Without an influx of tourists, these facilities would face significant revenue losses, risk of closure, and extreme financial setbacks with lasting consequences.
“This is not a short-term cleanup, this is not a short-term devastation,” Whitman said. “This is a long-term issue that we all need to address.”
Not only are the venues themselves supporting Western North Carolina, but the small artists who perform at these venues also host benefit nights and donate all proceeds to relief efforts.
Dugout Entertainment, a management group that coordinates events for local bands, recently hosted a benefit night at The Portal in Raleigh.
Local bands Zamrock, Satellite Dog, and Bell Tower Blues each performed sets and performed in support of Western North Carolina.
Zamrock is a Raleigh-based band that includes frontman Chandler Martin, lead guitarist Russell Barron, bassist Adam Roberts, and drummer Tyler King. Martin said it was a great experience not only supporting Western North Carolina, but also playing with a band he respects.
“Literally in two days, we were able to put together a massive show. We sold over 250 tickets,” Martin said.
At the benefit concert, the band raised more than $5,000 for Western North Carolina. They donated it to the North Carolina Community Foundation, an organization focused on the long-term recovery of those affected by Helen.
“It took us a really long time to figure out where to donate this,” bassist Adam Roberts said. “That will have the greatest impact on Western North Carolina.”
New benefit shows and other ways to donate to Western North Carolina will continue to be announced on venue and artist social media platforms. There is still much work to do, but these venues and artists are doing everything they can to support each other.
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