Voltage melds bands and designers into a show unlike no other: runway and rock seamlessly combined. Artists and musicians collaborate and mutually inspire. Dedicated followers of fashion and darlings of the music industry appear in full force chic for the evening. And without question, the 2008 show again takes place at Minneapolis’ historic rock epicenter First Avenue.

Besides uniquely showcasing our local artistic community, Voltage financially supports it as well. Proceeds from the 2008 event are earmarked for the Emergency Relief Fund (ERF), a program of Springboard for the Arts. The ERF delivers funds to artists who’ve suffered a catastrophic life event and require immediate financial support. Additionally the show brings recognition and financial support to MNfashion, an emerging non-profit. This organization is aimed at being a resource for our fashion community by providing professional development and resources so designers can establish a sustainable livelihood.

Voltage’s audience includes buying and merchandising representatives from both small and large retailers. They rub elbows and hemlines with a stellar gathering of talented designers, musicians, artists and a flock of local media from City Pages to The Star Tribune to Minnesota Public radio’s The Current. It makes for a professional, wickedly handsome sold-out crowd of local industry leaders in retail, music and fashion.

Voltage extends beyond one stylish evening. Coinciding events include a preview event in February, a CD listening party of the Voltage compilation CD that features tracks from each band, and Voltage: Fashion Weekend held at local boutiques and other various locations the weekend following the show.