Prominent figures in the world of country music are rally to provide much needed aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Renowned artists such as Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings and the iconic James Taylor are joining forces for an event named ‘Concert for Carolina’. The objective of the gathering is to garner and funnel resources towards relief activities in the Carolina region, an area sorely hit by the ravages of Hurricane Helene.
Details surrounding the ‘Concert for Carolina’ indicate that the event is slated for October 26, with its stage set at the Bank of America Stadium located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Those keen on attending and contributing to this noble cause will be able to purchase tickets starting from October 10.
When David Tepper, alongside his wife Nicole Tepper — recognized as the owners of several Carolina-based teams and the Bank of America Stadium — came to know of such a benefit concert in the works, they promptly offered their stadium as the hosting facility. They engaged with the initiative with an open heart, showcasing the spirit of true Carolinians stepping up for their kin.
‘When the idea of a concert was broached to us by Luke, aimed at benefitting relief efforts, we felt compelled to ensure the doors of the Bank of America Stadium were wide open for it,’ Nicole was quoted in an official statement. ‘We witness the strength and determination of our Carolina community on a daily basis and it’s a privilege to join Luke, Eric, and fellow Carolinians on this journey to recovery.’
In addition to supporting the concert, the Tepper couple had announced earlier their generous contribution of $3 million towards the relief exercise. While their participation in the event is already exemplary, they continue to inspire with their monetary commitment to help their local community.
Marty Smith and Caleb Pressley have been chosen as the hosts for the benefit concert. Meanwhile, the list of additional artists who will join the stage amidst the resonating strums and passionate voices is yet to be disclosed.
The ‘Concert for Carolina’ is being facilitated by Explore Asheville. A significant aspect of the concert is that all funds, including sponsorships, shall be evenly divided between Combs and Church’s Chief Cares Foundation. Both organizations will then distribute these resources to support selected relief efforts across the Carolinas and the Southeast.
Combs, known for his strong bond with his home state, has chosen to assign his share of the proceeds to multiple organizations including Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, and an organization that remains to be announced. His passion for ‘giving back’ aligns perfectly with the spirit of resiliency and compassion that underpins the concert.
Church has his sights set on relief activities too, and he’s dedicated to assisting established charities and entities that are professionally managed, well-structured, and can effectively direct aid towards the Hurricane Helene-affected families. Church, an equally proud son of North Carolina, hails from Granite Falls.
Growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, Luke Combs moved to Nashville to pursue his career in music. Even with the shift, Combs maintains a profound connection to his roots. As he voiced earlier this year in a podcast, his fondest memories trace back to his homeland, evoking a strong desire to own a home in the mountains there someday.
The wave of support has not been limited to just these artists. Other famed personas such as Dolly Parton has contributed significantly, making a donation of $1 million to The Mountain Way Foundation. Similarly, Morgan Wallen, hailing from East Tennessee, took up the cause by donating $500,000 to the Red Cross, an amount dedicated to help those deeply affected by Hurricane Helene.
Miranda Lambert and her MuttNation Foundation are ensuring even the animals affected by Hurricane Helene are not overlooked. Capturing the broad and caring scope of these efforts, Lambert and MuttNation have financially backed the relief operations with a generous donation of $100,000.
In conclusion, Hurricane Helene brought significant destruction, but it has also ignited a wave of compassion, unity, and resilience. The ‘Concert for Carolina’ showcases the beautiful spirit of the music industry, demonstrating how communities can come together to support those in need during turbulent times. These artists step forward motivated by an earnest drive to aid their community, creating a song of resilience that resonates far beyond the music itself.