Submitted photos / Michael Cunningham
Veterinarian Michael Cunningham will use his passion for music to help raise funds for Angels for Animals during the “Chili, Taters and Tunes” event on Friday.

CANFIELD — Veterinarian Michael Cunningham will bring his musical skills to Angels for Animals for a concert Friday to raise funds for the nonprofit. The event is a first-time one that could end up becoming an annual event.

Cunningham, son of Joe and Jeannine Cunningham, grew up in the Canfield area and attended South Range High School. He graduated in 2018. At a young age, he already knew what road he wanted to travel in life.

“At a very young age, my grandfather would take me on hikes and teach me about all the animals,” he said.

From those early lessons, Cunningham developed a passion for animals and knew he wanted to enter the veterinary field. He started his college journey at The Ohio State University, graduating in 2021. He is continuing his education at Long Island University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. As part of his course work, he has to work in the field at various clinics.

“I completed a high volume surgical clinical rotation at Angels for Animals in July as part of my curriculum,” he said. “I’m currently finishing my last three clinical rotations and then am hoping to come back to the area to start working as a small and exotic animal veterinarian (general practitioner).”

As for his surgical rotations, they are something Cunningham takes seriously, and a part of veterinary medicine he hopes to perfect.

“Surgery is one of my passions and greatest interests in veterinary medicine,” he said. “Although not wanting to specialize, I will continue to perform routine surgeries, as well as more complex / advanced surgeries.”

Cunningham serves as secretary for the Class of 2025 at Long Island University and is a doctor of veterinary medicine candidate.

At home he has four dogs and enjoys another passion — music.

He plays piano and guitar and began giving public performances in the summer of 2022, which was his second year of veterinary school.

“I play a little bit of everything, but I’d say I classify myself as a country artist,” he said. “My goal is to continue with my music alongside my veterinary career, as well as continue to release original music in hopes of building up a fan base.”

His performance at Angels for Animals on Friday is part of the goal of building that fan base while at the same time helping raise funds for the animal shelter and clinic.

“He is a very good vet and a very good country musician,” said Angels for Animals spokeswoman Kim Moff. “The event should prove to be a lot of fun.”

The first-time event will feature Cunningham’s music, a tater bar with baked potatoes and chili.

“My husband, Duane, is cooking the chili dinner,” Moff said, “so the food will be awesome. We will have four choices of chili at this event and with Michael’s music, it should be a lot of fun.”

The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road. Pre-sale tickets are available online at www.angelsforanimals.org, or at Door B at Angels for Animals.