More than a dozen teens will receive free entry into the 2018 Alternative Prom thanks to a new monthly fund raising gig, Coffee House Sessions: Music For A Cause.
Inspired by the Greenwich Village coffee house scene, Maui’s musical storyteller and longtime New York author Kimo Nevius launched the monthly series in October with a session that benefited hurricane victims; the intimate acoustic gig featuring Nevius and singer/songwriter Steve Craig raised $500 with its simple “pass the hat” donation system.
For the Nov. 18 session, Nevius tapped singer/songwriters Cheryl Rae Mullen and Kurt D. Russell to join him in supporting a LGBTQIA cause here on the island. After speaking with the Board of Directors of Maui Pride, Nevius decided that Alternative Prom was a perfect fit.
Maui’s Alternative Prom is a high-end, low-price, safe-zone dinner/dance held annually at the Marilyn Monroe House. It’s designed for LGBT teens, allies, and anyone who feels they don’t fit in with their school’s traditional prom event. With community sponsorship, organizers are able to keep the ticket price down to $10, which includes a buffet meal, photos, DJs and light shows; ticket prices for traditional proms range from $75 and up.
“I think alternative prom was more fun than our school prom,” said one teen attendee. “My gay friends and straight friends–couples, singles and friend groups–had a great time. We are looking forward to the next one.”
Maui Pride will announce the distribution system for the 14 sponsored tickets next year. “We always try to get tickets to our events sponsored so underprivileged kids are able to attend,” said a Pride spokesperson.
Coffee House Sessions: Music For A Cause is held the third Saturday of each month from 2pm to 4pm at Wailuku Coffee Co. Each month, Nevius will select a different cause to support. The Dec. 16 session will benefit Maui’s Holiday Toy Drive.
The November event was sponsored by Wailuku Coffee and KAKU 88.5 FM, The Voice of Maui. Maui Pride was on hand distributing rainbow Love Is Love bracelets, and Art on Market donated rainbow unicorn rubber ducks, which they sell during their Ducks for Bucks fundraisers at Wailuku’s First Fridays.
For additional details on the Alternative Prom, follow Maui’s first LGBT teen-run Instagram: @mauipride808.
Photo: Julie Craig Photography
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