Rock for Crash's featuring The Muteflutes, hi-ker, Cabildo, Miss Pussykatt

Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids

Oct. 18, 9 p.m.

$5, 21+

foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-1195





Cat lovers are passionate. Beer lovers are passionate. That's the idea behind Rock for Crash's, a cat-themed musical event that benefits Crash's Landing, a Grand Rapids-based cat rescue and placement center.

The first Rock for Crash's event took place in 2006, fusing cats and beer in order for the shelter to connect to a new demographic. Since then, the event has raised between $1,700 and $3,250 annually for the shelter, according to Shanee Laurent, who founded the event and organizes it every year.

“Rock For Crash’s was born out of my love for animal welfare, fundraising and event planning,” said Laurent, who has been a volunteer at Crash’s since 2004.

Crash’s Landing was named in honor of Crash, a cat that had been hit by a car nursed back to health by Dr. Jennifer Petrovich in 1999. He served as the organization's mascot for 10 years until he passed away in 2013.

The nonprofit organization, which runs on donations, has been saving stray cats and providing homes for them since 2002. These donations help a number of things at the shelter, from buying cat litter and food to spaying, neutering and all other medical expenses.

Beer and cats aren't the only things on the agenda at Rock for Crash's, however. Expect to see musical performances by The Muteflutes, hi-ker and Cabildo, as well as an aerial performance by Miss Pussykatt. There will even be a photobooth, which is new to the event.

In addition to a donation at the door, merchandise will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going toward the shelter. Items include cat-ear headbands, commemorative poster art and a T-shirt with an original design by Laurent, who has created the artwork for all past events.

For Micah McLaughlin of The Muteflutes, participating in Rock for Crash's was a no-brainer.

“Marie Dornan (keys/vocal) loves cats and we all love playing music with cat ear headbands on, so when Crash’s reached out to us the answer was yes. It had to be.”

If you’re eager for a sneak peek, tune in to WoodTV’s eightWest program on Friday, Oct. 17 with musical act hi-ker.

Interested in learning more about Crash's? Visit the organization's website at crashlanding.org. They’re always looking for volunteers or if you're pressed for time, you can always sponsor a kitty. You know you want that good karma.