Sage “Lou” Shemroske (she/he) is an interdisciplinary artist and event producer who creates inclusive, artist-led events, especially around gay and trans nightlife. He believes art is an essential tool for making a better world. Whether working in performance, poetry, music, or artist publishing, Shemroske's art encourages audiences to sit with ambiguity and explore complex cultural terrain. As a critic, Shemroske foregrounds artists who are interested in making what feels new and adventurous. As a creative director, she organizes events and performances that discover and respond to audiences’ desires and curiosities, often placing the performer and audience in a direct dialogue. Shemroske is a lover, and a hater, but not a cynic, insisting absurdity, novelty, and optimism in the face of a capitalist, culture monolith.

Shemroske is interested in high production value, crossing genre lines, and bringing together artists of varying mediums. She hopes that working with both the rich history of queer nightlife, and the history of DIY punk ethics in mind that her curatorial work can act as a Trojan Horse for pushback against censorship, surveillance, and transphobia.

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Education

I completed an associates degree from Minneapolis Community and Technical College after two botched attempts at earning a BA. I originally attended Augustana College with a performing arts scholarship, with the intention to study art and political science. I’m grateful to have never completed either program.

Dog Movie September, 2024

Screening of trans director Henry Hanson’s film, Dog Movie (2024) and performance by electronica duo Power Elite. Art from local visual artists was submitted, selected, and hung in the venue. As a member of Dykes 2 Watch Out 4 I acted as a co-organizer along with Gabe Van de Water, as well as a host. I also facilitated a panel between Hanson, the cast, and the audience.

Strapped Up: Gays and Guitars June, 2024

Co-organized an all lesbian punk bill out together with musician Nina Mendova (S.L.O.G) as an explicit alternative to corporate Gay Pride activities.

Diesel Dykes September, 2023

As a member of Dykes 2 Watch Out 4 and in collaboration with the Minneapolis branch of Wrestle Yr Friends (WYF), I helped plan, organize, and host an outdoors oil wrestling party. The night also included an outdoors dance party with a night of DJ sets, wrestling themed lesbian porn projected onto a building wall, and an active grill. This also acted as a benefit for survivors of the Nudieland shooting.

Eyeball Dance and Feedback June, 2023

Co-composed with May Klug and performed by me. I used Klug’s invented instrument (which responds to movement with change in reverberation and tone) to create a five minute long movement piece.

Egg Girl Girl Residency July, 2023

The band/performance outfit Egg Girl Girl performed at White Squirrel Bar every Tuesday during the month of July. I acted as a member of Egg Girl Girl (vocalist, lyricist) as well as the main curator, primary booker, and band manager.

Bathroom Sluts April, 2023

As a member of Dykes 2 Watch Out 4 I served as the main curator, creative director, and co-host of a screening of a compilation of gay and trans media archives. The night ended in a screening of the notoriously censored feminist, lesbian porno Bathroom Sluts (produced by Fatale Media). In order to produce this event I was also in consistent contact with On Our Backs co-founder Nan Kinney.

Bros Before December, 2022

Screening of director Henry Hanson’s debut short film Bros Before, featuring a live performance by hardcore band Buio Omega. As a member of Dykes 2 Watch Out 4 I served as the main curator, co-hosting and co-producing with the entire group. I also facilitated a Q&A between Hanson and the audience. Funds made went to helping a brown, trans community member pay rent.

SLAMMED October, 2022

A pop up bar served by bar collective the Brass Strap in collaboration with Dykes 2 Watch Out 4. With live DJs and an art market with local vendors, the party was aimed at raising funds for the Brass Strap to open a brick and mortar lesbian bar. I acted as a primary creative director in designing and installing the space. A portion of funds made were shared with the Minneapolis branch of SWOP.

Dicks Out September, 2022

As a member of Dykes 2 Watch Out 4 I acted as co-organizer, co-curator, co-creative director, and co-host of a party and fundraiser celebrating non-traditional forms of masculinity. All funds made went to helping pay for a trans community member’s top surgery. There was a dance floor for night long live DJ sets, an outdoor art market featuring local artists, and a pop up bar provided by the Brass Strap.

Abortion Bar August, 2022

As a member of Dykes 2 Watch Out 4 I acted as co-organizer, co-curator, co-creative director, and co-host of a party benefiting SPIRAL Collective and Our Justice— two local organizations which help people obtain abortions. This party featured a night of live DJs, an art market with local artists vending, and a pop up bar provided by the Brass Strap.

alone-a and May Worm’s Recital May, 2022

Acted as stage manager for a performance by May Worm, featuring her work with a synthesizer. I coordinated featured performers, costumes, and props.

Published Work and Bylines

All I Ask is That You Keep Writing: Half Finished Poetry From the Front Lines Poetry zine published and designed by Back of Beyond Press (October, 2023).

Who Has the Power? Living With the Residue of the Lesbian Sex Wars Self published zine with words from Sage Shemroske and graphic design by Gabe Van De Water, in collaboration with Dykes 2 Watch Out 4 (April, 2023).

Music journalism bylines in Hooligan Magazine, Secret Meeting Magazine, ANCHR Magazine, Balloon Machine, and Slumber Mag (2020-2023).

Poems published in Peach Magazine (2017), Vagabond City (2017), Bad Pony Press (2017), Sea Foam Magazine, and others throughout 2016-2020.

Gallery Features

Poems featured in Trash Mag’s art gallery, Trash-a-Whirl. (July, 2018)