Porter is modeling a “throwback” Shakaroo shirt from 2012
Everett musician Jason Webley, and a few of his friends, will be sharing the stage with dogs and puppies from the Everett Animal Shelter on Feb. 13, during the fifth annual SHAKAROO benefit concert for the animals. The event will be held at the Everett Performing Arts Center from 7-9:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
“This year we’re making the event more about the music. We’re partnering with more artists than we have in the past. It’s always going to be about the animals, they’re the ones who benefit from this event, but this year’s event will feature more entertainment,” said Dee Cordell, shelter operations coordinator. “We have some amazing artists joining us. In addition to Jason Webley, we’re also welcoming Steve Parris, Andru Bemis and Sarah Schmidt.”
Webley, who grew up in Mukilteo and now resides in Everett, has been traveling the world since 1998, playing a unique blend of folk, gypsy and punk. He has performed in more than three dozen countries, drawing in audiences of all ages with his whimsical, yet soulful, accordion-driven songs.
For his sold-out 2014 performance, “Margaret,” Webley assembled a group of upcoming songwriters to tell the story of one of Everett’s founding daughters, Margaret Rucker, whose scrapbook was found by chance in a San Francisco dumpster by one of Webley’s friends.
“I’m really happy to be asked to be a part of this show – the shelter is doing great work and I’m glad I can help,” said Webley. “I think it’s going to be a really great night – a few of my favorite performer friends are going to be in town and have agreed to play a few songs.”
One of those performers is Michigan-based banjo picker Andru Bemis, who will be bringing his angelic voice and old-time styling back to the Northwest for the first time since 2010. Another is Everett singer-songwriter Sarah Schmidt, of the band Mountains and Tunnels, and one of the performers in the “Margaret” concert. They will be joined by Steve Parris, who has performed with his band Nigel Mustafa since the first Shakaroo benefit in 2012.
Attendees can see the dogs during the Pooch Parade, where each dog gets their moment on stage to show off what they know, even if their only trick is to be cute. During intermission attendees can enjoy a beverage and interact with the furry stars of the show at the Whine and Wine meet and greet.
Last year, Shakaroo also added “puppy pits” as a way to showcase the busy pups interacting with one another. This successful addition will be making a return to this year’s event as well.
All of the dogs and puppies appearing throughout the night will be available for adoption at 10 a.m. the following day at the Everett Animal Shelter located at 333 Smith Island Road, Everett.
Derek Stansbury, radio broadcasting veteran and voice of the Tacoma Rainiers, will be returning as Master of Ceremonies.
Attending the event
Tickets for the event are $25 per person, and going fast. This year, the Shelter is introducing $100 VIP tickets.
This limited VIP package includes center seating in the first two rows, a pre-event peek at the pups, a drink ticket, a coupon for a free pet microchip and other goodies! To buy your tickets online go towww.shakaroo2016.brownpapertickets.com, or call the SHAKAROO hotline at 425-257-6040.
January 15, 2016
Events in Everett, Everett