A Feral Fete Fundraiser

Every year my friend and bandmate, Julia, from The Columbines hosts a Halloween party where a bunch of our friends and bandmates dress up and play as another band. This year she decided to make it a fundraiser for the colony cats and called it A Feral Fete. She has done this before.

The event started late afternoon Saturday at Borelli’s, a BYOB pizza place that also hosts events and shows. One of the first guests to arrive, and my favorite, was Elise, who was very supportive of the cats. Then she had to leave early to go meet up with some friends in the park.

Borelli’s was really dressed up for Halloween, as were a lot of the guests. Check out John and Shawn, especially Shawn’s theme-appropriate make-up. We talked about her neighbors in Albany Park who are doing TNR and caring for the colony cats.

This cat belongs at the bar.

Chad the Bird hosted and performed a very special monologue on the most Googled Halloween costumes in 2014.

The first band to perform was my bandmates as Ace of Spayed, otherwise known as Link Wray. Background video was provided by Caffeinated Recordings. Faster Pussycat Kill Kill was the perfect backdrop.

Weeddance Bongwater Red Eyeball performed next, otherwise known as Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Scary Manilow sang the songs and told the jokes.

Johnny Cash was next. By the way, the drummer is a veterinarian. My friend Ashly even joined Johnny mid-set as June Carter. This was one of my favorite moments of the night. I was talking to her during their set about fostering cats, and all of a sudden she jumped up to go on stage. She told me earlier that she was performing, but because I’m a terrible listener I didn’t know this was going to happen.

There was a mystery band called Pussy Savior. It was a huge surprise – they covered Columbines songs. I didn’t even recognize Matt on the keyboard at first, until he started playing. No one plays like he does.

Needs more cello.

You would think the red wig would’ve tipped us off. Doppelgängers.

The night ended with Pawbox, otherwise known as Jawbox.

The event and incoming donations raised $702 for ongoing medical care for the cats. I can’t thank my friends enough for their compassion and generosity, and they also know how to have a good time.