The Deathbridge Derby Dames  roller derby team hosted a  very successful fundraiser featuring several local acts and a silent auction upstairs,  10 at Henotic. The event attracted 160 people who helped the newly minted roller derby team raise money for equipment and more importantly larger practice space. For now they practice at the Boys and Girls Club who are helping the 18 girls step up their skills.

“We almost have enough for the team and have started practicing, said Derby Dame Marina Ragan, who goes by the name Riff Raff, adding the money raised goes toward a variety of expenses including merchandise, equipment and roller derby clinics.

“ We need to get uniforms and equipment and we need 20 girls. But most importantly we need practice space. The boards are coming up on the edges, where we are practicing,” she continued  adding the Dames appreciate the Boys and Girls Club’s assistance. In addition to live music and the silent auction, the event featured the girls on skates and brand new calendars which were being sold at the door.

““I just like the fact that it is so physical. It (the roller derby team) is something really different. Lethbridge is the last city to have a roller derby team,” she said adding once everything is together, they will be  competing against teams in Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary and Medicine Hat.

“It’s a passion to get this organized. It’s been a lot of work, but we’re getting a lot of support from the community. There has been really good reception,” she continued adding there are two different teams — fresh meat or girls who are new to roller derby, and some of whom can’t really skate and the more experienced members who will be competing.
The bands played the  event  in front of a screen showing films of  roller derby in action. The bands included included Lustre Creame who played a set of impressive original progressive rock featuring complex bass and guitar lines, superb drumming, Tea Party meets the Doors growling vocals and extended jams. Blues rock duo the Smokestack Jacks, who have really picked up  their game since returning from tour with the Phantom Creeps  last week, played their usual strong set of deadly slide guitar and howling vocals. They played many of the highlights from their new Cd.
The Phantom Creeps  have also taken it up a notch. They have maintained their Nashville Pussy edge and drew the evening to a rocking close.
The Deathbridge Derby Dames have a Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=53054473122&v=info&ref=ts and can be reached   by e-mail  at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it