Prince-Inspired Mini Golf Showdown Coming to Vegas

In what might be the most unexpected mashup since chocolate met peanut butter, Las Vegas is about to witness a mini golf tournament inspired by one of comedy's most legendary sketches – all for a great cause.

Grammy Award-winning musician and Las Vegas resident Micki Free is teaming up with local fashion designer Heather Roberts to host "The Shirts Against The Blouses"® Mini Golf Tournament. The tournament will take place at KISS World Mini Golf inside the Rio Hotel & Casino on Tuesday, February 25.

[caption id="attachment_74460" align="aligncenter" width="742"] Photo: S.L. Wilson[/caption]

If you're scratching your head at the "Shirts vs. Blouses" reference, it's time to brush up on your Chappelle's Show history. The tournament pays homage to the infamous basketball game between Prince, Eddie Murphy, Charlie Murphy, and none other than Micki Free himself – a surreal encounter that became comedy gold when Dave Chappelle immortalized it in a sketch featuring the line, "Game... Blouses."

Only this time, they're trading basketball hoops for putting greens.

"I feel I've been blessed in my musical career," says Free, "and it's time to give back. Most indigenous, urban and impoverished families, like mine when I was growing, didn't have the means to buy instruments for their children. I was lucky my Uncle Frank came to my aid and bought me my first guitar. The Musical Beginning Foundation will be our Uncle Frank to many kids—that is our goal."

The star-studded event will feature former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick and Todd Kerns (bassist/backing vocalist for Slash) among others, with proceeds benefiting The Musical Beginning Foundation. The newly created 501(c)(3) nonprofit aims to provide musical instruments to children in underserved communities throughout Las Vegas and beyond.

And yes, participants are encouraged to dress as either "Shirts" (sporty/80s-inspired) or "Blouses" (Prince-inspired 80s fashion). We can only hope someone arrives in a purple ruffled outfit ready to serve pancakes afterward.

Event Details:


What: "The Shirts Against The Blouses"® Mini Golf Tournament

When: Tuesday, February 25 (4:00PM check-in, 5:00PM tee-off)

Where: KISS World Mini Golf inside Rio Hotel & Casino

Why: To benefit The Musical Beginning Foundation

Beyond viewing the mini golf action, a $250 donation includes food, cocktails, and admission to a memorabilia auction featuring autographed items, concert tickets, and collectible guitars donated by Guitar Center, Bruce Kulick, and Micki Free.

Free, a five-time Native American Music Award winner and inductee into the Native American Music Hall of Fame, and Roberts, a Parsons School of Design graduate who's designed costumes for rock stars and celebrities, bring serious creative credentials to their foundation work.

[caption id="attachment_74461" align="aligncenter" width="611"] Photo: Micki Free, Instagram[/caption]

"As a child I played clarinet in school, which was a meaningful experience for me," says Roberts. "Children today don't have as much access or opportunities when it comes to the arts, and I am hopeful that I can be a part of creating positive change in their lives through The Musical Beginning Foundation."

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit themusicalbeginningfoundation.org or email TMBFoundation1@gmail.com. You can also call 725-231-3509 for more information.

Whether you're Team Shirts or Team Blouses, this might be your only chance to experience a Prince-inspired charity event at a KISS-themed mini golf course – which feels like the most Vegas thing ever.