Killa Queens of Oz

Want to help send this to Australia? Fundraiser tonight, June 18, at Scholz Garten for the Hotrod Honeys (Photo by Felicia Graham)

It's amazing to think what people will do to get out of the heat. Some folks hug their A/C: Others get aquatic in a swimming hole. The Hotrod Honeys are heading to the Australian winter in July, and are holding a fundraiser tonight to get them there.

The Texas Rollergirls' three-time champions are taking over Scholz Garten tonight for their Killa Queens of the Desert fundraiser. $10 gets you live music, free food and beer, plus Australian-themed games.

The trip to Oz is not a day on the beach, but a serious effort to expand derby internationally. Austin's innovators of modern flat track Roller derby will face Melbourne's Victorian Roller Derby League, and will also host a skills boot camp for Australian skaters. This is not cheap to organize, and the skaters are unpaid volunteers, so fundraisers like this are vital. (Plus, someone has to raise a celebratory drink for the Honeys' league mates, the Hell Marys, who are in Houston tonight playing their old team mate The Angie-Christ, who now skates with Houston Roller Derby's Psych-Ward Sirens.)

The night also includes a silent auction: You can bid online before the party via the Hotrods' on-line auction, but there will be extra items tonight, including some limo service, locally produced arts, cosmetic packages, restaurant gift cards. Bigger ticket items include a four-hour recording session, courtesy of Spi-Klin Production. There are also some serious Roller Derby-related items up for grabs, including a full set of Pro-Designed Pads and a mystery package from local t-shirt firm Derby Love (the Austin league is a 501(c)3 non-profit, so your successful bids will be tax deductible.)

The event runs 6-10pm, June 18, Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto.