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Thursday, April 11, 2019

Rock for Rescues set to return to Milton

courtesy By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

MILTON, Ga. — After a successful inaugural launch last year, the city is excitedly anticipating the return of Rock for Rescues later this month. The unique concert and community event benefits local animal nonprofit groups. Rock for Rescues takes place from 1-10 p.m., April 27 on Crabapple Road in downtown Crabapple.

Around 4,000 attendees came out for festivities last year, and this year’s event will feature an expanded musical lineup. Also new for this year is the addition of a “backstage” VIP experience and reserved tables for eight that can be purchased in advance.

VIP tent access includes covered lounge seating, a private bar, catered food, a “swag bag,” drink tickets and the opportunity to interact with the musicians.

Bands will perform throughout the day, including some crowd favorites from last year, such as A Slow Boat to China and Pony League. Also performing is Sister Moon, Alex Guthrie, Last Chance Riders and the Rock U Kids from North Fulton organization Music Matters.

North Georgia group Walden will headline the event with its performance at 8:30 p.m. The group helped kick off the festival countdown with their “puppy sessions” filmed at the new Furkids property in Cumming (video: bit.ly/2Ux6tHa).

“Connecting local talent with community needs has really been a highlight of this project,” said Milton Community Outreach and Engagement Manager Courtney Spriggs. “All of the artists involved in Rock for Rescues support its mission wholeheartedly, and it shows.”

While the bands rock the stage, attendees can enjoy food, drinks, shopping and other happenings.

“This year we added a huge variety of food, kids’ activities, and more pet-themed retail vendors,” Spriggs said. “Crabapple Market shops will also open with an awesome array of goods to choose from.”

At the heart of the good time is the benefit the festival provides to local animal groups. Five nonprofits have been selected and all proceeds will benefit their initiatives.

Beneficiaries include AWARE Wildlife Center which rehabilitates Georgia’s injured and orphaned wildlife and the Georgia House Rabbit Society.

Three more groups will also receive proceeds from the event for the second straight year. The groups include Canine Cellmates, which works with the Fulton County Jail in a program to reduce recidivism while providing training to shelter dogs, Atlanta-based animal shelters Furkids, and Special Equestrians of Georgia which provides therapeutic riding and other programs.

Vox Artium, creators Rock for Rescues, said the organizations chosen present a wide array of organizations and are all based locally.

“Vox wanted to make sure that the non-profit lineup was complementary in the community, not competitive,” said organization director Laura Jesseph. “No two organizations serve the same mission.”

Leashed dogs are permitted at the event, and Furkids will also have animals available for adoption. Those interested in bringing home a furry friend can start the approval process at furkids.org.

“First and foremost [in importance] is sharing the message of each rescue and giving them all a platform to connect — not just with Milton, but with each other, the artists, sponsors, new volunteers and direct donors,” Spriggs said. “Creating lasting support in all the ways each rescue needs is very important to everyone involved in Rock for Rescues. The event supporting Milton’s love of animals and animal rescues while providing performance opportunities for local musicians makes it unique. Our partnership with Vox has helped so many animals and people.”

Rock for Rescues is free to attend but donations will be accepted before and after the event. All donations will be divided equally among the benefitting groups.

Handicapped parking is available at the Alpharetta Government Center. All other parking is at Milton High School, Northwestern Middle School, Crabapple Crossing Elementary School and Crabapple Baptist Church. Shuttles will run from Milton High School beginning at 1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to car pool or use ride-sharing options.

For any additional information, contact Courtney Spriggs at courtney.spriggs@cityofmiltonga.us or visit RockforRescues.org.

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