The Sault\u2019s Andrew Pucci is looking forward to a concert for a cause that\u2019s near and dear to his heart.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The concert is a fundraiser he\u2019s planned for the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society.<\/p>\n
Pucci\u2019s beloved cat that he owned for 10 years, a Russian Blue feline named Luna, died in January.<\/p>\n
He adopted the cat from The Animal Assistance Group (TAAG) when it was approximately three years old.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really felt like Luna was like my child. She was my constant companion, my best friend,\u201d Pucci told SooToday.<\/p>\n
Lunar, a song written by Pucci, was composed in honour of Luna.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 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,\u201d Pucci said.<\/p>\n
He said the sense of loss has been hard for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Pucci said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI perform. I’m an entertainer. So I thought \u2018I could put together a multi-band bill, sell tickets to it and really produce this as a big local event.\u2019 I thought \u2018I could do some good. I could raise some money for the shelter.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
With that, Pucci began organizing PetFest.<\/p>\n
After gaining Blaster Power House ownership\u2019s permission to hold the concert at the Queen Street entertainment centre, Pucci began gathering talent for the musical fundraiser.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The music begins at 4 p.m. and continues until midnight on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Blaster Power House at 345 Queen St. E.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to give a good window of time for people to come,\u201d Pucci said of the eight-hour-long musical presentation.<\/p>\n
Tickets to PetFest are $20 each.<\/p>\n
All money raised from ticket sales goes directly to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomebody 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,\u201d Pucci said.<\/p>\n
As he grieves, he\u2019s offering his advice to others mourning the loss of a pet.<\/p>\n
\u201cKeep those memories alive,\u201d Pucci said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur memories are the only things that keep\u00a0people, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pucci said he hopes PetFest becomes an annual event.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tickets for PetFest can be purchased online through the Blaster Power House website<\/a>.<\/p>\n