Aiding Asheville, NC’s Venues and Arts Community

North Carolina (October 3, 2024)—Last week, Hurricane Helene tore up the South with 140 mph winds and a multi-state path of destruction. Among the regions affected was Asheville in western North Carolina, not often directly affected by such weather. Known as a live music hub, filled with musicians, studios, multiple independent venues and more, Asheville broke its record for rainfall across two days with nearly 10 inches; the resulting flooding from the overflowing French Broad River wrecked the River Arts District where many of those businesses were located.

For those who want to help the venues’ crews, and the city’s arts community bounce back, there are numerous ways to contribute.

• The National Independent Venue Foundation, which was founded to aid venues during the pandemic, has an Emergency Relief Fund open to independent venues, promoters and festivals facing natural and manmade disasters, and is both taking donations and providing aid for those who need it.
• A half-dozen open North Carolina independent venues have banded together as NC Indie Music Venues United for Western NC, teaming up to raise money for recovery efforts and aid in the region. Throughout October, each venue will donate money its door percentage from shows (notably not from artists’ percentages or ticket add-ons for audiences). The money raised will be split between the aforementioned NIVA Emergency Relief Fund, NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund, and other organizations providing relief in WNC. The participating venues are Pour House Music Hall, Cat’s Cradle, Haw River Ballroom, Motorco Music Hall, Neighborhood Theatre and The Ramkat.
• ArtsAVL (formerly Asheville Area Arts Council) has drawn up a comprehensive list of emergency support resources for artists and organizations in the region affected by Helene, but is also taking contributions.
• One of the city’s venues, Salvage Station, was already facing eviction later this year to make way for roadwork, and had been searching for a new home to relocate to; much of its ability to make that happen was predicated on making money from the coming months of shows that have now been made impossible. Salvage Station was destroyed, though the team there reports they found the venue’s three cats safe and sound. The venue has started a GoFundMe fundraiser, looking to raise $55,000 and is nearing the 50% mark at press time.
• Elsewhere in the River Arts District, the Grey Eagle Music Hall/Taqueria is accepting donations for its staff on its website as the venue is closed until the city gets running water back.