The Sault’s Andrew Pucci is looking forward to a concert for a cause that’s near and dear to his heart.
A local singer and songwriter, Pucci will be joined by seven other musical acts at PetFest, to be held at Blaster Power House on Nov. 21.
The concert is a fundraiser he’s planned for the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society.
Pucci’s beloved cat that he owned for 10 years, a Russian Blue feline named Luna, died in January.
He adopted the cat from The Animal Assistance Group (TAAG) when it was approximately three years old.
“I really felt like Luna was like my child. She was my constant companion, my best friend,” Pucci told SooToday.
Lunar, a song written by Pucci, was composed in honour of Luna.
“In the song I describe her as my daughter, my sweet child. Yeah, we had an incredible bond and for 10 years she was the best companion anyone could ask for,” Pucci said.
He said the sense of loss has been hard for him.
“I was so depressed, so I started helping out at the Humane Society because I saw a social media post saying that they needed some help,” Pucci said.
“I perform. I’m an entertainer. So I thought ‘I could put together a multi-band bill, sell tickets to it and really produce this as a big local event.’ I thought ‘I could do some good. I could raise some money for the shelter.’”
With that, Pucci began organizing PetFest.
After gaining Blaster Power House ownership’s permission to hold the concert at the Queen Street entertainment centre, Pucci began gathering talent for the musical fundraiser.
Singing and strumming his acoustic guitar, Pucci will be followed by seven bands, including Five Dollar Bribe, Homeroom Hero, The Preacher and his Jackleg Band, The Reeves, Stones & Crows, A Dire Setback and Eden Plague.
The music begins at 4 p.m. and continues until midnight on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Blaster Power House at 345 Queen St. E.
“We wanted to give a good window of time for people to come,” Pucci said of the eight-hour-long musical presentation.
Tickets to PetFest are $20 each.
All money raised from ticket sales goes directly to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society.
“Somebody helped at a shelter, somebody fostered my cat Luna, and Luna ended up with me. My Luna gave me 10 years and this is my way of giving back. I’m coming full circle here,” Pucci said.
As he grieves, he’s offering his advice to others mourning the loss of a pet.
“Keep those memories alive,” Pucci said.
“Our memories are the only things that keep people, and pets who are gone, as real. Maybe you’re not ready to adopt another cat but go help the shelter, spend time with the cats. Those things will help you heal.”
Pucci said he hopes PetFest becomes an annual event.
“I want this to become a yearly tradition for the Sault. Next year I want to make it even bigger. Every year I want it to become a bigger thing.”
Tickets for PetFest can be purchased online through the Blaster Power House website.
Arrangements can be made to buy tickets in person by contacting Pucci by email.