Community Comes Together in Asheville for a Remarkable Relief Concert
Asheville, N.C. has always been known for its charm, artistry, and vibrant community. Recently, however, it faced a test like no other when Hurricane Helene swept through, leaving devastation in its wake. The once-peaceful streets turned chaotic as families lost power, homes were damaged, and the community came to grips with the aftermath of nature’s fury.
A Shared Experience of Fear and Concern
In the days that followed the hurricane, residents experienced feelings of fear and helplessness. “My family just got water back about a week and a half ago,” Keaton Propst, a graduate of A.C. Reynolds High School, shared. Many, like him, were anxious to hear from their loved ones, worried about their safety and well-being. “We didn’t have any internet, cell, nothing,” Kathy Rio, a resident of Fletcher, recalled, highlighting the isolation many felt during this catastrophic event.
The situation was dire. With local artists struggling to salvage their galleries and restaurant owners racing to reopen, the resilience of the Asheville spirit shone through. “Artists in the River Arts District raking muck out of their galleries, restaurant owners working hard to get their doors back open,” said Vic Isley, President and CEO of Explore Asheville. Yet, amidst the hard work, the community mourned together. Keaton spoke of a tragic loss, “One of my family friends passed away… that’s hard.”
Stars Unite for a Worthy Cause
Recognizing the urgent need for support, local talent sprang into action. Famous Asheville native, Luke Combs, was among the first to respond. “The thing that was really scary for me personally was that I didn’t hear from anyone,” Combs said, emphasizing the uncertainty that so many felt. As communication lines were severed, the realization of the disaster’s impact hit close to home. Combs detailed his volunteer experiences at MANNA FoodBank and the shocking sight of the devastation.
Other country music stars like Eric Church and Chase Rice echoed similar sentiments. They were overwhelmed by images of their hometown and the desperate circumstances of fellow residents. Rice shared an emotional moment, recounting the distressing news about his former football coach’s missing family. “That’s when you realize that these people are close to me my whole life,” he said, expressing the shock of such a situation hitting close to home.
The Concert for Carolina: A Beacon of Hope
With a desire to help, the musicians quickly came together, organizing the “Concert for Carolina.” “Within 24 hours, Luke got on social media and said he had something cooking,” Isley recounted, showcasing the promptness of their initiative. This monumental concert was announced in just three weeks, an impressive feat as such events typically require much longer to coordinate.
On the evening of October 26, hundreds flocked to the Bank of America Stadium, eagerly awaiting a night filled with hope and music. “I told my daughter that we had to go… that’s our part. We have to help,” shared one enthusiastic attendee. The community spirit was palpable; many wanted to show their support despite recent hardships.
A Record-Breaking Event
The concert featured an impressive lineup—including Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, and even surprise appearances from Nicole Kidman and Randy Travis. The evening was filled with joy, and the sounds of music momentarily lifted spirits amidst the chaos of recovery. “Just being able to give those people… joy, hope and happiness amidst so much chaos is something I’m really proud of,” Combs expressed, emphasizing the concert’s significance.
Over the course of the event, a staggering $24.5 million was raised for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Isley noted with a smile, “That’s going to come back to our community… support for the months and years that we’re going to need it.” This outpouring of donations showcased the unity and generosity of the wider community and beyond.
Continuing the Support
As the concert came to an end, the message was clear: the fight was far from over. The community would need continued support long after the final notes of music faded away. “The most powerful thing we have is people that want to stay in their community,” Church reminded attendees. The hope was that together, everyone could rebuild, providing a better future for those who had lost so much.
In times of turmoil, the heart of Asheville has shown strength, compassion, and resilience. Through the power of music and community effort, they proved that even in the darkest of times, hope can shine brightly.
