If there’s one constant for the Douglas County AIDS Project’s winter fundraiser dance, it would be Kelley Hunt.

As the fundraiser has changed during the last 16 years, Hunt – described as everything from an R&B singer and boogie-woogie pianist to a singer-songwriter – has been there to keep everyone moving on the dance floor.

Hunt performed at the first DCAP Valentine’s dance in 1991. And she remained as the headliner for more than a decade. Even when the theme changed to Mardi Gras in 2003, DCAP stuck with its reliable rocker.

“I don’t care if they call it the chicken dance,” Hunt said recently. “I’ll show up.”

In fact, the only time she wasn’t at the fundraiser was last year, when DCAP opted for a trivia night. A blues band and dancing didn’t quite fit into the lineup.

But this year, the fundraiser goes back to its roots: Hunt and dancing, along with a Mardi Gras theme, on Saturday at Liberty Hall.

Elena Ivanov, DCAP executive director, said Hunt’s return is by popular demand.

“The participation over the past 16 years from Kelley Hunt has made this one of the most anticipated events that DCAP sponsors,” Ivanov said.

Hunt says the fundraiser gives her a great excuse to come home. Her career often takes her on the road, whether it’s touring or finishing her upcoming CD, “Mercy,” or acting in and co-scoring a movie. She wrote the title song to Lawrence filmmaker Kevin Wilmott’s new film, “Bunker Hill,” and also had a small acting role.

“In the last few years, where I’ve been gone so much, to be wanted or to be looked forward to, that’s been real nice for me,” Hunt said. “There’s nothing like home.”

Hunt said she heard from fans who missed seeing her at the fundraiser last year. She said this year’s performance promises to make up for missing a year.

“My whole band’s flying in,” Hunt said. “And look out, man. We’ll be there 125 percent.”

Proceeds from the dance will help DCAP fund case management, prevention education and free HIV testing.