Swannanoa Hosts Musical Instrument Giveaway for Storm Victims

News Summary

Swannanoa, North Carolina, is preparing for a heartwarming musical instrument giveaway on March 9, aimed at helping musicians affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The event, hosted at Warren Wilson College, will provide free instruments from 2 PM to 4 PM, allowing impacted musicians to reclaim their passion for music. Organized by WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, the initiative aims to restore hope and joy in the community through the healing power of music.

Swannanoa Gears Up for Musical Instrument Giveaway Following Tropical Storm Helene

In the picturesque town of Swannanoa, North Carolina, preparations are underway for an uplifting event that aims to help musicians who were hit hard by the recent Tropical Storm Helene. This event, set for March 9, will provide free instruments to those who lost their cherished musical tools during the storm.

A Heartwarming Initiative

The stage for this generous giveaway is none other than Warren Wilson College, a well-known local institution that will host the event from 2 PM to 4 PM. Local musicians can start lining up as early as 1 PM to secure their new instruments and begin the journey of reclaiming their musical expression.

The giveaway is organized by the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, a beloved broadcast show that connects listeners through the love of music. On January 24, the host announced exciting news: the drive is nearing an impressive goal of 1,000 donated instruments!

A History of Help

This kind-hearted initiative isn’t new to the WoodSongs team. The organization previously launched drives for musicians recovering from natural disasters, including tornadoes that swept through Western Kentucky and devastating floods in the Appalachian region. Now their focus is on lending a helping hand to musicians affected by Tropical Storm Helene, particularly in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.

Instruments That Heal

Inspiration for the drive stems from stories of real people; individuals who lost everything but hold onto the hope of music. One touching account shared from past drives involved an 82-year-old gentleman searching for a Martin guitar so that he could continue singing to his late wife at her grave—a powerful reminder of the comfort and joy music can bring.

The motive behind this instrument giveaway is clear: to help restore the “soundtrack of rural America.” It’s well understood how crucial musicians are in the fabric of their communities, and this event is a step towards rebuilding that musical tapestry after the storm.

How to Participate

Donating Instruments

Kentucky, North Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas, and even New York. In Western North Carolina, donations can be made at the Academy for the Arts in Asheville and Warren Wilson College, which will accept them until March 1.

The team will be busy preparing the instruments starting on March 7, ensuring that each participant leaves with a piece of music to call their own.

Mark the Date

So, if you’re a musician who’s been affected by the storm or know someone who is, be sure to mark March 9 on your calendar. This event is not just about receiving an instrument; it’s about rediscovering the healing power of music and uniting the community through art. A simple act of kindness can help restore hope and joy in the lives of many.

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Additional Resources

• Black Mountain News: 1,000 Instruments to be Given Away in Swannanoa to Helene Survivors
• Rolling Stone: Asheville Floods Music Community Cleanup Benefits
• New York Times: Billy Edd Wheeler Dead
• Wikipedia: Music in North Carolina
• Google Search: musical instruments giveaway North Carolina