Local musicians band together to hold a hurricane relief concert

GHENT, WV (WVNS) – A group of musicians banded together to put on a concert to help raise funds and supplies for hurricane relief efforts in the Carolinas.

Jason Lockart and Weathered Ground Brewery teamed up to put on Band Together. Band Together featured twelve local bands and music artists like Nicole Smith, Chris Adkins, Long Point String Band, and Alabaster Boxer.

“They all came and they are volunteering their talent and their time to come entertain everybody who is coming to support the cause,” said Lockart.

Lockart himself also got in on the action and performed with some of the artists.

The donations brought to Band Together were donated to the Samaritan’s Purse, which is stationed in Boone, North Carolina. People could bring anything to donate, like coats, clothing, power tools, and even cash.

“One of the great things about this region is that it does not matter who you are when help is needed. Everybody will mobilize and do what is necessary to make sure their neighbors and their families and their friends are taken care of. That is what we have seen in this area. We just wanted to give another outlet for people who were not sure how to chip in, but knew they wanted to have a part in the relief effort,” said Lockart.

One of the other musicians performing at the event was Jay Stewart. Stewart and his colleagues decided to form their own non-profit organization, Appalachian Hope, in the wake of Hurricane Helene. He said he stopped in to Weathered Ground to perform and support this event, as well as raise awareness for what Appalachian Hope is doing in the Carolinas.

“In the last week alone, Appalachian Hope has been able to bring them $15,000 worth of generators and we are getting ready to make another run of $10,000 worth of propane heaters that they can cook on. They are living in tents. They do not have cars. They have to go to another state and get shipped out to have showers. They need your help folks, and [Appalachian Hope is] the best way to get it there,” said Stewart.

Appalachian Hope is stationed in Unicoi County, Tennessee, which is relatively close to western North Carolina.

If you would like to make a donation to Samaritan’s Purse, visit their website.

If you would like to help out Appalachian Hope, you can use Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal to send them your donations. You can find him on Zelle at John Stewart and (304) 719-2080. His Venmo username is @Jaybird-Stewart. His CashApp username is $RollingRiverGlass. On PayPal, you can send your donation to @JohnStewart23577.

Stewart said that his Zelle account is the best method to make donations to.

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