Eric Church feels a surge of emotions when he thinks about hearing James Taylor perform “Carolina In My Mind” at the upcoming “Concert for Carolina,” a benefit for Hurricane Helene that he is organizing alongside fellow country artist Luke Combs.

“It’s going to be emotional. That’s a song I’ve played many times,” he shares. “For all of us facing tough times, it’ll bring a bit of joy.”

The “Concert for Carolina” is set for October 26 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, featuring Church, Combs, Taylor, and Billy Strings as headliners. The event will be hosted by ESPN’s Marty Smith and Barstool Sports’ Caleb Pressley, with more artists to be announced.

Church and Combs Outline Their Plans for Post-Concert Assistance

Both Church and Combs intend to divide the concert’s earnings. Combs will allocate his share to Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, providing immediate support to the impacted area. Meanwhile, Church’s Chief Cares Foundation will fund organizations he selects for ongoing relief across the Carolinas and the Southeast.

Combs reminisces about his years volunteering in Asheville and notes that Hurricane Helene completely destroyed their facility there.

Church’s share of the concert proceeds will also target issues such as poor roadway infrastructure affecting access to businesses, hospitals, and schools, which might remain cut off for weeks, if not forever, due to the recent disaster.

“In the coming years, I hope to match my half of the funds raised at this concert,” Church expresses. “Sure, many of us want to move on from events like this. But that’s not an option for those living in places like Western North Carolina. It’s crucial to keep highlighting the ongoing needs they’ll have.”

‘Communities Want to Rebuild Their Pride’

Combs recognizes that the isolation of Western North Carolina’s mountainous regions complicates the restoration of infrastructure and services. For instance, Boone, home to Appalachian State University, is a two-hour drive northwest from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

“When the creeks that usually separate towns turn into rivers, it alters the entire landscape,” Combs explains. “These towns—and Western North Carolina as a whole—will never return to how they were.”

“These were once small, proud communities that want to regain that pride,” Church adds.

Both Church and Combs were initially taken aback by the images depicting Helene’s devastation. They share a bond from their time at Appalachian State University, and Church still resides nearby for part of the year.

“I’m heartbroken seeing places I used to know well transformed beyond recognition,” Church shares.

Being of Service is ‘Central to Being an Artist and Songwriter’

Just a week prior to this, Church released a new song titled “Darkest Hour,” marking his first release in three years, with proceeds aimed at helping the people of North Carolina.

“Serving the community is fundamental to what it means to be an artist and songwriter,” he states.

Although Church initially planned for the song to debut next year, its lyrics about unrecognized heroes who “appear when everything is falling apart” resonate more with the current post-Hurricane Helene sentiment than any original intention.

He feels a profound connection to Western North Carolina, considering it part of his “creative and personal DNA,” making the damage from Helene deeply personal for him.

Combs echoes the sentiment, stating that it is his responsibility to back “the people who stand by me when they need my help.”

As the discussion wraps up, Church expresses his hopeful thoughts: “Recovering from this upheaval in life is going to take years—it’s the most heartbreaking aspect. Although it may be a slow process, eventually, life will settle back into a familiar rhythm.”

Tickets for the concert will be available starting Thursday at 10 a.m. ET. You can find complete information at concertforcarolina.com.

If you cannot attend the concert but wish to help, you can make donations to the North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund or check out other organizations listed at concertforcarolina.com.