Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater held a Music for the Mountains concert Sunday, an event dedicated to supporting those affected by Hurricane Helen.
This live concert, presented by Band Together and Lincoln Theater in partnership with WRAL and Red Hat Amphitheater, was more than just good music, it was a heartfelt call for unity and compassion in response to pressing needs.
The lineup featured headliners Old Crow Medicine Show, as well as performances from Chatham County Line, BJ Barham, and Fancy Gap. Proceeds will go directly to the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, providing critical resources to communities struggling to rebuild after the storm’s devastation.
Hurricane relief raises more than $1 million for victims in western North Carolina
As of Sunday night, WRAL and Capitol Broadcasting Company’s relief efforts had successfully raised more than $1 million to assist Hurricane Helen victims in western North Carolina.
“When I saw what they were doing, I thought, 'Wow, that’s amazing,'” concert attendee Dennis Jacobs said.
The Red Cross uses these donations to operate 20 shelters across the state, providing a safe place to stay for nearly 1,300 people. There are 600 rescue workers helping people between North and South Carolina.
Old Crow Medicine Show brings heart and history to the stage
Old Crow frontman Ketch Seko said: “Yes, it’s heartbreaking. Anyone who has a loved one on that hill knows that things will never be the same again.” I know,” he said.
Secor said this was a personal cause.
“But until the roads are safe and the infrastructure is back in place and we can do that work, we’re here in Raleigh because we’re as close as we can be and at a safe distance.” “You can raise your hand and make a difference," he said.
Old Crow Medicine Show, known for their iconic hit “Wagon Wheel,” will take to the stage as headliners.
The band’s founder, Secor, had deep ties to North Carolina, which served as a major source of inspiration and growth for the group.
Secor shared with WRAL the emotional resonance of playing for a cause close to his heart, despite growing up in Virginia and living in Tennessee.
“I really look to those mountains for inspiration and my heart. If your heart is truly set in the mountains of Western North Carolina, it’s broken,” Secor said.
The musician spoke about the severe damage suffered in the small town of Beech Creek in Avery County and the ongoing recovery in neighboring Mitchell County.
The situation in these communities is dire, and proceeds from the concert will provide much-needed aid to local families and businesses.
Steep canyon rangers gather behind western North Carolina
The Steep Canyon Rangers from North Carolina are also actively involved in relief efforts.
Some members of the band live in Brevard, but faced communication and transportation disruptions in the storm’s aftermath, with roads cut off and some areas isolated.
Graham Sharpe, the band’s banjo player, explained the harsh reality:
“It’s strange. In places like Minneapolis, we’re out and about and it feels normal until we go back to a place where there’s no running water. We’re always aware of what people are going through back home. It reminds me.”
The band’s efforts to raise funds at the show highlight the generosity and empathy of concertgoers, and Sharp commends the musicians who are actively working to raise awareness for communities affected by Hurricane Helen. do.
It’s also personal for members of the thousands of spectators, including Kimberly Farnham.
“We’re coming out here for the same reason: to show love to our brothers and sisters,” Farnham said.
Farnham, who attended App State, struggled to find the words to describe Helen’s influence.
“You never think it’s going to happen to you until it happens in your own backyard,” she says.
Farnham and many others hope that this harmony will heal even after so much has been lost.
Money raised from tickets and sponsorships will be distributed to Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of N.C., and the Church’s Chief Care organization. All are working to expedite direct aid to families affected by Hurricane Helen.
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