Houston – Twelve-year-old animal lover, pianist, percussionist, composer, and founder of Wild Tunes, a national nonprofit based in Houston, that aims to soothe shelter
animals through live music, Yuvaanh “Yuvi” Agarwal will join fellow musicians on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 5 p.m. for the third annual Melodies of Gratitude concert benefitting more than 23,000 homeless animals. The concert will take place at Resurrection MCC Church, located at 2025 11th Street in the Heights, with Kara Willis of CW39 serving as mistress of ceremonies.
“‘Melodies of Gratitude’ offers a meaningful and imaginative way for local musicians across generations to come together in support of a powerful cause—improving the lives of homeless animals,” said Priyanka Agarwal, executive director of Wild Tunes. “The funds raised will directly support Houston-area shelters BARC and Special Pals by aiding their efforts in community outreach, education, and essential services such as medical care, spay/neuter procedures, and temporary boarding.”
The concert will feature a dynamic lineup of professional and amateur performers of all ages and backgrounds, showcasing a variety of music and dance styles. A highlight of the evening will be a performance by Texas singer-songwriter Bo Bottoms, who blends country and pop to share heartfelt stories and irresistible melodies. Bo is a regular at many top venues around Houston and routinely plays at the Houston Rodeo.
- Yuvi Agarwal, 12-year-old founder of Wild Tunes, will debut an original piano composition written for the event.
- Sarah McDonner (flute), Emily Tallant (flute), and John Markert (piano) form an accomplished trio, well known as performers, educators, and leaders in Houston’s arts community.
- Mercy Renteria (Mercy Flamenca), an internationally acclaimed flamenco artist and founder of Undebel Flamenco Houston, will perform a special dance with Rogelio Cantu.
- Paul Joseph Naïve, a ninth grader at The Village School who began piano at age five and has performed worldwide, including at Carnegie Hall, will share his artistry on piano.
- Soleil Music & Arts, a youth ensemble, will bring Houston’s vibrant music and arts scene to life by showcasing young talent.
- Suzanne Garza, a longtime Houston Choral Society member and church music leader, will perform vocals and guitar inspired by 1960s folk.
Thanks to an anonymous benefactor, all donations made to Wild Tunes through Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of every contribution. The Houston BARC Foundation has also agreed to match BARC’s portion of donations from the event to help even more pets in their care.
Melodies of Gratitude is free and open to the public. Those inspired by Yuvi’s program and the concert can donate by visiting https://givebutter.com/MelodiesofGratitudeIII
The Wild Tunes program encourages musically inclined volunteers to bring their instruments to local shelters and play for or sing to the animals, easing their anxiety and helping them adjust to humans while they await fostering or adoption.
“Through Wild Tunes, my goal is to ease the stress that shelter animals often experience and help them reconnect with people—something that can boost their chances of being adopted,” said Yuvi. “It’s a simple idea: volunteers visit a few times a month to casually play their instruments or sing, creating a calm environment while making a real impact.”
The program now has a presence in 13 shelters in Texas, New Jersey, California, Colorado, and Virginia. Yuvi’s vision is for shelters in every state to implement the Wild Tunes program.