The local music community is putting its own spin on tornado relief, holding a benefit concert along the Columbus Riverwalk on Sunday from noon until late into the night.
The event, called C-Town Cares, will feature more than 20 musicians from all genres. A $5 donation will be taken at the gate, with proceeds going directly to the town of Smithville to assist with disaster recovery. Organizers hope to raise at least $10,000.
Rebecca Palmer, owner of Station 7, said originally the concert was to be held at the bar, but the more the musicians talked, the more excited they became. The more excited they became, the more they realized this wasn”t just a small, grassroots effort, this was a full-scale, communitywide outpouring of support and unity.
Friday afternoon, volunteer Scott Farrell was busy soliciting donations for the silent auction. He said nearly 100 local businesses have offered items, which run the gamut from “crotch rocket” motorcycle helmets to concert tickets and music memorabilia.
“Today has been amazing,” Farrell said. “No matter whether it”s the next town over or our town, if you”re in need, we”re going to help you. We”re Mississippians, and it”s what we do.
“I can”t play a lick of music, but I grew up around musicians, and there”s not a better group of people in this world,” he continued. “No matter who you are or what you are, you can always count on a musician to help you.”
Sunday”s event will feature the following musicians: Nash Creek, Too Jazzy, Kelsey Collins, The Motions, Taylormade, Cold 20, Sweet music, Keith and Margie, Greg Shirley, Fast Scarlett, Joe St. John and Band, Winn Wheel, Big Joe Shelton and the Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors, Mike and Sheila, Juke Joint Gypsies, Simpletones, Keith Shaddix, Ron Williams, Robin Roberts and more.
Food and drink vendors will be available and beer will be sold. No coolers will be allowed.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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