at this year's “Room Full of Sisters event in the Holiday Inn in Auburn.
This weekend, history will continue when sisters in spirit come from all over to fill a room with respect and admiration. Entering its 14th year, the annual Room Full of Sisters luncheon combines music, dance and fellowship in a celebration of all things female.
Taking place tomorrow at Auburn's Holiday Inn, the gathering will feature special guest harpist Ani Williams, who has just finished a European tour, and Grammy-winning singer and song writer Joanne Shenandoah.
Melina Carnicelli, one of organizers of Room Full of Sisters, said the two women represent the spirit of the event - celebrating the female energy and bringing peace, honor and healing to all who attend.
“This is truly the one time of year when I experience so many people gathered together in honor of each other,” said Carnicelli, of Auburn's Treble Associates. “It is important to create a place for everyone to show up and bring their energy.”
Not just a harpist, Ani Williams has explored the worlds of sacred music and sound therapy for decades. This will be the first time that her music, which focuses on the healing nature of sound and tone, will serve as ambiance for the luncheon, Carnicelli said.
Along with performing at Room Full of Sisters, Williams will start a three-day stay in Auburn on Friday. She will also perform Friday night at the Weekend of Light Celebration and Saturday for a public concert.
Native American musician Joanne Shenandoah will be a recognizable face and voice for those returning to Room Full of Sisters. For the past four years, Shenandoah has kicked off the gathering with her music, which combines both native and modern influences.
Shenandoah has performed her award-winning music at such high-profile venues as Carnegie Hall and the White House.
“She has dedicated much of her music to the female spirit,” Carnicelli said. “Over the years she has become a dear friend.”
The Adi Shakti belly dance troupe will also perform at the event as special guests. And longtime attendee Mona Lake Jones, who wrote the poem after which the luncheon is named, will make a satellite appearance by phone.
Carnicelli, who started Room Full of Sisters with her business partner Gwen Webber-McLeod, said she decided to hold the event 14 years ago in Auburn because this is her hometown. But she is mindful of the historical significance of the region's connection to the suffrage and abolitionist movements.
This was also sacred land for the Iroquois, who have elevated women to positions of leadership, she said.
“I don't believe anything is a coincidence,” Carnicelli said. “The history of this area of the world is so significant when we study and think about human rights. It is certainly sacred land in that regard.”
But despite the obvious feminine themes of Room Full of Sister, it is not an exclusive party, Carnicelli added.
“Everyone is welcomed, and everyone is honored - including the handful of men who come every year,” she said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go
What: Room Full of Sisters
When: Doors open 9 a.m., program and luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 28
Where: Holiday Inn, Auburn
Cost: $44 for guests, $26 for students
Info: Though the registration deadline has passed, last-minute reservations can still be made by visiting www.roomfullofsisters.com/register.html or by calling 730-5602
What: Harpist Ani Williams with Adi Shakti
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29
Where: Auburn Public theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $26
Info: Call 253-6669
Taking place tomorrow at Auburn's Holiday Inn, the gathering will feature special guest harpist Ani Williams, who has just finished a European tour, and Grammy-winning singer and song writer Joanne Shenandoah.
Melina Carnicelli, one of organizers of Room Full of Sisters, said the two women represent the spirit of the event - celebrating the female energy and bringing peace, honor and healing to all who attend.
“This is truly the one time of year when I experience so many people gathered together in honor of each other,” said Carnicelli, of Auburn's Treble Associates. “It is important to create a place for everyone to show up and bring their energy.”
Not just a harpist, Ani Williams has explored the worlds of sacred music and sound therapy for decades. This will be the first time that her music, which focuses on the healing nature of sound and tone, will serve as ambiance for the luncheon, Carnicelli said.
Along with performing at Room Full of Sisters, Williams will start a three-day stay in Auburn on Friday. She will also perform Friday night at the Weekend of Light Celebration and Saturday for a public concert.
Native American musician Joanne Shenandoah will be a recognizable face and voice for those returning to Room Full of Sisters. For the past four years, Shenandoah has kicked off the gathering with her music, which combines both native and modern influences.
Shenandoah has performed her award-winning music at such high-profile venues as Carnegie Hall and the White House.
“She has dedicated much of her music to the female spirit,” Carnicelli said. “Over the years she has become a dear friend.”
The Adi Shakti belly dance troupe will also perform at the event as special guests. And longtime attendee Mona Lake Jones, who wrote the poem after which the luncheon is named, will make a satellite appearance by phone.
Carnicelli, who started Room Full of Sisters with her business partner Gwen Webber-McLeod, said she decided to hold the event 14 years ago in Auburn because this is her hometown. But she is mindful of the historical significance of the region's connection to the suffrage and abolitionist movements.
This was also sacred land for the Iroquois, who have elevated women to positions of leadership, she said.
“I don't believe anything is a coincidence,” Carnicelli said. “The history of this area of the world is so significant when we study and think about human rights. It is certainly sacred land in that regard.”
But despite the obvious feminine themes of Room Full of Sister, it is not an exclusive party, Carnicelli added.
“Everyone is welcomed, and everyone is honored - including the handful of men who come every year,” she said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go
What: Room Full of Sisters
When: Doors open 9 a.m., program and luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 28
Where: Holiday Inn, Auburn
Cost: $44 for guests, $26 for students
Info: Though the registration deadline has passed, last-minute reservations can still be made by visiting www.roomfullofsisters.com/register.html or by calling 730-5602
What: Harpist Ani Williams with Adi Shakti
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29
Where: Auburn Public theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $26
Info: Call 253-6669
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