S.T. Shimi, Artist, Teacher, Friend - Memorial Page

On Blanco.

Cherise here. I have no inspired words of my own today, unless you count wanting to stand on my porch in t-shirt and un**es and scream swear words at the universe for the unfairness of it all.

So I share this. She will always be the

Share your photos, share your stories, share your Shimi-inspiration, share your rage, share your joy.

2012
* I keep seeing posts from women my age, sometimes younger, who look at pics and videos of pre/teen artists and athletes, and ask “ Don’t you wish you had started younger? Then you’d be as bendy or strong or “
* NOPE.
* I’m a fu***ng badass BECAUSE I started hooping, aerial dance, burlesque, pole when I was almost 40. And so are you.
* Stop wishing you had less life experience to bring to your pursuits. You are a more interesting and valued person because of it.
* **k

To one of the most spectacular women of my acquaintance, the fiercest of femmes, supporter and cheerleader for other women, whose spirit I miss so much, S.T. Shimi, this one is for you.

Not sure if this was already shared, but worth reading again. Thanks Steve Bailey. We can easily imagine Shimi as a Venn Diagram.

https://npnweb.org/remembering-s-t-shimi/

Remembering S.T. Shimi - National Performance Network S. T. Shimi was a creator, performer, writer, dancer, stage manager, pole dancer, fire eater, burlesque performer, belly dancer, aerialist, administrator, teacher, academic, organizer, student, activist, and connector. One of the ways I think of Shimi is as a Venn diagram. You know, those intersect...

Thanks to the Friends of S.T. Shimi who offered more donations on the night of her memorial. A $200 donation has been made in her honor to Planned Parenthood of South Texas.

I'm not backing down. Are you? I just made a tax-deductible gift to Planned Parenthood -- and I hope you'll join me. Every dollar protects affordable birth control, cancer screenings, abortion access, comprehensive s*x ed, and more. It's a no brainer! Make your gift today >>

Angela here. I really felt like a Celebration of Shimi called for a shrine, and a couple of artists is the community executed the idea in grand fashion. Kathleen Trenchard created a cut paper portrait, and Andy Benavides built the structure. You cannot see it well here, but he painted a black orchid on the front and back of the golden chair.

Thanks to all who left Tips on Sunday. We collected $151 for Planned Parenthood of South Texas in honor of Shimi.

If you would like a pdf of the program emailed to you, please post an email address here. Attached are pictures of it.

Together apart.

Laurel's incredible dragon lady riding the Ms Southtown float.

Cherise here. I think I can speak on behalf of Oscar, Darryl, Robert, and all those who love her, to say Thank You to all who joined in person and online, and who participated in one of her many memorials, from Singapore to Dartmouth, Georgia to Bonham Academy to Devine St.

Shimi was always insistent on acknowledging all artists and creatives for their efforts. So many people helped put together this event in Shimi's honor. With Angela's vision to create a Shimi Luminaria, help from Jen Stanford, Nicole Foy, Jen Hussey, Laurel Bodinus, Anna de Luna, Hugh, Brian, Jenny, Scott, our assorted kids and spouses, all the "Musical Friends of Black Orchid" and of course Robert, Oscar, and Darryl.

Serving food during COVID is a challenge, but Teddy Liang was up to it. He assembled a coalition of industry folks to whip up some amazing food for the memorial and packing individual portions for safe distribution. This group have donated time, talent, and the food in honor of Shimi. A truly generous gesture, especially in the midst of such trying times for the F&B industry. We cannot thank them enough. They are:
- James Smith, sales director of Chateau Wright winery in west Texas.
- Carmen Sánchez
- Chris Cook, chef consultant, owner/operator of Special Leaf Tea Company
- Teddy Liang, private chef/partner/consultant whose projects include The Hayden and Gold Feather.

Always coming in to help, Jody and Steve Newman from The Friendly Spot, rounded up gin, beer, and wine from their vendors.
Chris Ware made sure we had negronis
Anet Alaniz of Pig Liquors stocked us up on tonic, sodas, and more.
And Raylon Pittman served it all, COVID-safe.

So many artists contributed their time and talent:
Stars and Garters
Karavan Studio
Jessica Ward
Lilla Bernal
Rebecca Dietz
Andy Benavides
Jennifer Khoshbin
Kathleen Trenchard
Retha Oliver

And thanks to the tech crew who stepped in, at the last moment, to make sure we could livestream it all: Charlotte-Anne Lucas and NowCast, Courtney Groom, and REALLY at the last moment, to video, Javier Fernandez.

And I've probably missed some more. Thank you to all who donated to Oscar's fund. Thank you to all who came, and all who chose to stay home due to COVID risks, we appreciate you too.

*I could choose one of the many wonderful photos of Shimi, but I chose this one because it is how I so often remember her at parties. Not just at the bar getting a cocktail, but making friends with those working an event, drawing them in, making them feel a part of it while also working.

Thank you to Jenny Browne for such magical words.

» For Shimi For Shimi December 14, 2020 | Comment Pantoum -for S.T. Shimi July 11, 1971 – December 2, 2020 How amazing is she Queen of Devine Street Her righteous love like glitter dazzles on. Our Queen of Devine Street Miss Shimi, Shimarella, S.T. Reflected in stage lights, her glitter dazzles on unapologeti...

Please see new live link:

https://youtu.be/AEM2BUMQDHY

Shimi Part 2

We are back online:

https://youtu.be/Iytci1vHhUY

Shimi Celebration Badass. Warrior. Artist. Progressive. Provocateur. Feminist. Intellectual. Glamtertainer. Scholar. Snarky showgirl. Cocktail Aficionado. Wife. Neighbor. Frie...