Sisters in Sisters tries on 'Big Purple Undies'

Sisters in Sisters will feature a glimpse of The Big Purple Undies the weekend of September 29-October 1.

The Big Purple Undies is a comedy act based on the book of the same name and performed by co-authors and sisters Suzanne and Louise Kelman.

Sisters in Sisters, sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, is a celebration of Sisters - defined as any two or more women who share a common bond. Sisters in Sisters brings siblings, mothers, daughters, grandmothers and friends from all over the world together to share knowledge, experience opportunities for personal growth and laughter, to make lasting memories and strengthen and nourish a woman's soul.

Women from as far away as Nigeria will be making the trek to Sisters this fall. This year's event, themed "Empowering Women," will encourage the attendees to take charge of their lives, strive for everything they are capable of, meet women who are successful in many different careers, strengthen existing relationships and build new ones.

As in years past, Sisters in Sisters will be making a contribution from proceeds to COBRA (Central Oregon Battering & Rape Alliance). COBRA's primary purpose is to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and to provide community education to break the multigenerational cycle of violence. COBRA is the sole Central Oregon provider of emergency services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

The weekend kicks off with The Big Purple Undies telling stories about marriage, men, motherhood, flying false teeth, mammograms and unstickable HRT patches.

Joe Stoddard and Susan Rice return this year on Saturday evening. Stoddard has been performing for more than 20 years at hundreds of functions, with people like: Loretta Lynn, Pat Boone, Jim Stafford, Mickey Gilley, Jan & Dean and many others. Susan Rice's comedic career began in Portland in 1983 and has taken her to every state in the union.

Gail Hand, a professional humorist, trainer, actress, "certified laughter leader" and author of "The Power of Laughter, Seven Secrets to Living and Laughing in a Stressful World," will wrap up the conference at Sunday brunch.

Space is limited. For more information or to register, visit the Sisters in Sisters Web site at http://www.sistersinsisters.com or contact Cheryl Mills at the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, 549-0251 or by e-mail at [email protected]