It is often said — incorrectly — that “Music soothes the savage beast.”

I do not know about the beast, but I surely hope that music will soothe you.

At 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at New Covenant Church, I will attempt to provide soothing music on the piano, all for the purpose of the beasts.

This will be a “fundraiser” for the Natchez Adams Humane Society, and I certainly hope we can help stock their pantry.

The program is open to the public and is free.

To be honest, I am encouraging those attending to bring something to help with the shelter. Such items could be Purina dog or puppy chow, cat chow, cleaning supplies, such as Clorox and bedding materials such as blankets.

So just what should you expect for your donation?

A lot of fun, I hope!

The program is going to be high-energy driven, and will consist of music running the gamut from jazz to ragtime, popular to Broadway. There truly is no way to tell what may be played, for I am prone to changing my choices at the spur of the moment.

A little Gershwin; a touch of Sondheim.

A smattering of Fats Waller; a nod to Scott Joplin.

There is a real possibility that Don McLean and Billy Joel could be represented by the sounds coming from the ole Steinway.

How about big band music? Yes, we could go there, too!

As an added treat, I plan on reprising the reenactment I did some time ago of the comedy magic act that was the signature of Clarence Ferguson, aka, “ Clarence the Magician.” It was warmly received last time, so I’ll dust off the props and rehearse the jokes, patterned after Clarence’s award-winning act.

It will be the same act that he once performed for the Queen of England.

Well, more of that later.

The Shelter does such a great job of providing for the abandoned animals of our community, and they do it on such a shoestring budget. This will be a great opportunity to donate to the cause and have a little entertainment to boot.

Please mark your calendar, run get a bag of food, treats, cleaner or blankets. Bring the family. Tell the neighbors! Shout it from the rooftops! Just come on down and be prepared to have a fun time.

New Covenant Church on Homochitto, 2 p.m. Feb. 10.

I am looking forward to my act going to the dogs!

BURNLEY COOK of Natchez is a local musician, piano tuner and restorer.