Hey there roller derby fans -

Yes, you read that correctly. The Nightmare Before Christmas In July. That's the name and the theme of the next bout, coming up real soon on Sunday, July 8th at Treo Roller Rink  (721 Gagel Ave.). One part Halloween, one part Christmas, and ALL ROLLER DERBY ALL THE TIME!! DCRG is hosting Cleveland's Burning River Rollergirls  on our home turf, and we couldn't be more excited.

It's our first double-header, too. Both DCRG league teams, The Jackie O'Nasties and The Red Menace, will be competing, playing two of Burning River's all-star travel teams, culled from their four league teams. Both bouts of the double-header are covered by the same ticket, and each bout will consist of two twenty-minute periods (as opposed to the regular three-period bout). So, you know, more roller derby bang for your buck this time! How about that?!

Starting next week, advance tickets will be available locally at area businesses the Atomic Saucer (1000 East Oak St.) and the Why Louisville Store (1609 1/2 Bardstown Road) for $10 (cash only). Advance tickets can also be purchased online  right now for $10 plus service fee, or they will be $15 at the door (cash only).

Doors at Treo open at 6pm, and the first bout of the double-header starts at 7pm sharp. Get there early for those suicide seats (18+ only, please), and please do bring your posters/signs, noisemakers and screaming voice. (More cowbell!) DCRG team DJ Kim Sorise will be in the house again with the before, during, and after-bout music, as well as at the after-party.

In keeping with the "Christmas In July" portion of the theme, DCRG will be collecting money and toys for the Toys For Tots  program. Everyone who brings a toy to the bout will get a free DCRG bumper sticker! Of course, cash contributions will also be greatly appreciated.

Back to the after-party - of course it is ON at the Monkey Wrench (1025 Barret @ Winter) right after the bout. A suggested $5 donation gets you in the door, with all proceeds going to Toys For Tots. The Monkey Wrench has great food and drink specials, so what better way to unwind after the bout and meet-and-greet with your favorite rollergirl(s)?

Oh, and I almost forgot! You don't have to wait until July 8th to see and hang out with the DCRG - come party with us at the Germantown Shotgun Fest  this Saturday, June 30th, from noon - 9pm, behind the Atomic Saucer at East Oak @ Swan. This family-friendly neighborhood festival is FREE!! Attractions include: knitting workshops, local artists, including the Louisville Craft Mafia, a dunking booth of sorts courtesy of NACHBAR, firetrucks, face painting, henna tattos, balloon animals, t-shirt sales galore, girl scouts, voter registration, kids films on 16mm courtesy of LOUISVILLE FILM SOCIETY... and of course, THE DERBY CITY ROLLERGIRLS ! Definitely come out and join us for some summer outdoor fun. We'll have merch and advance tickets for sale.

OK. I think that's it for now. As always, more info and all the links you need at: http://www.derbycityrollergirls.com.