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MusicSpotlight Events

The Tenth Anniversary of Toxic Prom

Freaks and geeks at Basement Transmissions

by Larry Wheaton
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May 9, 2023 at 8:00 AM
Ellie Brooks
If you've always wanted an alternative to the basic, run-of-the-mill prom night, you might find your vibe at the 10th annual Toxic Prom hosted at Basement Transmissions, featuring a stacked lineup of local music.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

As the school year comes to an end and summer is just around the corner, we find ourselves in prom season. One prom sets out to be a safe space for those who aren't into the traditional trappings of tuxedos and tiaras with a basic DJ playing today's top hits. Toxic Prom at Basement Transmissions is an event celebrating its 10th year with local music, costumes, and artistic decor. Each year's Toxic Prom has a theme, encouraging their guests to participate in the tradition. This year's theme is cowboys and aliens, so trade those bow ties for cowboy hats and the corsage for a lightsaber.

Toxic Prom is an all ages event that welcomes anyone who wants to celebrate local talent and have a good time, and even though there is a theme of Cowboys and Aliens, one is welcome to wear whatever clothes feel best. Expect live performances from local favorites Grimace, Spades, Naughty Frog, Shiver, Grim Grin, Do Not Call List, and Mallory Run. Basement Transmissions proprietor Bob Jensen says that he is excited to have Mallory Run back at Toxic Prom, since they were one of the bands that performed at the first Toxic Prom back in 2013. Along with all the local talent there will also be a photo booth, Toxic Treats (baked goods that are appropriately themed), and t-shirts available. Jensen says that the event is so popular that people start asking him about it six months before he even starts planning it.

The Toxic Prom is on Saturday, May 13 at Basement Transmissions. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. The doors open at 5 p.m., with the event wrapping up at midnight. However, for adults who like to party a little later, there is a Prom Till Dawn party that is scheduled to "go until it goes" featuring the music of Gelatin Skeleton. So saddle up for a night that is sure to be out of this world.

5 p.m. to midnight // Basement Transmissions, 145 W. 11th St. // $12-$15 // For tickets and info: tickets.eriereader.com

Toxic PromBasement TransmissionsPunk PromTenth Anniversary of Toxic Prom

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September 2026: Back to (Old) School
Erie Reader: Vol. 16, No. 9
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