49 Winchester to Perform Benefit Concert for Hurricane Helene Relief at ETSU Martin Center

Photo bycourtesy of 49 Winchester

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – 49 Winchester, the acclaimed Appalachian country-rock band, will perform a special benefit concert at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. The event is aimed at raising funds for Hurricane Helene relief efforts across East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and Southwest Virginia, with all proceeds going directly to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee.

Tickets, priced between $30 and $40, are available for purchase on the ETSU Martin Center's official website, ETSUMartinCenter.org. The funds will support food distribution and other vital services to communities still grappling with the aftereffects of the storm. Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across the region, and the partnership between the band, ETSU, and Second Harvest aims to address the urgent need for recovery assistance.

Jennifer Clements, Executive Director of the ETSU Martin Center, emphasized the significance of the concert: “This event embodies the spirit of Appalachia. It’s not just about music, but about our community coming together to help our neighbors in need.”

49 Winchester, hailing from Castlewood, Virginia, has earned a national reputation for their distinctive blend of country, rock, and folk influences. The band recently released their fifth studio album, Leavin' This Holler, which reflects their Appalachian roots and showcases their gritty, Southern rock sound. Lead singer Isaac Gibson has noted how their music is deeply influenced by the culture of Southwest Virginia, and their live performances are known for their energy and emotion, making them one of the hottest acts in the Americana scene.

The band’s popularity has soared in recent years, earning them opportunities to open for country stars like Luke Combs and Tyler Childers. Despite their success, they remain deeply connected to their Appalachian roots, as reflected in songs like "Russell County Line" from their previous album Fortune Favors the Bold. These themes of home and community resonate with their fans, many of whom come from similar small-town backgrounds.

Chase Chafin, the band's bassist and founding member, expressed the band's excitement about the benefit show: “We’re proud of where we come from, and looking out for each other is a huge part of our ethos in Appalachia. This concert is about helping our neighbors recover from tragedy.”

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee has been at the forefront of hunger relief in the region since 1986, distributing food to over 40,000 individuals each month. Their efforts are particularly crucial in times of disaster, as they work with local agencies to provide immediate relief to affected areas. The food bank is part of the Feeding America network, the nation's largest hunger relief organization.

With 49 Winchester’s growing popularity and the band's commitment to giving back, this benefit concert promises to not only be a night of great music but also a powerful show of solidarity for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org or call 423-439-2787.