Lisa Rankin
On August 18, On the Verandah will trade its classic white‑tablecloth atmosphere for something more spirited. The restaurant will host Wine, Women, and Song, an evening honoring the anniversary of the 19th Amendment and celebrating the many ways women’s voices continue to shape culture, art, and community.
The event is the creation of Highlands resident and award‑winning songwriter Lisa Rankin, who will emcee the evening. Rankin envisioned a night that moves fluidly between music, storytelling, art, and conversation – a celebration of women’s rights expressed through creativity rather than ceremony.
Music will anchor the experience. Rankin will guide guests through a playlist spanning generations of female artists, from Ella Fitzgerald’s swing to Billie Eilish’s modern edge, weaving in personal stories and welcoming guest performers. She will also perform her original song Strong Women, a historical anthem tracing the suffrage movement from its earliest sparks to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. A raffle will be held for a CD single of the song, and the CD will also be available for purchase that evening.
The evening invites participation. Guests will be encouraged to share reflections on women’s rights, personal experiences, and the ongoing legacy of the vote. Rankin’s approach transforms the restaurant into a communal space for dialogue – a place where stories can be exchanged as freely as songs.
Rankin’s background adds depth to the night’s message. Her history as a protest songwriter – including Children of the Dragon, inspired by the Tiananmen Square demonstrations, and Steinbeck Blues, centered on migrant grape workers – underscores her long‑standing commitment to social justice through music. Wine, Women, and Song continues that tradition with a celebratory tone that welcomes all ages and perspectives.
This year’s event runs from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. Guests can make regular dinner reservations, enjoy the full menu, and choose how deeply they want to engage with the celebration.
On the Verandah, once a 1930s speakeasy and now a beloved lakeside institution, has always been a place where stories are shared. This August, one of those stories will be about the power of song, the legacy of the vote, and the women who continue to shape what comes next.
Reservations available at ontheverandah.com. When booking, guests are encouraged to note they are attending the event.
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