Some of the biggest names in music are coming together to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts with the “Concert For Carolina.” Set for Saturday, Oct. 26 at Charlotte’s Bank of American Stadium, the benefit show will feature performances by Luke Combs, Eric Church, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Billy Strings, and Bailey Zimmerman. Tickets are on sale now at www.concertforcarolina.com.
All proceeds from the concert, including sponsorships, will be split 50/50 between charitable organizations selected by North Carolina natives Combs and Church. Combs, who was born near Charlotte, grew up in Asheville, and studied at Appalachian State University, will distribute his portion between Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, and Eblen Charities. Now based in Nashville, Combs has maintained a close connection with his home state, including his first-ever headline stadium show at Appalachian State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium in 2021.
Church, a Granite Falls native and former Appalachian State student, will direct his portion to his Chief Cares Foundation, which is focused on collaborating with well-managed organizations that can expedite aid directly to the families affected by Hurricane Helene. He and his family split time between Nashville and North Carolina.
Another “Concert For Carolina” performer with roots in the state is Taylor. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer grew up in Chapel Hill, and his songs “Copperline” and “Carolina In My Mind” are directly inspired by his history with the state. Taylor’s childhood home is on Morgan Creek Road, and in April 2003, a bridge over Morgan Creek was renamed the James Taylor Bridge in his honor.
Though Billy Strings is from Michigan, he has built up close ties with North Carolina. He’s set to play a six-night run this winter at Asheville’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena this winter.
“Concert for Carolina” will be hosted by ESPN’s Marty Smith and Barstool Sports’ Caleb Pressley. It’s presented by Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. The concert is made possible by David and Nicole Tepper and Tepper Sports & Entertainment, Explore Asheville, Biltmore Estate, T-Mobile, Jack Daniel’s, Whataburger, Miller Lite, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Belk, Lowe’s, and Atrium Health.
Buy tickets for the Concert For Carolina here.