On Saturday January 10th, the first-ever “Rock & Roll to the Rescue” fundraising concert was held at the Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield Park. The sold-out show housed over 2,000 people and proved to be an amazing night of entertainment in Northeast Ohio. A fabulous and fun night of dance, song and history were made all in the name of animal rescue for the dogs, cats, horses and other animals at Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village.
With outside temperatures well below 10 degrees, the crowd entered a pre-event that was hot in itself. Hearts were immediately warmed up by the multiple rescue dogs in attendance. Guests treated themselves to wonderful food and drink, mingled with celebrities, took photos at the photo station, watched hand magic being performed and outbid one another over the exclusive silent auction items on display. It was an awesome pre-show party that led into a killer night of entertainment and greatness.
As people took their seats, a variety of animal-based videos brought laughter and anticipation for the star-studded evening ahead. A surprise performance from the incredible internationally-known James Brown actor Robert T – The Real Soul Pleaser brought people out of their seats and onto their feets dancing. The eleven piece band created an energy so big and strong it proved to be the perfect way to start the evening.
Howard “Perl” Perlmuter, the event’s Producer and brain child (also founder of The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa chain), welcomed the crowd and said he hoped the event would become an annual fundraiser for the animals and grow bigger every year. He shouted, “We brought Vegas to Cleveland for a night. And, all for a good cause. The homeless pets receive no public funding, therefore, it is up to us to make sure they are properly funded!” The animal-loving audience roared in agreement with applause.
The evening’s star-studded line-up also included animal rights activist and legendary CLE weatherman Dick Goddard, Amy Gutman (animal trainer), international touring magician sensation Jason Allen, kidnap survivor and animal activist Michelle Knight, Sirius XM DJ and International Rock & Roll historian (and author of best-selling book Rock On) Norm N Nite.
Chubby Checker took the stage and lit the room on fire — what a stage presence he has! People were dancing in the aisles, and jumping up on stage to join him in doing the twist, limbo and can-can. The future R&R hall of famer brought the house down with over 90 minutes of classics! Seventeen ladies from The University of Akron dance team (complete in ’50s and ’60s costume changes) accompanied Chubby’s ROCK & ROLL JOURNEY. Chubby also received an R&B Hall of Fame Induction award on stage that night — big award for him!
The event was very well-planned and executed on all levels. “You never knew what was coming next,” said Hope Brustein, Executive Director for Rescue Village. “Wow. Just Wow.”
“It was one surprise after another,” said Sharon Macklin, a pet lover from Pepper Pike. ”We didn’t want it to end!” It was a true “Las Vegas” style production at Northfield Park…a wonderful night to remember.
Although final numbers are yet to be calculated, initial reports say over $25,000 raised for the animals. We’re crossing our fingers and wagging our tails that there will be another event next year!