Of
course the highlight is the four bands that will play from 3 to 9 p.m.
this Sunday (the rain date is September 20). The event will take place
in the large parking lot behind the Precinct bar and restaurant, and a
portion of the proceeds from the $15 entry fee will go toward Community
Action Outreach Somerville (CAAS) and Respond.

"It's going to
be a total community and family event," said Robert Elliott, who
organized the event along with Precinct manager Ronan Geary. "I like
the idea of giving back to the community that supports us."

It
was a natural fit to donate funds to Respond and CAAS, since the
non-profits are housed above the Precinct in Union Square plaza.
Respond is New England's first domestic violence agency and the second
in the nation to provide safe haven for women dealing with abuse.

Music
Festival 09 is sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon, which will flowing
during the fest. The first 30 dogs to join the festivities-before the
bands go on at about 2 p.m.-will receive a Pabst Blue Ribbon dog collar.

Elliott
wanted to include the canines because he loves animals. He thought it
would be more fun for the family to bring the dog along. There will be
a certified vet and dog masseuse on site, and a masseuse for humans, as
well.

The kid activities will also take place before the live music, and will include a dunk tank, bouncy castle, and face painting.

Barrence
Whitfield (http://www.barrencewhitfield.com/) will be the headliner.
His newest CD is entitled, "Raw, Raw Rough." The other musicians are:

o
Jess Tardy-This blues musician has been performing locally since 2001.
She is a familiar face at Sally O'Briens in the square.
http://jesstardy.com

o Andrea Gillis-Gillis, with her true
Motown spirit, was named in 2004 one of the ten local performers to
look out for. Since then, she has been nominated for two Boston Music
Awards and a Maxie Award. http://www.andreagillis.com

o Jenny
Dee and The Deelinquents-This band's "coquettish" presence and all-soul
repertoire evoke the all-girls bands of the 1960s.

The Sea
Monsters will round out the acts and play downstairs in the Precinct at
10 p.m. The Independent and Cantina Mexicana will also offer a variety
of food and drink.