Benefit makes pet sounds

A somewhat scraggly pooch named Montana found a new home last month with Newport Beach residents Catherine Roberts and Adam Little.

The couple adopted the mutt from Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets, an all-volunteer nonprofit focused on rescuing dogs and cats — they also have one rabbit — from euthanasia and the perils of the street.

On Wednesday, the Detroit Bar will host a charity show benefiting the organization, with three Los Angeles-based bands heading south in the name of the four-legged homeless.

“It’s called Bands for Animals because we help give a voice to those who don’t have one for themselves,” said Genevieve Rojas, who organized the event for the organization.

The organization relies on volunteers and foster homes to take care of the rescued animals, many of which need medical treatment, making fundraisers and donations a must in order to keep afloat.

They also rely on people like Roberts and Little to take the animals into their homes, whether for a permanent adoption or to foster dogs and cats while they wait for new families.

“I’m not anti-pet stores, but I just feel like there are so many dogs and cats who are homeless and in shelters and there are so many awesome animals out there,” Roberts said. “And whether you want a puppy or older dog — Montana is about 4 years old — there are so many that need homes and they’re so sweet, it makes no sense to go to a pet store or breeder.”

Detroit Bar’s staff has always lent itself to fundraising events like this one, said booking and events manager Chris Fahey, who estimated they do about six to 10 each year. Fahey said this will be the first to directly benefit animals.

“We’re all pet owners — the dog on the flier belongs to the owner and is a rescue dog,” he said. “It’s the whole no-kill thing…. I’ve gotten every animal I’ve ever had from shelters, so it seemed natural.”

Four Los Angeles guys from 19 to 23 years old who call themselves Wet Brain will headline the show. They agreed to play without hesitation when Rojas approached them at a Hollywood gig.

“Well, frankly, we like being a part of a positive cause and a good cause, and a big part of why we play music is that we like bringing people together and doing something positive,” said frontman Parker Stevenson, 23.

All the proceeds from the $10 cover charge will go to Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets and to help pay for a critical surgery for Rojas’ cat, who was diagnosed with a bilateral perennial hernia.

“We usually take dogs and cats that are on their last chance…. We contact rescue groups if dogs are going to be put down,” said Lisa Clem, the organization’s president. “It’s nice to know you’re saving a dog that really is a good dog and needs that second chance.”

Wet Brain and its manager, Chris Mann, described the band’s music as “modern rock with a groove.”

“It’s modern rock, but we’re kind of in a genre of our own,” Stevenson said.

Mann added, “They sound like Incubus, and they mix very, very vivid instrumentals with just solid tunes.”

The Spencer Outfit and Misinterpret will also take the stage at the benefit.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Bands for Animals, a charity show to benefit Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets

WHERE: 843 W. 19th St.

WHEN: 9 p.m. Wednesday

COST: $10 cover charge

INFO: www.detroitbar.com or www.fochp.org