LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kristen McClure is a single mother, works a full-time job as a RV salesperson, and plans the annual Hollergirl Music Festival. The event is a safe space for domestic violence survivors and raises money for domestic violence support groups.
McClure is a domestic violence survivor and her experiences, along with her grandmother, who was also a survivor, made her passionate about raising awareness of the issue.
“My dark past kind of helped, helped kind of mold who I am today and helped me realize what my purpose was in this life,” said McClure.
In Feb. 2022, McClure thought of a way to combine her love for music with supporting local female musicians and domestic violence survivors. In August of that same year, she held the first-ever Hollergirl Music Festival.
“Women don’t get enough recognition, period, for what they do, and Hollergirl is very much about that,” said McClure.
The festival brings people of all ages together for a few days of music, camping and different activities. The goal is to create a safe space for domestic violence survivors and those currently going through it.
“To me, it’s one of the most important things I’ve ever done besides having children,” said McClure. “It’s that big to me.”
Sarah Fightmaster and John Soper perform together under the name Stoner Creek Shakedown. This August will be their third straight performance at the Hollergirl Music Festival.
“She’s (McClure) created this community of women, of like really empowered women, that’s spreading,” said Fightmaster. “Every year we pick up, you know, a new woman here or there that, like, has their own unique talents and gifts and it’s really amazing kind of how the community has grown.”
Even though McClure may have her hands full between raising her children, working full time, and planning the festival, for her, it’s worth it. The Hollergirl Music Festival is important to her to not just help others, but to also set an example for her two daughters.
“HollerGirl is my passion, it’s what I want to do in my life, it’s what I want to do for me, it’s what I want to do for others, and it’s what I want to do for them (McClure’s daughters),” said McClure.
McClure believes that music heals and wants to spread that to others.
In addition to the music, there will be a silent art auction with proceeds going to GreenHouse 17 and Oasis Farms, two organizations that support domestic violence survivors.
The festival will take place Aug. 1-3. To look at the lineup, get tickets, and find more information, visit their website.