PAWS Humane: Barks and Blues Festival 2018

Get ready to mark your calendars because the third annual Paws Humane Society Barks & Blues Festival is happening on Saturday, May 19.  Due to the overwhelming popularity of the event, we are moving the concert venue to Woodruff Park this year so music lovers and their dogs can “get down” to the tunes of some of the most sought out bands in Columbus.   

The 2018 Barks & Blues Festival will be a slightly more “grown up” event with nonstop music from 4 – 11 pm.  A friend of Paws Humane Society from the beginning, the Neal Lucas Trio will open the festival this year. This well-loved Columbus staple is known for their mix of jazz, blues and southern rock.

Next on the line-up will be GP38.  This four-piece band from Muscle Shoals, Alabama delivers high-energy performances of “real country music along with all your southern and classic rock favorites.

Up next will be Mark Sasser and Soul Kitchen performing their mouthwatering brand of heavy blues rock.  A crowd favorite last year, we are thrilled that Mark is not only coming back to perform but is also part of the planning committee for 2018.  Thank you, Mark!

I can’t wait to see Damn Skippy if only because I love the name.  They are described as a “full on party rock cover band with influences from Van Halen to Guns and Roses, Metallica and Hank Williams, Jr.”  By the time Damn Skippy comes on you will be all warmed up and ready to let loose, that is if you haven’t gotten there already.

The iconic Tom Petty left this planet in October, but he is not forgotten thanks to tribute band, the Breakdowns.  Their “all Tom Petty all the time” set will close the night for a reason. We know this year’s line-up is going to make you want to come back next year.   

Your favorite food trucks will be on hand to satisfy your appetite for supper and refreshments, and of course you can’t have a blues party without plenty of beer.   The event continues to be family friendly with a kid zone, microchipping for your dog and pet adoptions.

Start planning now to wow our celebrity judges during the Pet Costume Contest at 6:30 that evening, where prizes will be given for Owner/Pet Lookalike, Best Dressed, Most Creative, and Best in Show.  

If you love music and you love animals then this is the place to be on May 19.  Best of all admission to the 2018 Barks & Blues Festival is FREE! That is thanks to our amazing sponsors, especially the Stelzenmuller Rescues.  

by Bobbie Yeo