Here at PETSblogs, we love music nearly as much as we love animals. Occasionally, we’re fortunate enough to get a combination of these two things. For example, you’ve likely seen Sarah McLachlan’s ASPCA commercial (and been moved to tears or had to turn the channel), or perhaps are aware of rocker Chrissie Hynde’s (of The Pretenders fame) work with PETA. We love to see celebrities use their fame and fortune to help promote animal rights!
We recently discovered one such musician. Malea McGuinness, a talented pop/rock singer-songwriter, has also been an extremely active animal rights advocate. Citing classic female artists like Stevie Nicks and Linda Ronstadt as favorites, she describes her music sounding like classic (70s-era) rock and country, with a bit of folk thrown in for good measure. We loved what we heard, and wanted to introduce other pet-lovers to her music and her mission!
Lately, McGuinness has been garnering lots of attention from her inspirational new album, entitled CLOSE AS AIR.
One reviewer raved about it, stating, Armed with a voice that is as bold as it is graceful, Malea McGuinness has what it takes to be a pop diva.
If you haven’t heard of Malea McGuinness or heard her single, “Spinning,” take a quick moment to watch this video of her live performance of the song:
McGuinness’s touring schedule is gaining steam too, thanks to widespread publicity through radio play and her Myspace page. Some upcoming performances include the Dakota Music Lounge in Santa Monica on June 5th for a Breast Cancer Fund-raiser and opening for The Crash Test Dummies in Redondo Beach on June 10th. On July 3rd, she’ll be opening for The Counting Crows at the 2010 Summerfest Music Festival.
While some musicians could allow the fame and success to go to their heads, McGuinness uses hers to give less fortunate animals a fighting chance. Her live performances help raise money for numerous animal charities & foundations. She also works frequently with the staff of those facilities, continuing to educate herself on cutting-edge methods of rehabilitative care for abandoned and abused animals. Additionally, she volunteers regularly at The Amanda Foundation in Beverly Hills, where she implements her new techniques and shares her experiences with fans and other animal lovers.
In partnership with organizations such as The Wisconsin Humane Society, The Ark of San Juan, and The Kauai Humane Society, she generates awareness and much-needed funds for pet adoption-prep programs and animal rights volunteer efforts.
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated… I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of human kind.
— Gandhi
3 Comments
It is a good thing you are doing for pets.
I admire McGuinness for her noble use of her fame and money in helping animals in real need.
It is a good thing you are doing for pets.