Rock and Rescue: Animals, Music, and a Great Cause

Saturday, Aug. 10

Rock and Rescue is back this summer, and this biannual event is set to take place on the grounds of the hosting Erie Humane Society on Saturday, August 10. This year's special guest is none other than Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Pyle is an animal-lover and USMC veteran — serving as an apt headliner this year, as the event raises awareness and funds for the Shelter to Service program. This initiative awards a service dog, trained by the talented Erie Humane Society team, to a local Erie veteran.

"We are supporting the animals and we are proud to collaborate with the Veterans Miracle Center to provide another form of support for our local veteran community," says Nicole Bawol, executive director of the Erie Humane Society. "More importantly, it is crucial for people to know that service dogs do not need to be a purebred dog. They can come from a shelter and be trained and provide a wonderful service to our community members."

While enjoying the sonic delights and beautiful evening, guests will be seated al fresco and are welcome to bring blankets and chairs for added comfort. Those who opt for the VIP experience will receive VIP parking, a special party, and a roped-off section for prime proximity to the stage. (Bring a seat, however, if you are a VIP; chairs will not be provided.)

Naturally, the event also puts the animals front and center, and may see one, two, or many more finding homes by the end of the night.

"Our staff and volunteers work diligently to transform our shelter campus into a one night concert venue," says Bawol. "This fundraiser is a fantastic opportunity to showcase all of the amazing pets that temporarily reside at our shelter, and it also gives hundreds of people a chance to mingle and learn more about our mission to 'Rescue, Rehabilitate & Rehome' while listening to great music." — Miriam Lamey

6:30 p.m. // 2407 Zimmerly Rd. // $25 - $125 // eriehumanesociety.org