Roller derby skaters and fans across the eastern half of the country are polishing their best moves and cheers for , the local flat track roller derby league and sponsors of the tournament, have a long-standing commitment as a charitable organization, consistently donating proceeds from bouts and fundraisers to dozens of groups around the city and beyond, as well as regularly providing volunteers for numerous community events. Their featured charity for Derby in Dairyland is the and the second annual Light the Town Passionately Pink for the Cure, which will bathe the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda in the signature color of breast health from Friday through Sunday.
The Dolls have therefore resolved to plaster cancer, inviting artists to create and customize plaster casts of participating skaters' chests. These "beautiful busty creations" are being displayed at various locations around town, including The Weary Traveler, Revolution Cycles, Blues Salon, and elsewhere. They will be auctioned off at the Coliseum during the tournament, with proceeds donated to the foundation.
Derby in Dairyland promises plenty of action after the bouts, too, with a host of after-parties at Madison clubs on all three nights of the tournament. There's a wide array of options, with live music, dancing, and more to be found at multiple venues across town. Here is the schedule:
- Friday, October 10:
The Badger Bowl, The Bar Next Door, and The Coliseum Bar - Saturday, October 11:
High Noon Saloon (featuring Rench, the Skullcranes, and the Barrettas), The Brass Ring, and Mickey's Tavern - Sunday, October 12:
The Orpheum Theatre (featuring a dance party), The Frequency (featuring Those Poor Bastards, The .357 String Band, and Knuckledrager), and a pub crawl at The Shamrock, The Paradise, and Genna's
Performing bands include participants in Volume 1: The Midwest Family Album compilation released by the video introduction to the city for visitors who will be competing in and cheering on Derby in Dairyland. Created by Kristin Ginther ("Sour Kraut"), Eric Allin, and Natalie Hinckley, the eight-minute clip features nearly a dozen derby girls who share a little background on the Mad Rollin' Dolls and its history, and give a nod to various local businesses that sponsor the league.
"Kristin wrote the script, we shot it in two days hauling the derby girls around town, in full garb, and shooting pretty gonzo style," explains Hinckley. "The girls did a great job and it all was a lot of fun." Moreover, the video is set to tunes by more bands featured in the Roller Derby Music Project, including Testa Rosa, Brainerd, and Mad Trucker Gone Mad.
Advance tickets for Derby in Dairyland are now available online, and can be purchased in three separate options for the tournament, which runs from Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12. The VIP option runs $100, and includes admission to the entire tournament, free transportation to the after parties, a gift bag, and plenty more for the die hard derby addicts out there. For $50, the weekend pass opens the door to the entire tournament and all after parties. Daily passes are $20, and includes admission to all bouts and after parties for that day. Passes will also be available for purchase at the Coliseum during the tournament. Children under 10 years old are admitted free, part of the league's efforts to make the Derby in Dairyland a family affair.
The Dairyland Dolls open the competition at 8 a.m. on Friday with a bout against the Minnesota Rollergirls, who have fallen to the hometown squad three times in their last three meetings. Both teams will be taking their top shot on the rink, though, along with the ten other entrants hoping to win the title of Best in the East, including Gotham Girls Roller Derby, Carolina Rollergirls, Windy City Rollers, Philly Rollergirls, Charm City Roller Girls, Boston Derby Dames, Grand Raggidy Roller Girls, Cincinnati Roller Girls, and the Dominion Derby Girls. The tournament champion, along with the next three teams, will advance to the National Tournament, which runs November 15-16 in Portland, Oregon.
