October 30, 2008
What would your community do without your local animal shelter?
Your local animal shelter cares for displaced animals and adopts them into new homes. It investigates cruelty and neglect, reunites lost pets with their families, teaches kids to care about animals, and provides spay/neuter services.
Since 1996, The HSUS has celebrated National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. This year's message is Shelters Rock! And we've invited artists from the music industry to help spread the word about the important work shelters do, and to express why they care about animals.
This year, G by GUESS is a proud sponsor of Shelters Rock. For two weeks, all G by GUESS stores offered exclusive Shelters Rock t-shirts and tote bags to benefit The HSUS, in support of our companion animal programs and Humane Society Youth. Our thanks to all the artists below who are supporting Shelters Rock, and to all of you who support the work of animal shelters in your own communities.
Emmylou Harris
Harris gives her time and support to help animals and shelters. In fact, she has her own rescue/fostering operation, Bonaparte's retreat.
"I had this dog named Bonaparte who I adopted in '92. He became my road dog—he went everywhere with me. When I lost him in 2002, I felt I'd lost my best friend, and I didn't think I'd get another dog. But I started thinking that maybe I could foster some dogs. That way I'd be helping dogs, to honor the memory of my pal."
Emmylou Harris' latest album is "All I Intended to Be." Find out more at www.emmylouharris.com.
Carrie Underwood
Underwood's best friend is Ace, an adorable pooch who's small enough to travel with her. And she'll never let Ace contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.
"There were so many strays around Oklahoma, where I grew up. I've taken in cats, had them spayed or neutered, and found homes for them. A lot of people don't know how important it is to spay or neuter pets. That can cut down on the number of homeless animals."
Carrie Underwood will have a holiday version of her current album, "Carnival Ride," available exclusively at Wal-Mart beginning October 21, and it will feature five Christmas favorites. Underwood's headline tour, the Carnival Ride Tour, runs through December. Visit her website at www.carrieunderwood.fm.
 |
|
|
Carole King with Maya
Photo: Mary E. Nichols |
|
Carole King
Carole King volunteers as a dog walker at the no-kill Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley in Hailey, Idaho.
"I was only going to be a walker. Who was I kidding? After just a few walks, Maya and I adopted each other!"
Carole King's latest project is a live concert DVD entitled "Welcome to My Living Room." For more information, visit her website at www.CaroleKing.com.
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff is a strong supporter of spaying and neutering your pets.
"It only takes one visit to an animal shelter to see why its important to spay or neuter your pets. I'm 100 percent in support of adopting animals as well, but spaying and neutering is the first step in stopping overpopulation."
For upcoming projects, please visit www.hilaryduff.com, and also check out www.blessingsinabackpack.com.
Jon McLaughlin
"My family dog growing up was this big Old English Sheepdog named Aretha. She was the BEST dog and she was around from as early as I can remember all the way up through high school. So now that I'm on the road all the time I can't really have a dog, unfortunately, but I ALWAYS think about the day when I take a little time off, maybe slow it down a bit and go out and adopt a big black Labrador or Boxer. Especially when I picture starting a family, a big family dog is just a must!"
You may remember Jon McLaughlin from the song "So Close" that he performed in the hit Oscar-nominated movie "Enchanted." Now he's back with a new album called "OK Now," featuring the lead single "Beating My Heart." Listen to Jon give a track-by-track walk through of each song on the album.
Ben Taylor
Ben's dog's name is Governor. Both Ben and Governor are recording Christmas songs right now to share with the world in December.
Find out more about Ben at www.myspace.com/bentaylorofficial.
Nellie McKay
For most of her life, Nellie McKay has championed the welfare of animals. She is a committed vegan and works to engender respect for all beings.
"Our animal companions give us unconditional love, and it feels so good to be needed. Please open your heart to a furry friend and get a new lease on life."
Nellie McKay's latest album is "Obligatory Villagers." check out www.nelliemckay.com to find out where she's appearing, and to get more information about her Christmas Tour with Aimee Mann in December.
Heavy D
Heavy D is an iconic rapper with a love for animals that he's passed on to his daughter.
"When I was a young boy I often found myself by myself. You see, being the youngest of six kids often leaves a lot of alone time. I remember the day that my brother and I found a little black and tan puppy who was a bit pudgy. Not only was I never alone again, he actually brought me and my siblings closer together because we had to share in the responsibilities in caring for Pudgey. Now I have an 8 year old daughter who is dying to have a pet. I told her we had to start with a gold fish and start to learn from there on the responsibilities of taking care of a life. I am looking forward to sharing the responsibilities of caring for a pet with my child. It teaches kindness, responsibilities and how to love outside yourself.”
Heavy D has moved into a new genre with his new Reggae album, "Vibes," now available digitally everywhere. He has a new album coming out this year distributed through Universal.
 |
|
| Photo: Matt Odom |
|
Amy Ray
Ray, one half of the famed Indigo Girls duo , has six rescued dogs.
"I think with so many unwanted animals being put to death every day, there is no reason to not adopt. You can get any shape or size and you can save a life. I believe that spaying and neutering your pet is the only humane way to live now. The unwanted animal population grows exponentially every day and we can help stop this and prevent so much of the unnecessary suffering in the animal world. There are many groups that will do this for low cost or free, so there is really no excuse."
Amy Ray is now touring with her band in support of her new solo CD, "Didn't It Feel Kinder." You can check out her music and tour dates on www.amy-ray.com or www.daemonrecords.com. Indigo Girls have a new and independent record due to be released in March 2009.
 |
|
| Photo: Kim Levin |
|
Patrick McDonnell McDonnell is well known as the creator of the MUTTS comic strip, an author, and an animal advocate. Few of his fans may know he was also once a member of a punk band that played CBGB’s alongside The Ramones and Blondie.
"Twice a year, I pay tribute to animal shelters with a week of 'Shelter Stories' in my comic strip, MUTTS. It's my way of acknowledging the millions of animals in shelters who patiently wait for a home, the dedicated workers who devote such care to them, and the kindhearted people who adopt them. Everyone can find a way to help their local shelters. You can start by adopting a new best friend."
Catch Patrick McDonnell's "Shelter Stories" strips, each with a Shelters Rock theme, in your local paper starting November 2. Or pick up his book, "MUTTS Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed.," wherever books are sold. Find out more at www.muttscomics.com.
 |
|
| ©2008 Patrick McDonnell |
|
Earl and Mooch
Earl and Mooch are the signature characters in the MUTTS comic strip, and also star in the special Shelters Rock graphic created by Patrick McDonnell.
"We're lucky. Earl adores his Ozzie. Mooch is beloved by Millie. Our guardians provide us with long blissful walks, pink socks, and a variety of foods to shnub. They love us and attend to our every need. But some of our shelter friends are not so lucky. They are still waiting for their own home and their own person to love them. So say YESH! to a shelter pet. Adopt a little rock star of your own!"
Earl and Mooch perform daily in more than 700 newspapers around the country.
The Boxhounds
Charlie Kelley and LynnMarie Rink, known as The Boxhounds, are both animal lovers and life long pet owners.
"We believe that we have a responsibility, both as artists and human beings, to do all that we can to support the systems, like The HSUS, that are in place to help put an end to animal abuse." says Lynn. Charlie adds, "Having grown up on the family farm in Maryland, I've always felt that if we were given dominion over animals, then we have a responsibility to care for them.....not a right to do what we please with them."
The Boxhounds are four-time Grammy nominees and tour the United States as well as Europe. They recently released their first instrumental project entitled Speechless which combines their own creative blending of the accordion and guitar. More info can be found at www.lynnmarie.net, www.charliekelley.com, and www.myspace.com/theboxhoundsmusic.
Nan Kelley
Nan Kelley is the host of "Opry Live" and "Top 20 Country Countdown" on the Great American Country Network.
"In my line of work, I get to travel all over and hang out with the some of the biggest stars in country music, but my favorite place to be is in the backyard with our two dogs, Big Chief and Molly. Big Chief, a lab/dalmatian mix, is a rescue dog, so my husband Charlie and I know firsthand the joy and happiness a shelter animal brings. Thank God for the work shelters do to help match people who are looking for that joy and the animals who give it unconditionally."
For more info, go to www.gactv.com or www.nankelley.com.
Donnie Klang
Klang, from MTV's "Making the Band 4," and his family are all animal lovers.
"I just want to bring to everyone's attention the importance of animal shelters. Every day animals are neglected and left out on the streets. Animal shelters help to save these animals and find homes and families for them. I am big on pets and fully support and appreciate animal shelters around the country."
Bad Boy Records presents the debut album from Donnie Klang, "Just a Rolling Stone," including the hit singles "Take You There" featuring P. Diddy and "Dr. Love." Available now. Find out more at www.donnieklangonline.com and www.badboyonline.com
Andrew De Torres of Danger Radio
De Torres is the lead singer in the band Danger Radio, and knows from personal experience the importance of pet adoption.
"My family and I have adopted/rescued four dogs and they entirely changed our family's life. There are so many animals out there that are looking to be adopted into families who will love and care for them and I think a lot of animal shelters are doing an amazing job of making sure that these animals find the homes they need."
De Torres and the rest of the guys in Danger Radio are super excited to be out on the road right now with Family Force 5 and this fall with The Veronica's. Their debut album, "Used and Abused," is also in stores and the band is excited about how great the response has been. Find out more about Danger Radio at www.dangerradio.net/ and www.myspace.com/dangerradio.
Patti Page
Patti Page recorded "(How Much is that) Doggie in the Window" in 1952. She's now recording the classic tune with poignant new lyrics, "(Look at that) Doggie in the Shelter."
"When I recorded that song more than 50 years ago, 'Doggie in the Window' seemed like a sweet and harmless message, and everyone thought of the corner pet store as a place to see adorable puppies. The puppies in pet stores are still adorable, but now most of them come from puppy mills. So I've changed my tune. I want this song with new lyrics, 'Doggie in the Shelter,' to become an anthem for homeless pets, and to help people recognize the great work done by animal shelters."
Patti Page will be releasing her memoirs, "This Is My Song," and a new CD, "Best Country Songs" in time for the holidays, and they will be available wherever books and records are sold. Her new recording, "(Look at that) Doggie in the Shelter" will be available in late-November at www.humanesociety.org/pattipage. For more information about Patti Page, visit www.misspattipage.com.
Tim Ferrell from Ludo
Tim Ferrell, guitarist from the rock band Ludo, volunteered at the humane society when he was in college.
"It was great... just giving the animals some love and attention while they were at the shelter. I'm a supporter of pet adoption because adoption helps curb the overpopulation of domesticated animals, gives shelters more room to help strays and other potential pets, saves the lives of our would-be new best friends and companions, and is even less costly to the owner as animals from shelters generally come home already spayed or neutered. Even the fee paid to bring your new companion home goes towards care for the shelter and the animals in it."
Ludo's new album, "You're Awful, I Love You," is in stores everywhere. For more, visit www.ludorock.com.
Doug Robb from Hoobastank
Robb is the vocalist for the alternative rock band, Hoobastank.
"Being the owner, although I like to be known as the father, of two amazing german shepherds, Pepper and Ringo, giving support and doing what I can to support organizations that help provide care and love for dogs is a no brainer. Since my dogs are like my kids I see all dogs almost as an extension of them and there are too many dogs without homes, love and care. Any organization that helps with that I will stand behind."
Hoobastank's new single, "My Turn," is available now on iTunes. Their full album titled "Fornever" is due out in January. Get more information at www.hoobastank.com.
Kelly Sweet
At just 20, Sweet had been committed to helping animals for much of her life.
"Growing up in a small town in Utah, I fell in love with nature and animals. I'd find a little bird with a broken wing, or a dog with a hurt foot all the time, and every time my mother and I would bring them to the animal sanctuary near us and put them in the right hands. We did whatever we could to help. I can't stand to see an animal in pain. Animals are so precious, unconditionally loving little beings. How can one not adore them?"
Kelly Sweet is currently writing and recording her second record on Razor and Tie. Her first single, "Raincoat," from her debut album, "We Are One," hit the top-ten charts on AC radio last year. Visit her at www.kelly-sweet.com.
Sleeping At Last
Ryan O'Neal, Chad O'Neal, and Dan Perdue of the indie-alt-rock band Sleeping At Last are passionate animal lovers and very proud dog owners, eager to raise awareness of the important work that shelters perform daily across the country.
"Our drummer's dog, Chandler, was the first of our pets to be adopted and shortly after, each of us became proud parents of incredible dogs of our own! We wholeheartedly admire and appreciate the incredible work that shelters across the country have achieved to protect these wonderful animals and to help so many people begin these life-changing friendships. We are so privileged to be a part of Shelters Rock, to help raise awareness and appreciation for such important work."
Sleeping At Last's latest album is titled "Keep No Score," and is available on iTunes. They are currently preparing to record a new album, scheduled for a mid-2009 release. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/sleepingatlast.
Mariana Tosca
Actor-activist Mariana Tosca is a lifelong animal protection advocate and vegan, who shares her home with four dogs, all of whom were adopted from shelters. In 2003, she formed a production company, Canine Cinema, which has been donating its services to several local shelters by creating live action films of every adoptable animal as a marketing tool for placement. Because of this, the adoption rate in those shelters has tripled.
"Millions of unwanted animals end up in our nation's shelters because of over-breeding and overpopulation. Half of them don't make it out alive. Spaying and neutering is the responsible and intelligent response to this epidemic. It'll save millions of lives and hundreds of millions of taxpayers' dollars. With the availability of free or low-cost spay/neuter clinics, there's no excuse not to."
Find out more at www.mtosca.com.
Chris Tsagakis/RX Bandits
Chris Tsagakis, seen here with Gobnait, is the drummer in RX Bandits
"This is Gobnait. She helps me write music. We adopted Gobnait from a shelter just days before they were going to put her to sleep. The lady at the shelter wanted to find her a home so badly she offered to spay her and give her the shots she needed for free. We are very glad we saved her. Gobnait and our other cat Seamus are wonderful cats, and my wife Ericka and I enjoy every minute with them."
Check out the RX Bandits at www.myspace.com/rxbandits , it will rock you out! And to check out the music Chris and Gobnait have made, go to www.myspace.com/technologyrecordings.
Bayje
Bayje is an artist who is already planning how to "give back," and wants to launch her own animal charity one day.
"When I wake up in the morning, before my cup of coffee and before I watch the news, I roll over and wake up to the love of my life..my dog Bella. I couldn't imagine my life without her. Some people search the club or the web for love, I search the shelters. Go find your soul mate."
Bayje, a 21 year old artist on Atlantic Records, hails from Syracuse, New York. She is now working on her new album, scheduled to come out in Spring 2009. Her new single, "Find A Way," is on the radio now. Stop by www.myspace/bayje to say hello.
The Bird and the Bee
Greg Kurstin and Inara George both love animals. Greg just rescued a dog named Dave and Inara has two dogs named Steve and Denver.
"There is something so amazing about bringing an animal into your family and giving him or her a safe home. And as much as the animal benefits, we know from experience that we benefit much more by having a sweet little doggy around."
The follow up to The Bird and the Bee's self-titled debut record, "Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future," is definitely new sonic terrain for the Los Angeles-based duo. Every bit as beguiling as their debut, the album retains its predecessor's lithe melodies and Brazilian influences, but takes its stylish '60s pop deeper into the psychedelic period of the Tropicalia era. Available January 2009. www.myspace.com/thebirdandthebee.
 |
|
| Photo: Diana Seerman |
|
Jaymay
Singer-songwriter Jaymay says Bob Dylan was one of her creative influences. And she says a boxer named Chubs helped influence her love of animals, while bringing endless joy to the Seerman family, the town of Bayport, and the hamlet of East Quogue..
"Shelters rescue abandoned animals from the streets, nurture them back to health and provide them with new loving homes. If not for these shelters, I would've never met Falcor (the canine featured in my photo) who now happily resides in Los Feliz, CA."
Jaymay will be releasing a new EP called "Ten Under Two." Find out more at www.myspace.com/jaymay.
J-Boogie
San Francisco resident and world-renowned DJ/producer J-Boogie has continued to challenge the boundaries of the music world across genres, styles, languages, and borders throughout his 15-year career. This unique artist speaks to his listeners through a diverse musical language that he has created, integrating various techniques and musical genres including dub, soul, hip–hop, reggae, funk, Latin, afro-beat, bhangra, dancehall, disco, electro, and house.
"I've been a doggy dude since day one. I love socializing with the dogs in my neighborhood near Bernal or Precita park, some of the dog friendliest parks in San Francisco. Although I don't own a pet, I've been the pet sitter of choice for our neighbors and close friends. Having a backyard in the city is a great haven for pets, and the neighborhood cats and dogs drop by for visits from time to time when we're chillin' in the yard. Big shouts to my favorite pets Bula, Melly, and Tiger. Most of the pets we play with are adopted, and with the current situation of puppy mills and unwanted pets, there is no reason not to adopt. Think of it as your good Samaritan role, plus you have a new friend for life! Adopt a pet and save a life today."
Fresh off his new and highly anticipated sophomore album, Soul Vibrations, J-boogie has put together a new "Dubtronic Science" band featuring a horn section, Latin percussionists, and MCs. Like its predecessor, J-Boogie's second album features an impressive line up of artists including The Rebirth, Rich Medina, Lyrics Born, Ohmega Watts, Zion I, Crown City Rockers, Jennifer Johns, Deuce Eclipse, Capitol A, The Mamaz, Jazz Mafia, Lunar Heights, Jrod Indigo, Tony Moses, and more. Be sure to catch him on tour with the live band in a city near you. Find out more at www.jboogie.com.
 |
|
Elliott Murphy
Murphy is a multi-talented rock singer-songwriter, novelist, producer, and journalist. A New York native, now living in Paris, his message of caring for animals transcends borders.
"Eighteen years ago, my career as a musician and singer/songwriter brought me to France and--five winding flights of stairs. So it was not an easy environment to have a dog, although my son, Gaspard, wanted one from the day he knew what joy a dog was.
He continued to ask me for one nearly every day and in a fleeting moment of weakness I relented and one Autumn evening we left the "Animalerie" with a very happy son and an equally ecstatic (I suppose) Jack Russell puppy named Tara. So life went on and Tara became a part of the family and we dealt with going up and down the stairs for her walks as best we could. There have been plenty of mishaps along the way but ... thanks to our terrace for emergency pit-stops we are one big happy complete family. Or at least I thought so.
Then about seven years ago we were visiting—totally black, and totally abandoned. They brought it right home and hid it from me, not knowing how I would feel about a new family member. Then I came across the kitten (now named Salem) in a bed of blankets in the closet and said "What's this?" So literally, the cat was out of the bag. And there was no choice about what to do so we brought Salem back to Paris.
Salem and Tara have different issues when it comes to toilet training and for a long time we would come home to find a warm wet spot on my son's bed. But Salem has gotten better ... most of the time. Salem has been neutered some years ago and Tara is on her way to be spayed within the next couple of months.
Next time, I would probably visit the local animal shelter but in the case of our pets I was kind of "broadsided" two times. We're a show business family - my wife is an actress and Gaspard is in college studying music production and Salem has even appeared inside the booklet of one of my CDs. Now if I can make Tara's constant barking a little more melodic we might have a full family act ... "
Elliott Murphy is touring the United States this December, January, and April in support of his new album, "Notes from the Underground." The rest of the year, he's touring internationally through Europe and writing a book of stories including this one about his cat Salem and dog Tara. More at www.elliottmurphy.com.
 |
|
Laura Bryna
"I'm really softhearted when it comes to animals and birds. I have three birds that are a very special part of my life. They are part of my family and I just love them. I recently adopted a Border Collie from a local shelter as a gift for my manager. She is beautiful and I’m so happy that I was able to give her a good home. I wish more people would consider saving a shelter animal when they are thinking about a pet and that people would spay and neuter their animals. Their lives and ours would be a lot better."
Laura Bryna is currently featured in a national advertising campaign for the Air National Guard, and recently released the new single "Hometown Heroes" in honor of the organization. Visit her website, www.laurabryna.com.
|
VP RECORDS:
VP Records and the following band and three solo artists proudly support Shelters Rock.
Busy Signal
Etana
Beres Hammond
Morgan Heritage
Busy Signal
"My choice of pet is a dog because of their loyalty. I have a dog, a blue pit bull. Due to my frequent travel my dog spends time at a kennel nearby my home in St. Andrew, where they take great care of him. I feel very strongly about people who are cruel to animals and dogs in particular and I support the practices of adoption and spaying/neutering to prevent unwanted dogs who are likely to be mistreated."
Busy Signal's second album, "Loaded," was released in September with many familiar hits and introducing new songs. Fans can look forward to many more Busy hits with positive uplifting lyrics and new and different beats. Check out www.myspace.com/onebusysignal.
Etana
"I have the sweetest dog and his name is Max Leo McKenzie. He is an extremely friendly, protective and loving doggy. He is a Pomeranian Shitzu mix with a vibrant personality and he loves to join me on my workout runs."
Etana's debut album, "The Strong One," is in stores now. She says, "If you have a love for good music whether on a drive home or just to brighten your day check it out!" And visit www.myspace.com/etanastrongone.
Beres Hammond
"I have a few dogs at my home in Jamaica and they are family to me. I especially love coming home after a long worldwide tour to their friendly faces. I have great admiration for people who adopt pets and for the people who run the shelters. Pets make life more livable."
Hammond's new album, "A Moment In Time," is out digitally now and the CD/DVD will be in stores November 11th, 2008. For more information go to http://www.myspace.com/bereshammond.
Morgan Heritage
Gramps from Morgan Heritage says everyone in the group loves all animals, but dogs most of all.
"We have several Rottweilers in Jamaica and we totally understand the importance of proper pet care. For instance, I have a Jack Russell Terrier that I carry around because he's much lighter than my big dogs. Love is the main ingredient we use to take care of him. His name is Milo and even Peter gives him a shower sometimes. Animals are very important to the planet and they need lots of love to play their role in the balance of mankind. Regular visits to the veterinarian are a number one priority to insure long life and good health for a dog, and all animals for that matter."
Morgan Heritage's new album, "Mission In Progress," talks about the balance that is needed between all living things on the planet Earth. Gramps says the group will continue to spread their message of love as they tour all over the world. To find out if they'll be coming to a city near you, visit www.myspace.com/morganheritage.
|
 |
|
| Photo: Buddhabong |
|
Time Machine
Time Machine member, Biscuit (not to be confused with dog biscuit), remembers fondly how, in his younger days, his cat kept his home rodent and roach-free.
"There's more animal abuse going on out there than we'd like to believe exists, and we need shelters to protect and rehabilitate abused pets."
Find out more about Time Machine and check out their music video, 'The Unfortunate Twist' (where you can see the importance about being smart about your love for wild animals) at www.myspace.com/timemachine and www.glowlikethis.com. Time Machine's new album, 'Life Is Expensive," is out on iTunes and elsewhere now.
Daylight for Deadeyes
Daylight for Deadeyes band members Andrew Neill, Matt Gormley, and Chris Gormley have been dog owners their whole lives.
"We know firsthand that pets need love. We got our first dog from an animal shelter in Canada, and it was the best thing we ever did! Without the local humane society, we never would have found Delphi. It's amazing what an animal can do to make a family closer and stronger."
Daylight For Deadeyes just released a new CD entitled "New York." To find out more about the band, go to www.myspace.com/daylightfordeadeyesmusic.
 |
|
| Photo: Ebet Roberts |
|
Annie Haslam
Haslam is a sing-songwriter who was the lead singer for the classic English rock band, Renaissance, as well as a solo artist and painter. She feels a personal responsibility to helping all animals in any way she can.
"My little Shitzhu-Poodle, Daisy, came from a shelter and was with me for twelve years. One of the best decisions in my life was to bring her home. I had actually gone to the shelter to look for my missing cat, Rose. She wasn't at the shelter, but Daisy was. I immediately fell in love with this small bedraggled little girl. Finally, after a total of nine days, Rose came home ... all was now as it was meant to be. I have three cats--Rose, Joey, and Lily—and a Chihuahua called Love, all adopted. Right now I have a stray cat called Baby who lives outside. I have been feeding her since February, but I had not gained her trust completely until today when she presented me with her two kittens. A SHOCK! My focus now is to get her spayed and checked out along with her kitties. Spaying and neutering is vital in controlling overpopulation.
The unconditional love that is given to me by my animal family (which has grown overnight) is priceless."
Annie Haslam has a Christmas show on Dec. 20 at The Sellersville Theater, Pa., and her artwork can be seen on her website at www.anniehaslam.com.
 |
|
Mark FarinaFarina looks at his job as a modern day traveling minstrel, to bring new music to as many places as he can, and expose obscure records that, otherwise, might go hidden." He developed his musical tastes in Chicago, where he moved from his passion for the purist forms of House into what grew into one of his trademark styles, Mushroom Jazz.
"We always had cats or dogs in my familygrowing up. Can't imagine living without pets. Pets need people, people need pets."
"Mushrom Jazz 6" has just been released and is a deep, satisfying breath of fresh air – all of your senses are immediately indulged. DJ Mark Farina is back, proving that the classic Mushroom Jazz series has once again pushed the musical envelope. The 6th album in the series truly raises the bar by integrating various genres into a cohesive party set, with the incorporation of funky hip-hop, soul, and downtempo beats. Farina throws forward a unique layering of the elements while integrating transitionary effects. Everything circles in for an eclectic array of musical mayhem. Once the excursion with this album begins, it’s immediately accessible for home listening, relaxation, or the early hours of a big night out. Sample "Mushroom Jazz 6" with a free download. And find out more about Mark Farina at www.om-records.com and www.myspace.com/markfarina.
 |
|
| Dan Schwartz and Raja |
|
Dan Schwartz from Good Old War
Schwartz is a guitarist/vocalist in the trio Good Old War.
“I love pets! Cause they're your best friend and zen master. Like my dog Rajah. Every day animals are euthanized because they have nowhere to go. It's an epidemic in Philadelphia, with dog fighting. There're more homeless pitbulls than you could imagine.”
Good Old War's album, "Only Way To Be Alone," comes out in November. Check out the guys at www.myspace.com/goodoldwar.
The Laurie Berkner Band
The Laurie Berkner Band is the #1 selling preschool kids' act. Many of their songs center around animals, which isn't surprising since all the members of the band have cats. Laurie’s cats are Jasper and Cole, and she's speaking on behalf of the band.
“If you have ever even considered having a pet, now is the time. More animals than ever are abandoned during economic downturns and fewer pets are adopted. Thankfully there are shelters where animals can be cared for, have a transitional home, and find new owners. Please support your local shelter!”
The Laurie Berkner Band has starred in nearly every episode of "Jack's Big Music Show" on NOGGIN, and have a new CD release, "Rocketship Run." Find out more at www.laurieberkner.com.
Killola
All of Killola’s members have a place in their hearts for animals. Lisa Rieffel (vocals) and Johnny Dunn (bass) recently rescued an abandoned kitty off the streets of North Hollywood —they named him Blacktoe. Drummer Dan Grody’s mom is the founder of American Tortoise Rescue and he was raised an animal lover.
Grody was also a big Price is Right fan growing up. "I learned early from Bob Barker, among others, that spaying and neutering is a responsibility—a must in order to control the pet population. I am also roommates with a blind cat, Clifford, and a deaf dog, Tiny.”
Based in Los Angeles, Killola is a four-piece American rock band known for possessing an incredible DIY work ethic, and maintaining a widespread, global fan base thanks to their heavy Internet presence. Killola has released two albums and a live CD/DVD, and toured the U.S. and Europe. Killola recently completed a full US tour to promote their newest LP titled, “I Am The Messer,” which is available for free online at www.myspace.com/killola.
Calvin Yordy
The members of the rock band Calvin Yordy love two things: music and their dogs.
"We frequently read about homeowners abandoning their pets during these tight financial times; pet abandonment is a serious issue. If a family is facing an economic crisis and can no longer care for their pets, shelters offer a safe, legal, humane alternative to abandonment."
Calvin Yordy's debut album, "Lights Fantastic," is now available on all major digital music services. See pictures of Calvin's dogs at www.calvinyordy.com.
Jeffrey Gordon
Jeffrey Gordon's Romantic Jazz specializes in performing songs from The Great American Song Book. Gordon is also an HSUS supporter.
"We've adopted four dogs and I have volunteered at the animal shelter in Trenton, New Jersey. There's no greater feeling than helping animals who need homes."
Jeffrey Gordon is working on a CD with songs about animals to benefit The HSUS. For more information about Gorden, visit www.gigmasters.com/swing/JeffreyGordon.
