In an effort to raise critical funds for Hurricane Helene relief, country stars Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, and James Taylor are coming together for a special benefit concert. “Concert for Carolina” will take place on Saturday, October 26, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Presented by Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, the concert brings together artists with deep personal and professional ties to the Tar Heel State.
The concert will be hosted by ESPN’s Marty Smith and Barstool Sports’ Caleb Pressley, with additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks.
A United Effort to Support Hurricane Relief
The concert comes as a direct response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. As news of the storm spread, the artists and organizers quickly mobilized to create this benefit event. David Tepper, owner of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and Bank of America Stadium, along with his wife Nicole Tepper, immediately offered the stadium as the venue for the concert, ensuring the event could happen swiftly.
Ticket Sales and Beneficiaries
Tickets for “Concert for Carolina” go on sale Thursday, October 10 at 10:00 AM ET. All proceeds, including sponsorships, will be split evenly between Luke Combs and Eric Church’s Chief Cares Foundation, with funds distributed to organizations supporting hurricane relief across the Carolinas and the Southeast.
Combs’ portion will benefit Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, with another organization still to be announced. Chief Cares, founded by Eric Church, will focus on charities that are highly organized and capable of providing immediate assistance to families affected by the disaster.
For those unable to attend, donations can be made via The North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund or through various organizations listed at www.concertforcarolina.com.
The Artists’ North Carolina Roots
Luke Combs, born in Charlotte and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, has consistently returned to his home state throughout his career. He first began performing at Appalachian State University and has since made history with headline shows at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone and sold-out performances at Bank of America Stadium.
Eric Church, a native of Granite Falls, also got his start in North Carolina, playing local gigs while attending Appalachian State. His deep connection to the state is evident, with Church frequently returning for major projects, including recording his Heart & Soul album in Banner Elk. In 2016, he was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and in 2022, he received the North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian honor.
Billy Strings, though born in Michigan, holds a special place for North Carolina in his heart. He has played multiple shows across the state and is set for a six-night run at Asheville’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena this winter.
James Taylor, who moved to Chapel Hill as a child, is another North Carolina music legend. His time in the state inspired many of his iconic songs, including “Carolina in My Mind” and “Copperline.” Taylor’s career has spanned more than 50 years, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and spots in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
Community Support and Generosity
“Concert for Carolina” is made possible through the generosity of David and Nicole Tepper, along with support from major sponsors including T-Mobile, Atrium Health, Jack Daniel’s, Whataburger, Miller Lite, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, and more.
With the combined efforts of these artists, sponsors, and the community, “Concert for Carolina” aims to provide much-needed support to those affected by Hurricane Helene while bringing together some of the biggest names in music to celebrate the resilience and spirit of the Carolinas.
