Also this issue: Come Together The women of Ladyfest Philly reshape the old business model -Patrick Rapa The Root Philly's first lady of hip-hop, Bahamadia, keeps going on. -A.D. Amorosi Exile in Girlville Who's who on the Ladyfest music stages. Picture This Ladyfest artists test their vision. -Lori Hill Mad as Hell Mantua's Yellow Rage is not gonna take it anymore. -Meredith Broussard Girls On Film Ladyfest unleashes the screen queens. -Sam Adams Theater: Mixed Medea Enraged Cow makes friend of Fo. -Juliet Fletcher Depth Becomes Her The women of Trace Fury are trained and ready for anything. -John Vettese

March 20-26, 2003

cover story

Work it

Dropping science and picking up skills at Ladyfest

by Maura Johnston

The workshops are where the skills on display during Ladyfest get democratized: Many of the performing musicians and writers will share their knowledge with newbies, whether it's how to make a wallet fashioned from duct tape, the best way to tune a drum head or a detailed list of the chemicals that go into tampons' bleached cotton. (All workshops have a suggested donation of $5-$10 and last approximately two hours, unless noted.)

Bookbinding with the Bookmobile Learn how to bind a book with the women behind the wheel of the Mobilivre-Bookmobile project -- a vintage Airstream trailer filled with homemade books, zines and other publications. When all is said and done, you'll have a freshly bound book to add to your shelves. (The big literary rig leaves for another North American tour at the beginning of April, returning to Philadelphia April 4-5.) Sun., March 23, 4 p.m., Space 1026, 1026 Arch St., second floor, 215-574-7630.

Radical Menstruation Break free of your monthly dependence on the tampon-industrial complex. Shira EtShalom will lead this discussion on the ways commercial feminine products are manufactured, and why some of the techniques used to make the cotton in tampons and pads are harmful to your body and the environment. Get the know-how on crafting your own feminine protection and simple ways to reduce your cramps. Fri., March 21, 4 p.m., William Way Community Center, room 316, 1315 Spruce St., 215-732-2220.

Radical Knitting Sewing, knitting and other DIY methods of making clothing and other provisions have gained currency among the chic over the past few years, and recently some groups of radical knitters, which charge the concept of the knitting circle with political aims (like making blankets that are donated to homeless shelters), have sprouted up around Philadelphia. Shira EtShalom of Philadelphia's Sew What?! radical knitting group will teach newbies with needles the basics of knitting, and give background on the radical knitting movement's aims. Sat., March 22, noon, St. Mary's Church, 3916 Locust Walk, 215-386-3916.

Urban Survival on Two Wheels The best way to get from point A to point X in this transit-challenged city? By bike, natch. Kathryn Doherty-Chapman of the League of American Bicyclists will teach safety skills for city cyclists. Thu., March 20, 5 p.m., William Way ballroom.

Sexual Abuse Survivors Discussion Group Fri., March 21, noon, free, William Way room 414.

Feminist Parenting A discussion for hip mamas and mamas-to-be about balancing motherhood and feminist ideals. Fri., March 21, 1 p.m., William Way room 316.

Intro to the Guitar For those who want to become the next PJ Harvey but don't know where to start, Emily Kingan of kickass punk band The Haggard gives a two-hour lesson on tuning, chords and amplification. Fri., March 21, 2 p.m., free, William Way room 414.

Bicycle Repair Sat., March 22, 2 p.m., St. Mary's Church.

Drum Workshop The sisterly duo Falkor gives a crash course in crashing cymbals, snares and other parts of a drum kit. Sun., March 23, 2:30 p.m., William Way Philadelphia room.

Cooking Workshop Sat., March 22, noon, St. Mary's Church.

Duct Tape Magic It's not just for Tom Ridge anymore: Carolyn Chernoff will lead a class in fashioning wallets and bags from duct tape. Bring your own roll, scissors and stickers and walk out flashing your new, securi-chic accessories. Sat., March 22, 2 p.m., St. Mary's Church.

Kick It Up on the Green! Work off that pent-up Ladyfest energy with a kickball game, grade-school style. Sat., March 22, 3 p.m., free, St. Mary's Church.

A Lady's Choice A lube-crafting workshop. Sat., March 22, 4 p.m., St. Mary's Church.

Introduction to B-Girling Pop and lock with the best of them at this two-hour class led by Juliet Shen and Marissa Johnson. Don't forget to wear your Adidas (or some other comfy shoes and clothes). Sat., March 22, 6:30 p.m., Calvary Church, 801 S. 48th St.

Grass Roots Organizing for the Anti-War Movement Representatives from SEAC (the Student Environmental Action Coalition) will teach participants their techniques for organizing antiwar movements around the world. Sat., March 22, 4 p.m., A Space, 4722 Baltimore Ave., 215-727-8170.

Home Sweet Homebrew Nancy Rigberg's brewery serves up a taste of its fermented offerings. Sun., March 23, 2 p.m., The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.