Coming together: 'Rock for Relief' rolls through WNC
Julia Sanders. File photo
When record-breaking floodwaters tore through Western North Carolina last month in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it was only a matter of days thereafter that the seeds for the “Rock for Relief” concert extravaganza were planted and grew at a fast pace.
“Music is the universal language,” said Patrick Schneider. “It’s also the way by which we as community gather, whether it be through grief or joy, happiness or sadness — we’re all in this life together.”
President of Adamas Entertainment, an independent production company based in Haywood County that puts on live music events around our area, Schneider cultivated a stellar group of local volunteers with backgrounds in entertainment, marketing and nonprofit organizations, audio/stage engineering and design.
The result of their combined efforts is “Rock for Relief: A WNC Flood Benefit Festival.” Taking place on Saturday, Nov. 2, the all-day musical bash will raise money for those in need in our backyard. The bonanza will encompass over 40 musical acts on around a dozen stages at venues in Waynesville, Maggie Valley and Canton. To note, all “Rock for Relief” shows are free to the public.
Headliners for “Rock for Relief” will include: Pleasure Chest, The Get Right Band, Andrew Scotchie, Dylan Walshe, Andrew Thelston Band, Billy Phillips, Doss Church & The Unholy Noise, Natti Love Joys, The Silver Doors, The 40-20-10s, Shane Meade & The Sound, Santiago Y Los Gatos, Arnold Hill, Carolina Drifters, Purple and Julia Sanders.
“Our region has been through hell in the last few weeks. It’s important to celebrate our strength and resiliency through music and dance,” said Erich Hubner, guitarist for popular Asheville-based rock-n-blues band Pleasure Chest. “It feels amazing and strange to be performing again — we’re very psyched to be part of this benefit.”
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Other featured acts: The Maggie Valley Band, Mama & The Ruckus, StomperKitty, Connor Hunt, Bridget Gossett, Chris Minnick, Stawhouse, Rene Russell, Powder Horns, Ginny McAfee, The Mourning Belles, Chris Williams, Polly Panic, Watkins, Aunt Vicki, Smoky Mountain Rhythm, Rich Manz Trio, Liner Cove, Tiden, Rasbillys, Len Graham & Paul Koptak, Joey Fortner, Andrew Wakefield, Celtic Road, Anthony Edward Black, Aaron Lane, Evan Veasey, Ada Khoury, County Line, Thomas Kozak, Scott Hall, Simply Amos, Muddy Guthrie and Bobby G.
“Like everyone else, I’m taking it day by day. My heart is broken from the communal loss we’re all experiencing,” said acclaimed Asheville rocker Andrew Scotchie. “Songs help us tell our story and process tragedy. The people of Western North Carolina are showing up like never before and, together, crafting songs that’ll be sung for generations to come.”
In terms of venues, the following locations will participate: Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, The Scotsman Public House, Frog Level Brewing, Valley Cigar & Wine Company, Mountain Vibes Kava Lounge, Water’n Hole Bar & Grill, The Gem (downstairs taproom) at Boojum Brewing, Pub 319, Sauced, The Station on Main, Southern Porch, Twisted Spoke Food & Tap, Waynesville VFW, Assembly on Main, Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill, Blue Ridge Beer Hub and Amici’s Italian Restaurant.
Santiago y Los Gatos. File photo
All proceeds will be distributed between Mountain Projects, a beloved longtime nonprofit organization helping those in need in Haywood and Jackson counties, and also be given directly into the hands of local musicians heavily affected by the floods through the Rock for Relief Musicians Fund (rockforreliefwnc.com/donate).
The live/silent auction will feature an array of unique musical items, including signed guitars from Goose, Red Clay Strays, Cody Jinks and Edwin McCain. There will be autographed concert posters from The Avett Brothers, Widespread Panic, Trampled By Turtles, Warren Haynes, The Nude Party and more.
“Western North Carolina is the spiritual home of the band. We formed in Boone and played all of our first big shows in Asheville,” said Patton Magee, singer/guitarist for The Nude Party. “The people have always supported us and we’re grateful to be part of this project to give back during a trying time.”
Folks can also bid on a VIP package for the upcoming Highlands Food & Wine Festival, as well as passes to next year’s installment of Under the Big Sky, FloydFest, Rooster Walk, Railbird and Northlands festivals.
Sponsors for “Rock for Relief” include the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, The Print Haus and Adamas Entertainment. The Smoky Mountain News is the official media sponsor.
Want to go?
In the wake of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene, “Rock for Relief: A WNC Flood Benefit Festival,” an all-day musical gathering for charity, will take place Saturday, Nov. 2, at a variety of venues in Waynesville, Maggie Valley and Canton.
The Get Right Band. File photo
A special “Rock for Relief” kickoff party will be held from 8-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at The Scotsman Public House in Waynesville. Americana/indie-folk act Phillips & McCracken will perform.
All “Rock for Relief” shows are free and open to the public. For more information, a complete schedule of bands and venues, go to rockforreliefwnc.com.
