Jammers! Pivots! Blockers! Oh My!

March 04, 2011

During the last several years, roller derby has made a quick comeback to the sporting scene. Though much less theatrical (and violent) than the popular bouts that were televised during the 60’s and early 70’s, roller derby has returned to its athletic roots while still holding strong to the fun, hardcore entertainment value that the whole family can enjoy. We are currently home to three flat-track roller derby leagues that I would love to share with you!

The Kansas City Roller Warriors were the first to bring the derby heat to the Kansas City area in 2004. They are an all-female league made up of four home teams (Black-Eye Susans, Dreadnought Dorothys, Knockouts, and Victory Vixens) and two traveling teams (All-Stars and Plan B). In 2007, the KCRW All-Star team emerged as the winners over Seattle’s Rat City girls in the National Championship tournament! The Roller Warriors have built up an amazing fan base and continue to keep the crowds coming back for more.

UPCOMING BOUT: April 2nd, Municipal Auditorium, 7p.m.
(Adults: $16, Kids $8, Ages 5 & Under FREE)

Dead Girl Derby is Kansas City’s female amateur league, heading into their second season with four home teams of their own (Deadly Sirens, Lovely Lethals, Royal Pains, and Fearleaders). If you saw these ladies on the street, you might think the zombie apocalypse was finally here! Decked out in green and black, these fierce competitors are sure to offer spectators a dreadfully good show.

UPCOMING BOUTS: March 13th & April 17th, River Roll Skate Center, 6p.m.
(Adults: $14, Kids $7, Ages 5 & Under FREE)

Feeling a little left out, men? Don’t you fret! The fish net stockings may not be your thing, but roller derby isn’t just for the ladies anymore. Kansas City’s newest Cowtown Butchers league was created just a year ago and is currently made up of 15 skaters who travel the country to compete. They may be small in numbers, but they’re quickly getting their wheels out in the community, fundraising, and spreading the word about derby’s newest “slaughterhouse!”

UPCOMING BOUT: March 19th, River Roll Skate Center, 6p.m.
(Adults: $10, Kids $5, Ages 4 & Under FREE)

I hope some of you will plan to attend one of these bouts, and support our local roller derby leagues. They are a lot of fun, and every bout is comprised of two matches, so you’re promised your money’s worth. If you prefer to stay in, however, just claim a cool roller derby name, and consider checking out one of these derby-inspired library materials instead:

Whip It (2009) – DVD
Jam (2009) – DVD
Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track – Adult Non-Fiction
Derby Girl by Shauna Cross – Young Adult Fiction
Phineas & Ferb: Daredevil Days by Molly McGuire  – Juvenile Easy
Skating Around the Law by Joelle Charbonneau – Adult Fiction
Kansas City Bomber  – DVD

Also Recommended (not in the MCPL system):
Down & Derby: The Insider’s Guide to Roller Derby – Adult Non-Fiction

Get your skate on!

Megan R.
Parkville Branch