If you're going to call your fundraiser Party Like it's 1999 for a Good Cause, who better to have as the musical headliner than a Prince tribute band?
Purple Masquerade will entertain guests at this benefit concert on Sunday, Aug. 25, in Songbirds South, 35 Station St. Doors open at 2 p.m., the show starts at 3 and is expected to conclude about 9 p.m.
El Cavitt as Prince is the frontman for Purple Masquerade. Cavitt was Prince's stunt double in the movie "Graffitti Bridge" as well as in some Prince videos. Known for elaborate costumes, choreographed moves and high-energy performances, the seven-piece band has performed across the U.S. and Canada.
In addition to the Prince tribute band, the concert will include music by Sexy Beast and country artists Dallas Walker and Marty Manus. All proceeds will benefit the Dragonfly Affect - not to be confused with the "Dragonfly Effect," a book that examines how people are using social media to create change.
The Dragonfly Affect is a local grass-roots effort to help the homeless, which was begun five years ago by Shana Hilson.
"Shana saw homeless people freezing in the streets and it touched her," says her aunt, Sharon Huling.
"She started to collect coats, socks, hats, razors and other things to give them for Christmas. It grew every year; we started collecting with friends who wanted to help. The more people heard about it, the more people wanted to help.
"The first year she gave out items to the homeless, she had a trunk full; last year we had a U-haul full. Last year, we put together and stuffed 2,200 adult and children's backpacks. This year our goal is to fill 2,500 adult backpacks and 250 children's."
Dragonfly Affect collaborates with the Forgotten Child Fund to receive toys for the children it helps at Christmas. All backpacks are distributed through the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
This is the first year that a concert has been held to benefit the outreach.
Admission to the concert is either $25 or the donation of a new backpack filled with personal hygiene items, nonperishable food items or items for warmth that are age-appropriate for an adult or child.
For more info: www.eventbrite.com/e/dragon-fly-affect-benefit-the- community-kitchen- homeless-in-chat- tanooga-tickets- 62944843722?aff=odwdwdspacecraft.