Regardless of your prom experience, whether you were stuck alone against the wall or danced up a storm all night, it was a night you'll never forget. The Milwaukee Recreation Department gives you a chance to relive the magic with Second Prom.
Second Prom for adults, Saturday night at the Beulah Brinton Community Center in Bay View, brings back all the glitz and glam of dancing to a live band with punch, pastries and hopefully a fun flashback.
We checked in with event promoter Brian Hoffer to get the scoop on the big night. Here is the what, where and when for your trip back to that special (or embarrassing) high school moment.
OnMilwaukee.com: What can we expect from Second Prom?
Brian Hoffer: This event is for any adult who likes to dance and has a sense of humor. Second Prom is a send-up of a traditional high school prom; we're having fun with this idea, and we hope the participants will, too.
OMC: What inspired the idea for Second Prom?
BH: Joel Symons, the supervisor for the Brinton Community Center, came up with the idea as a unique approach to holding a dance for adults. Milwaukee Recreation is always experimenting with different ways to serve the community, and we think people will enjoy this unique take on a traditional dance.
OMC: Is there any reason in particular that you are holding Second Prom in Bay View?
BH: No -- we are always trying to develop creative program ideas at all of our community centers. For example, we'll be holding a mother/son dance at North Division High School. If the Second Prom is successful, we might look at holding similar events at other community centers in the future.
OMC: What will be the set-up for the evening? Band? DJ? Refreshments?
BH: Yes, we will have cake, punch, and two live bands. We actually hold a class at Brinton called Rock Band 101. This activity gives musicians the chance to hone their skills while performing with others. This season's class will be performing at the Second Prom under the name The Brin Tones. They will perform around 10 songs from the '50s, '60s, and '70s, including "Stand By Me," "Black Magic Woman," "Twist & Shout," "The Joker" and "Louie Louie." The Rock Band 101 instructor, Dennis Dykstra, will then take to the stage with his own band.
OMC: Do you expect that people will rent limos and relive the whole experience?
BH: I have spoken with one person who said she and a group of friends might rent a limo, and we would definitely encourage that sort of thing to make Second Prom even more enjoyable!
OMC: Is there a theme for "second" prom?
BH: Yes, but I don't want to give away all of the surprises!
OMC: Any final advice for prom-goers?
BH: Yes -- people should remember to have fun with this event. It's really tongue-in-cheek, so if you want to show up in some off-the-wall prom attire, go for it! Also, there's just one reminder: alcohol is not permitted on Milwaukee Recreation property.
