I guess it all started six years ago when my mother suggested that I get Bonnie Morris' book, "Eden Built by Eves—The Culture of Women's Music Festivals." I was dating and managing a musician at the time, researching how to take her band on the road. Plans changed—we never did hit the road—but I did read that book. I was fascinated to learn about the women's music festival culture, one that I didn't even know existed!

I could hardly wait to experience it for myself; however, when I attempted to find a festival I discovered that the last large-scale women's music festival campout on the West Coast was in 1992.

Indigo & Jen

Lucky for me, just three days before the gates opened for their 10th anniversary, I found a small-scale event in Northern California: the Hopland Women's Festival. The Hopland Women's Festival was an amazing experience—400 women and girls gathered on the land, sharing music and bonding with one another. The experience changed my life. I quickly signed up to volunteer at the festival the following year, and the year after that, too. Then in December 2003, I received an e-mail from the producers of the Hopland festival that greatly affected me. In part, this is what it said:

"Because you have been an integral part of the Hopland Women's Festival for so long, we wanted you to be the first to know that after much reflection and discussion we (Jody and Lisa) have finally decided that this year's festival, the Thirteenth Annual, will be the last. We have mixed emotions, but it is clear to both of us that it is time to create other opportunities in our lives."

While I fully support Jody and Lisa's decision, I was heartbroken that the festival was ending. At first, I was happy to just attend the festival and make the best of the last year. Then in March 2004, I attended a small party and had the opportunity to talk with someone from People Productions (producers of Reggae on the River) about how I felt in regard to the ending of the Hopland Women's Festival. I asked the question, "What would it take to have another women's music festival here in Northern California?" She answered: "Someone willing to take on the challenge of producing the event."

I thought about it for a while and decided that I was that person. I was willing to produce a festival here in Northern California.

And so, White Noise Entertainment was born, and the first annual Camp Betty Campout of Northern California was created with three goals in mind:

1. To celebrate the music, arts and creativity of women and girls.
2. To help women and girls in the arts take that next step in their careers.
3. To bring people together in a fun-filled, music-infused outdoor camping environment.

My vision for the first annual Camp Betty Campout is that it will be a women-produced event featuring three days of music, comedy, arts, film, circus performances, vendors and workshops in an amazing outdoor environment. I want to create a fresh, innovative, frolicking fun experience! Two stages of music, workshops presented by music industry professionals and musicians alike, workshops in Eastern, Hawaiian, and African dance, film showings, art galleries, play and learn areas for children, even a Native American cultural center.

In addition, a percentage of the net profits from Camp Betty Campout goes right back into our community. We will be supporting girls playing music throughout the Humboldt County schools. And we will be giving to The Ink People Center for the Arts, a Humboldt County art collective.

For the musicians and performers, the Camp Betty Campout weekend will be a rewarding personal and musical growth experience. Camp Betty Campout will offer a unique experience to performers by serving as a place for musicians and artists to develop new contacts, both with their fans and within the music industry. Through marketing, workshops, open jams, and chances to meet with industry professionals, Camp Betty offers every musician, performer and artist an opportunity to advance her career.

Camp Betty Campout will also be a "green" event and will uphold a "reduce, reuse, recycle" philosophy in all that we do. We will utilize available alternative energy sources and use biodegradable products for all of our food vendors.

Thank you for your interest in the first annual Camp Betty Campout. With your participation and enthusiasm, we will create an amazing event that rocks our lives for many summers to come.

—Jennefer White
White Noise Entertainment