So the decision is made, you are taking a journey. Just how far and how long are separate questions. If a marquee presents itself along a journey with the promise of Fascination and Ferocious Fun, Deep Giggles and Growth, do you drive by or buy the ticket?

Take some advice from the universe—the entertainment at the Seventh Annual CAMP Rehoboth’s Women’s Weekend will be worth the time and admission. I mention the universe because the two women slated to perform are internationally recognized talents—and are steadily creating their own space in history.

There really is something to breaking through barriers, is there not? Well CAMP has brought together two evenings with women who refuse to do any less—and who are rejoicing, laughing, and singing respectively as the hurdles fall away. Here is a glimpse of their stories.

Karen Williams, humor professor extraordinaire

Healing and social justice just seem a little easier to tackle with wit like Karen’s involved. Founder of the HaHA Institute and former resident of the San Francisco Bay region, Karen was on the front lines of AIDS issues and recalls her first solo workshop as an inspiration to forge through her vision of bringing humor as a healing element for those in crisis.

"There was one young man who had just lost his lover to AIDS and he indicated that he thought he would never laugh again," said Williams, "He found his humor again at my workshop." Discoveries such as that early experience, and her own late teenage struggle with clinical depression, led Karen to consciously seek out the healing power of humor.

Williams harnesses humor—as only a woman truly could—and puts it into action through HaHA to encourage an extensive activation of human potential for compassion, wisdom, and life force through the daily use of humor and healing arts.

Jon Stewart of Comedy Central fame introduced Karen as "Professor Williams" as she accepted an award at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival Gala in Montreal.

A deserved title as she graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University and holds a Master’s in adult education, but certainly Stewart was implying Williams has "schooled" even the best of comics in her days.

Her response to meeting Stewart? "He is short, he is cute, he is dry and witty."

Karen touts over two decades of theatrical training, improvisational comedy experience, dance and movement training, metaphysical studies, Buddhist practice, oh and a degree in single parenting three boys as a lesbian. Tough course load!

When asked why come to Rehoboth Beach and if she had any prior experience with CAMP, Williams quipped, "Because they asked me…and I have prior experience making people laugh, I thought that is all that is required of me…HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

So in summation—seize the opportunity. If Williams can combine Nichiren Buddhism

and standup comedy in one sentence, site O Henry along with Adrienne Rich among her favorite authors and convince her former husband they can laugh about her coming out as a lesbian she just has to be truly funny.

Enjoy the rest of Herstory!

Suede, epitome of smooth and smashing

If suede has the durability of leather, but with a luxurious additional dose of texture and a remarkably individualized feminine quality, then prepare to watch it materialize before your eyes.

The woman who makes Suede a proper noun is returning to Rehoboth for the Women’s Conference. Many will know her from voluptuous Jazz Fest jams or perhaps have had the good fortune to have a trip coincide with her many tours through San Francisco, New York, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, Texas (OK—forget Texas but…) also Alaska, Calgary and Toronto.

The style of the concert will be popular jazz, blues and infused with Suede’s signature humor. "I only sing songs that I love, that speak to me for one reason or another in a very passionate way," said Suede.

Some her newest songs dedicated to her father, recently deceased, will make the list, she hinted. Written by her pianist of 20 years, "Love and Regret" and "No Goin’ Back"

honor their relationship in a powerful uplifting way. "Should anyone think the subject might be a downer. These songs are absolutely not. Dad was not. You’ll be rockin’ and stomping," said Suede. "The minute I am with my audience I come alive and am in my element—no matter where I am. I love my life.

Although her voice is her first instrument—especially on jazz songs—Suede plays piano, guitar and trumpet. And while she playfully asserts she can "accompany herself" in the Rehoboth show she will be accompanied by pianist, Janice Friedman with Max Murray on bass.

In 26 years as a full-time out artist—long before it was safe to do so—Suede has embraced political activism in a myriad of forms.

"If I enjoy any degree of celebrity and might be able to draw a crowd for a worthy cause it is a privilege to do so," said Suede, who has performed for large national organizations such as HRC, PFLAG, NOW, AIDS Action. "However," she said, "I have a particularly special place in my heart for smaller local organizations that are run well and often do not benefit from federal funding but make profound differences in local lives."

One such local cause is a scholarship fund that was set up at Delaware Technical and Community College for an underprivileged woman interested in seeking a career in journalism. "This scholarship was set up to honor the life of a very dear friend who passed away unexpectedly a few years ago—M.E. Vest," said Suede. "It was my distinct honor to produce a concert in her honor to raise funds for that scholarship, thanks to the amazing support of my incredible fans."

Suede calls her home in Cape Cod paradise but is happily traveling to Rehoboth Beach straight from an Olivia Cruise for the Women’s Weekend. That is some water loving, water proof suede!