Local musicians will be performing a benefit concert for the Pima Animal Care Center on Wednesday, June 19, at 6 p.m. in Groundworks, 2919 E. Grant Rd.
Asphalt Astronaut, also known as Jessica Tanner, as well as Little Cat and Kaity, will be performing at the event as individual solo artists with their guitars. The idea was Tanner’s as she is touring to celebrate the release of her latest album, “Anodyne.”
“I’m releasing my new album on July 5, so I’m on tour right now and I wanted to give back to the community,” Tanner said. “And PACC, I can’t think of a time when they’re not at mass capacity.”
Asphalt Astronaut is an acoustic singer-songwriter with a soft folk and atmospheric vibe, and with Little Cat and Kaity, they all share qualities reminiscent of Fiona Apple, Mazzy Star and Cat Power.
“It’s gonna be laid-back, original music,” Tanner said. “And family-friendly. Groundworks is a grassroots venue and they agreed to host us. But they said we’d have to work on promoting the event because we’re acoustic singer-songwriters. It’s important to support them too.”
There will be three vendors at the concert, and they will be donating part of their proceeds for the cause. Dogs-n-Donuts will be there with gourmet dog treats for sale. Houlden’s Rise Above Vegan Bakery and Wolf Den Soaps will have more human-oriented items for purchase too. Tanner said people are also encouraged to make donations on site for the shelter.
For donations, consider pet supplies such as dog food, leashes, beds, “or anything the Friends of PACC have on their store.”
“It’s really a team effort,” Tanner said.
The proceeds for the concert will be divided: 40% for Groundworks, 40% for PACC and 20% split between the three performers.
PACC has a list online of the dogs that are in urgent need of placement to help ease crowding at the packed shelter.
They always accept donations of pet care supplies and toys as well as monetary donations to help take care of the many animals in the shelter.
During June, the shelter is open late and waiving adoption fees on Friday evenings, keeping their doors open until 8:15 p.m. to help you meet a new furry friend.
PACC is also offering free drive-through microchip clinics every Wednesday
through July 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the shelter
at 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Officials hope to put a dent in the number of dogs who run away, scared by July 4 fireworks, who are unable to be returned to their families because they don’t have ID chips.