Living Free, the local no-kill animal sanctuary, which rescues cats and dogs, is holding its third-annual Howl and Yowl fundraiser, Saturday, Sept. 24.
“There will be four great bands. They’ll will offer country music from progressive to traditional,” said Randall Harris, Living Free’s president. “We’ll be rocking the meadow. It’s going to be awesome.”
The musical talent will be familiar to many of the event’s faithful patrons. Returning this year will be Honey County, Jason Powers, Black Swan and Michael Thomas.
Honey County is a Southern California trio of women performing progressive country music. They travel between Southern California and Nashville offering their music to fans. Devon Eisenbarger, a member of the group, is a nearby singer from Temecula. She has developed her own following, too.
Black Swan includes local musician Don Reed on guitar and string. Barry Baughn, on vocals and guitar, Bob Gross, vocals and bass, and Larry Mitchell on drums are the other swans. The group plays very popular blues.
Jason Powers brings his powerful music and sound back to Mountain Center. “Those who saw [Honey County and Powers] last year are very happy about their return,” Harris said.
Last year, Powers found Gogi and adopted the dog before departing, demonstrating how helpful the event is for the abandoned animals.
“We are on track to find homes for about 320 animals this year, and will do about 600 total spay or neuter [surgeries] for our rescues and affordable public clinic,” Harris said proudly. “That means we’ll save about 600 [animal] lives.”
Proceeds from Howl and Yowl help to pay for these surgeries, which help to reduce future stray and abandon animals.
Harris added that the music and patrons will have protection from the summer sun because a large tent will be erected for the performance area.
Besides the wonderful musicians, the popular Big Dev is returning with his special barbecue mix and food stand.
The event will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Living Free in Mountain Center, 54250 Keen Camp Road. The phone number is 951-659-4687. The admission fee, which goes entirely to Living Free’s mission, is $15.
