A Catwalk that Cares
fashion show to benefit local homeless shelter
As of late Whiskeys Grill and Bar in Altoona has become a comedic hub, but comedy shows will be taking a back seat on Fat Tuesday when they team up with local stylist Bridgett Dohmen, as well as other local sponsors, and host Mardi Gras Mayhem: Assault on the Elements.
This event is a benefit for Sojourner House, 618 S. Barstow St., an overnight shelter for the homeless. Last year’s Mardi Gras event ended up selling out and brought in more than $1,200 for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
The festivities will consist of a runway fashion contest in which local hairstylists and tattoo artists will team up and compete for prizes for the best hairstyles and body painting. Saxy Salon, The Tannery/Hairbenders, Rochelle’s Salon and Spa, and Nicole’s Salon and Spa will supply hairstylists to be paired with Jason Rogers of Underground Ink, Luke Johnson of Automotive Tattoo (a local auto detailing company), local tatto artists, as well as Susan O’Neill of the State Theatre, and Sandra Adams, a local henna and makeup artist.
“This is a festive event where theater, music and art will culminate into artistic mayhem in the spirit of Mardi Gras.” – Lionel Lee, marketing director, Whiskeys Grill and Bar
The panel of judges will consist of a cast of local fashion aficionados: Jenny You from WEAU 13 News; Jimmy Langhoff, a coach and mentor of the Miss USA pageant; Erin Roesler and Jamie Kyser, owners of Tangled Up in Hue; Shawn Rauckman of The Salon Professional Academy; and Volume One’s own Shawn Brunner.
With more than 20 models and four salons volunteering, the event has grown significantly since last year.
“We did this event last year and it was wildly successful, but we’re adding a judge’s panel this year since last year it was only stylists from one salon and the competition part did not exist,” You said about the growth of the show.
The contestants will each be paired with a stylist and artist and will have to try to create something that represents the elements: water, earth, wind, fire, and metal. Each element is judged in both hair and art categories, and the winner of each category will have to present something with a creative concept and flawless execution. Winners of each category get to take home a trophy courtesy of The Bridal Shoppe and Chippewa Valley Floral.
Although the show starts at 7pm, because the event sold out last year you are encouraged to come early. Those who come early enough can also get their pictures taken on the red carpet by Marguerite Berg Photography and freelance photographer Dustin Smith.
“This is a festive event where theater, music and art will culminate into artistic mayhem in the spirit of Mardi Gras,” says Lionel Lee, marketing director at Whiskeys. Needless to say, the event – featuring an all-star cast of local artists and stylists – is looking to be a wildly successful hit.
Mardi Gras Mayhem will be held at 7pm Feb. 12 at Whiskeys Grill and Bar, 943 Harlem St., Altoona. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
