When Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast in September, dozens of people and groups in our dance and music communities lost income, property, event spaces, and much more.
Let’s show these folks our love! Click on a link below to send some kindness, business, or funds to the callers, musicians, singers, sound technicians, and local groups who make our lives so sweet.
Listings appear in random order for fairness’s sake.
Benefit Dance on November 16Minneapolis, MN
Appalachian Music and dance for the whole family! Called by Beth Molaro, Beau Farmer, and Ann Carter with Music by Contratopia and the Old Time All Stars. All proceeds will go to the Old Farmer’s Ball, who will distribute funds to the Asheville folk dance community and the surrounding area devastated by Hurricane Helene. Hosted by Tapestry Folkdance Center.
Daniel UllomAsheville, NC
I’m a mandolin player and music teacher living in Asheville NC. My 10 years in the music industry has been characterized by mostly scrappy self-promotion, bar gigs and DIY records. For the most part, I’ve never been able to hire a manager, booker, or any type of team that many top levels acts have. I have a lot that I’m proud of and I’m always grateful to be able to make my living through music, but it’s always been a haphazard endeavor.
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I moved to Asheville (I previously lived there for 4 years) a couple weeks before Hurricane Helene and was planning on gigging around town until I could get a new project going. This is usually pretty easy to do and was working out for the first few weeks. I picked up 5 gigs that were able to cover my bills for the month.
After Helene, this has all gone away. Some gigs are beginning to come back, however most have not. The local economy is still reacting to the disaster.
I’m seeking any sort of financial assistance to help me cover bills through this winter. I’m happy to provide my services to the Country Dance and Song Society if that is an option.
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.