An unprecedented gathering of legendary and contemporary country music titans unites to uplift their cherished Western North Carolina. On October 26th, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, and James Taylor will take center stage at Charlotte's iconic Bank of America Stadium, the majestic venue where the Carolina Panthers roar, for the momentous "Concert for Carolina" charity event. With ESPN's Marty Smith and Barstool Sports' Caleb Pressley as charismatic hosts, this spectacle promises to be more than just a concert; it's a testament to the resilience and unity of a community. Additional star-studded performances will be unveiled soon, adding even more sparkle to this already dazzling lineup.
Presented by Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, this event transcends the boundaries of music, becoming a rallying cry for support. Tickets to this unforgettable night go live on Thursday, with the clock ticking down to 10 AM ET/9 AM CT. For all the details, embark on a journey to concertforcarolina.com.
For those whose hearts are with Carolina but whose schedules keep them away, there's still a way to contribute. Donations can be directed to the North Carolina Community Foundation's Disaster Relief Fund or any of the organizations listed on concertforcarolina.com, ensuring that the spirit of giving echoes far beyond the concert's confines.
The "Concert for Carolina" stands tall on the shoulders of partners like Tepper Sports & Entertainment, Explore Asheville, T-Mobile, Jack Daniel's, Whataburger, Miller Lite, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, who have rallied around this cause with unwavering support.
By the end of September, Luke Combs, a proud native of Huntersville, North Carolina, whose roots are deeply intertwined with the 300-mile expanse stretching from his alma mater, Appalachian State University in Boone, to the vibrant Asheville, teased on social media that he was brewing up "something truly extraordinary" to lend a helping hand to his beloved hometown. The wait is almost over, as the "Concert for Carolina" promises to be a night etched in the hearts and memories of all who witness it.
"We are leaving no stone unturned in our relentless pursuit to bring you the assistance you urgently require," added the country music superstar, Church, whose roots trace back to Granite Falls, North Carolina, nestled cozy within an hour's drive north of Combs' hometown of Huntersville. Together, Church and Combs embarked on a mission to orchestrate an extraordinary event, aimed at rallying critical funds for relief endeavors. Among their calls for support echoed those to David Tepper and his wife, Nicole, who, as owners of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC of the MLS, and Bank of America Stadium, graciously offered their venue as the backdrop for this charity concert.
Combs, having headlined Appalachian State's Kidd Brewer Stadium in 2021 and captivating crowds with sold-out performances at Bank of America Stadium in 2023, joins forces with Church, a fellow Appalachian State alumnae inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Church's heartfelt 2021 trilogy, "Heart & Soul," was crafted in the picturesque town of Banner Elk, Western North Carolina, further solidifying his ties to the state. In 2022, he was bestowed with the North Carolina Award, the state's highest civilian accolade.
Remarkably, a substantial contingent of Strings' adoring "Billy Goats" fanbase, hailing from Michigan, calls North Carolina their second home, evidenced by their upcoming six-night residency spanning two weeks at Asheville's ExploreAsheville.com Arena in February. Moreover, the region holds a special place in the heart of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Taylor, who, at the age of three, relocated to Chapel Hill with his family, as his father served as dean of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Medical School from 1964 to 1971.
Proceeds from this event, inclusive of sponsorships, will be divided evenly between Combs and Church's Chief Cares Foundation, empowering them to direct funds to organizations of their choice, supporting relief efforts across the Carolinas and the broader Southeast. Combs' share will be distributed among Samaritan's Purse, Manna Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, and an additional organization yet to be revealed. Chief Cares, under Church's guidance, focuses on bolstering well-established, efficient, and organized charities that can swiftly deliver aid to families devastated by Hurricane Helene.
On Friday, Church announced a selfless gesture, donating all publishing royalties from "Darkest Hour," his first fresh offering in three years, to the people of North Carolina. In a heartfelt press statement, he dedicated the song to the "unsung heroes" who "rise to the occasion when the world seems to crumble around us." He eloquently expressed, "This is a tribute to those who brave the toughest of times, extending a helping hand when it's needed most, standing tall amidst adversity. Even in the darkest of hours, they rush forth, illuminating the darkest nights, guiding the lost, and pulling us through." The song, a poignant reflection of Church's concern for his loved ones and neighbors in need, premiered months ahead of schedule. "It just didn't sit right to hold back this song," Church shared. "Sometimes, songs find their own moment to shine."
