Musical event benefits animal shelter

Contributed photo
READY TO ROCK AND ROLL — Mark “Guitar” Miller, a native of Houlton who grew up in Millinocket will headline the 2010 Rockin’ the Doghouse musical event Saturday, Sept. 11 at Monument Park. The event is a fundraiser for the Houlton Humane Society.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — What do antique automobiles, a nationally known guitar player and homeless animals all have in common? Ask Heather and John Miller.
    The second annual Rockin’ the Doghouse Music Festival and Broadway Street Show and Shine comes to the Shiretown Saturday, Sept. 11, at Monument Park, bringing music, food and children’s entertainment to the area as a fundraiser for the Houlton Humane Society.
    Broadway Street will be blocked off to traffic to accommodate the antique autos, while the music festival will encompass the entire Monument Park. An adopt-a-thon for animals will be ongoing during the event.
    “This event is probably one of our biggest fundraisers of the year,” said Heather Miller of the Houlton Humane Society. “This year, it’s expanded with more cars and bands, so we hope it will be even better. We’re pretty excited about it.”
    The event has grown considerably from its inaugural offering a year ago.
    “Last year, we had one band and this year we’ll have five,” John Miller said. “Music will be playing all day long. The car show has gotten bigger as well, with more people confirming they are going to be there.”
    Maine blues guitarist Mark Miller, a native of Houlton who was raised in Millinocket, will be the featured entertainer for this year’s event. A cousin of event organizer John Miller, Mark Miller has made his living playing guitar for more than 45 years.
    Mark Miller has opened for such renowned recording artists as B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal, Pat Travers, Waylon Jennings, Jonathan Edwards and Peter Wolf. He’s also appeared on stage with countless other blues, country and rock artists throughout his career.
    According to John Miller, Mark has never performed a full concert in his hometown of Houlton.
    “He’s been chasing the music industry all his life,” John Miller said. “He’s played all over the country with so many people.”
    Joining Mark Miller will be a local “all-star” band featuring Houlton musicians Tim Humphrey (bass guitar), Brian Longstaff (drums), Scott Emack (guitar) as well as some guest saxophone players.
    Other bands performing include Head Space, Three Steps, Mellow Endeavor, Wy Waite and Chuck Loucka.
 Among the many activities held throughout the day will be a giant monkey bouncy house, donated by Lynn York; a dunking booth from Aroostook Auto Glass, which will feature local celebrities including Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin; Tatitudes, air-brushed tattoos; numerous children’s games; free Humvee rides in military vehicles; a 50/50 raffle; as well as a raffle for a 46-inch Sony LCD television (limited to 350 tickets).
    The cost of admission is $5 with gates opening at 10 a.m. For the price of entry, each person will receive five tickets, which can be redeemed for food items or children’s games. For more information, call John Miller at 532-6577.