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Aww, Rats!

Written by:

Joe Taylor

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Charity,Concerts in Toronto,Dinas Tavern,Live music,The Mid-Century Modernes

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May 03, 2026

Aww, Rats! The Mid-Century Modernes Headline Toronto Humane Society Fundraiser at Dina’s Tavern

WHO – The Mid-Century Modernes; Toronto Humane Society
WHAT – Live music fundraiser
WHERE – Dina’s Tavern (formerly the Silver Dollar Room)
WHEN – Wednesday, May 20, 7:00 PM
ADMISSION – $15 at the door

The Mid-Century Modernes perform a three-set, high-energy classic rock show in support of Toronto Humane Society.

Toronto Humane Society (THS) helps animals live better lives and works toward a community where animals are treated with care and respect. It does this by finding homes for animals, providing veterinary care, and supporting people so they can keep and care for their pets. It also works with partners, helps underserved areas, and speaks up for stronger laws to protect animals.

The special event at Dina’s Tavern includes a presentation highlighting current THS initiatives, with a focus on the THS rat adoption program and adoptable animals such as Huey and Duey. THS public relations manager Lucas Solowey explains that rats are intelligent, trainable, and social animals, noted for clean grooming and nesting habits. The program aims to correct misconceptions and increase adoptions.

The Mid-Century Modernes are a Toronto-based band specializing in classic rock from the 1960s through the MTV era. They serve as the house band for recording engineer graduating classes at the Harris Institute. The lineup includes vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Jaime Valentine, bassist/vocalist Doug McClement, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Lynda Kraar, guitarist Kevin Bell and drummer Rob Andrews.

Doors at 7:00 PM. Early arrival recommended.

For more information on the rat adoption program, contact Lucas Solowey, Manager, Public Relations: communications@torontohumanesociety.com

Below: photo of adoptable Huey and Duey courtesy Toronto Humane Society

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Editors Notes:

WHY THE RAT? The fundraiser was the brainchild of The Mid-Century Modernes co-founder Lynda Kraar, whose passion is creating events for the greater good. What began as a great springtime event for Toronto Humane Society (THS) quickly evolved into highlighting the rat adoption program at THS: Dina’s logo features a rat, the Humane Society is spotlighting rat adoptions, and early planning for the event coincided with World Rat Day (yes, it’s a thing!).

MORE ON THE MID-CENTURY MODERNES: A popular Toronto-based band, The Mid-Century Modernes (MCM) also serve as the “house band” for recording engineer graduating classes at Harris Institute, where students record the group under the guidance of MCM bassist and world-renowned recording engineer Doug McClement – if you’ve watched half-time sports events, seen clips of Alice Cooper throw a chicken into the crazed audience, watched Rush at the Junos this year, or remember Stevie Ray Vaughan at the El Mocambo back in the day (it’s on YouTube), Doug was the sound engineer who gave you that memory. Vocalist Jaime Valentine, originally from New York, has been the lead singer of the city’s Beatles tribute band Obladi for decades. Lynda Kraar began her music career in Toronto before moving to New York to become part of the music scene as a singer, guitarist, recording engineer, bassist and songwriter. Still performing in New York City with a cadre of Grammy winners, world-renowned musicians and Beatles-related artists, Kraar and Valentine are now based in Toronto where they formed MCM with McClement five years ago. Available for interview!