This Thursday, Retrofest is bringing its charitable rock flavor to Bartini Bar in Babylon. The ‘fest has become a mover and shaker for local nonprofits since its inception in 2004. At the time, it was just a way for keyboardist Allan Spielman and his friends to get the Woodstock-era music that they loved back into the live music scene. These days, it’s a feel-good musical fundraising event with corporate sponsorship.

Bobbi and the Strays, which sounds like it’s a swing group but is really an animal shelter in Freeport, is probably the perfect match for Retrofest’s fundraising efforts. It’s a non-profit, no-kill shelter that rescues animals from the streets, as well as from abusive or neglectful situations.

Thursday’s Retrofest will include the music of John Sebastian, Santana, Janis Joplin, Sly & the Family Stone, Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, and more. Every penny collected goes to Bobbi and the Strays. Plus, Bartini’s owners Dave and Magge Drew will likely make a special appearance at the beginning of the night — and Magge’s wailing majesty is not to be missed.

For more information or to RSVP, check out the Facebook event. If you want to learn a little bit about the history of Retrofest, check out the article in this month’s print edition of the Long Island Pulse.