The ETSU Martin Center for the Arts presents 49 Winchester for a special benefit concert on Saturday, November 30, to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in east Tennessee, western North Carolina and southwest Virginia in collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee.
“The Martin Center is very excited to partner with 49 Winchester and Second Harvest to help create an event that brings our community together in solidarity and support,” said Jennifer Clements, executive director of the ETSU Martin Center.
Ticket sales for the concert started Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m. and were completely sold out on Monday, October 14.
“100 percent of ticket sales are being donated to Second Harvest Food Bank [of Northeast Tennessee], so they will be going back in to help support our local community, but also southwest Virginia and western North Carolina,” said Clements.
Second Harvest Food Bank is the only food bank serving an eight-country area throughout the northeast Tennessee region. The food bank is a member of the Feeding America network, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, and is committed to fight hunger and improving food security across this region.
“After Helene, we knew we wanted to do something to help support our community and we reached out to them [49 Winchester] to see if they would be willing to partner with us to do a performance and donate ticket sales.” Clements shared. “They were very gracious and wanted to be able to support it since they have strong ties to our area.”
49 Winchester, based in Castlewood, Virginia, is known for their blend of country, rock, and folk influences, showing their heartfelt lyrics and creating engaging live performances for audiences. 49 Winchester continues to help support their surrounding communities by supporting both local causes and participating in benefit events, aiming to make a positive impact on the people around them.
“49 Winchester is very proud to be from this region and looking after each other is a huge part of the ethos of Appalachia. We are very grateful for the support of our audience and all the folks back at home who have cheered up on for years. When something tragic happens, it affects all of us. We are doing this show at the end of the touring season in hopes of raising funds in support of the recovery efforts for our neighbors in Western North Carolina,” stated Chase Chafin, bassist and founding member of 49 Winchester.
As we get closer to the concert, stay tuned for more information. You can also visit etsumartincenter.org.
