Music superstars and rock star wannabees are welcome to come out next Saturday, for the return of the fifth annual Identity Crisis on Aug. 9.

Though costumes aren’t mandatory, the entire town and local community are encouraged to dress up and turn out to the many venues supporting this year’s event, which will again collect money in support of local nonprofit, Breast Cancer Awareness of Cumberland Valley.

Event organizer, Tara Sanders Lowe said that this years crisis is inspired by musicians and performers for any era.

This year the theme is “Music: A Trip in Time.”

“Because it’s a red carpet inspired event, it just kind of fit,” Lowe said.

Guests can dress as their favorite musicians or “musical characters,” Lowe said.

This can include anything from a musical producer, backstage bouncer, roadie, of music fan.

“There are no rules,” she said.

Like last year, those who purchase VIP access are invited to attend a special VIP pre-party held at Wild Goose Farm, located just outside of Shepherdstown along Shepherd Grade Road.

Following the pre-party, VIP attendees will be shuttled downtown in a multiple vehicle motorcade, to arrive in time to walk the red carpet and paparazzi line in front of Yellow Brick Bank restaurant.

Beginning at 8 p.m. four additional venues will host the public at Identify Crisis parties including, The Mecklenburg Inn, Tony’s Pizza And Stonewall’s Pub, Domestic, the Devonshire Arms Cafe.

The Shepherdstown Opera House will open “Club Crisis,” a DJ dance club at 9 p.m. An additional ticket must be purchased for that event.

Photo booths will be set up at Tony’s and Domestic this year.

Local musicians will be performing at both Domestic and the Devonshire Arms Cafe.

Funds for the event’s cause are raised through donations cover charges, ticket sales and sponsorship.

After raising $7,500 last year, Lowe said organizers set a fundraising goal of $10,000 dollars for next weekend’s event.

Lowe said sponsorship has become essential to making Identity Crisis possible, especially as its grown throughout the last five years.

“They are so important,” she said.

Breast Cancer Awareness- Cumberland Valley (BCA-CV) is a nonprofit organization that serves women in Washington and Frederick counties in Maryland, Franklin and Fulton counties in Pennsylvania, and Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties in West Virginia and Winchester, Virginia areas.

The small staff and organization volunteers provide support to women fighting caner, offering free mammograms and screening, programs, as well as needed supplies, meals and care assistance, in addition to education and outreach.

BCA-CV’s continued operation is reliant on fundraisers like Identity Crisis and donations form the public.

“It’s such a great fundraiser for such a great cause,” Lowe said.

Lowe said everyone is welcome to venture out to the many Identity Crisis parties or simply watch the event unfold.

“You can come out just to support the cause,” she said.

More information about the event can be found by visiting www.identitycrisis.com.

Contact Lowe with questions at tara@eventplanningandpromotion.com.

To find out more about BCA-CV, visit www.bcacv.org.