Starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 22nd, 2018, the NOLA Cherry Bombs will host the Third Annual Cherry-Oke Karaoke Party at Igor’s Buddha Belly Bar on Magazine Street. The event will benefit the Institute for Women & Ethnic Studies’ (IWES) newest program, Creating a Truer Self (CATS).
CATS is a new program from IWES founded for the purpose of addressing sexual trauma in young women. This treatment is pivotal in the prevention in the spread of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, trauma-related mental-health issues and cyclical violence.
The program, which is not yet officially launched, looks to educate the community on trauma in young female communities as well as empowering women through coping skill development. IWES claims that, if CATS is successful, it can help support young women in becoming advocates for themselves and others.
A benefit of this scale has become synonymous with the NOLA Cherry Bombs, who have supported mental and physical health in the city of New Orleans since their inception in June 2011. The goal for the all-women dancing and parading troupe is simple: to promote positive energy and sisterhood in a judgment-free environment through dance. With performances at events like LadyFest New Orleans and Piety Street Market and Mirliton Festival, the NOLA Cherry Bombs have been a mainstay in the city’s celebrations over the past several years.
This year’s Cherry-Oke Karaoke Party will have a full slate of events and activities, headlined by performances by the NOLA Cherry Bombs. These events include karaoke competitions occurring throughout the evening, with winners taking home prizes from local businesses such as Tour Cycle, Urban South and Lola’s Restaurant among many others. In addition, raffles for more prizes will run throughout the night, and open karaoke will occur following the competition’s close. Lastly, the NOLA Cherry Bombs’ signature Jello Shots will be sold two-for-one all night.
The event is 21+ and features a $5 suggested donation at the door. More information about the NOLA Cherry Bombs, IWES and the event can be found on the NOLA Cherry Bombs’ Facebook page and IWES’ website.
