Luke Combs, Eric Church, and Friends Unite to Raise $24 Million for Hurricane Helene Relief in “Concert for Carolina”

In times of hardship, it’s often music that brings people together, igniting hope and strength within communities. Over the weekend of October 26th, North Carolina saw this power firsthand, as country stars Luke Combs, Eric Church, bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings, and iconic singer-songwriter James Taylor shared the stage at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium for a remarkable cause. Together, they raised a stunning $24.5 million in aid for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

David Bergman

The “Concert for Carolina,” presented by Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, wasn’t just any benefit—it was a homegrown celebration of the resilience, heart, and generosity that define the Carolinas. For Combs, Church, and Taylor, this wasn’t just a charitable event; it was deeply personal. These musicians share a profound bond with North Carolina, the state that nurtured their talents and watched them rise to national stardom. Billy Strings, too, holds the state close, crediting North Carolina as a cornerstone of his own musical journey.

The concert’s inception was swift and heartfelt. News of Hurricane Helene’s impact spread, and within days, Combs, Church, Strings, and Taylor began collaborating to turn an idea into a real force for change. Their first call was to David and Nicole Tepper, owners of the Carolina Panthers and the very stadium that would host the event. In record time, Bank of America Stadium opened its doors to welcome fans from across the region, united by music and the shared goal of supporting their neighbors in need.

Luke Combs, who has always shown love for his roots, took to social media after the event, describing his pride and gratitude for being able to give back to the state that’s given him so much. “My goodness, what a night!” he shared. “This will undoubtedly go down as the night I am most proud of in my career.” He thanked his dedicated team, band, and crew, along with the Panthers organization, AEG, SES, Live Nation, venue staff, sponsors, the state of North Carolina, and, of course, the performers and their teams who generously donated their time and resources.

In the wake of devastation, the “Concert for Carolina” has brought comfort, relief, and a substantial aid fund for hurricane recovery efforts. But beyond the dollars raised, it’s a testament to the strength of a community, showing that when people come together, even the strongest storms can be weathered.