Tyler Childers to Headline Healing Appalachia Benefit Concert
September 24 and 25th at the State Fair of West Virginia in Lewisburg, the Healing Appalachia concert will happen with a healthy slate of headliners and openers, all working to support a prosperous Appalachia free from addiction.
On Friday, September 24th, TK and the Holy Know-Nothings will open the show, with reigning Saving Country Music Album of the Year winner Arlo McKinley playing next, and none other than Tyler Childers headlining the evening. Then on Saturday, September 25th it will be Don Rigsby, Jeremy Pinnell, Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle, Lucero, and headliner The Marcus King Band. Also, Kathy Mattea will be the emcee of the event on Saturday.
Drug overdose is the leading cause of death for people under the age of fifty in the United States. The Appalachian region has been dramatically impacted by the opioid and heroin epidemic, and West Virginia in particular, which is the only state entirely within the Appalachian region.
“We want to make note again that this is a charitable event. These artists donate their time, talent, and energy to provide a memorable experience while raising funds and awareness,” says Healing Appalachia.
Hope in the Hills, which helps organize the Healing Appalachia concert, is a 501(c)3 organization run by an all-volunteer board of industry professionals. The board includes President Dave Lavender, who writes for NPR’s Mountain Stage, and is also a musician himself. Ian Thornton, who is the manager for Tyler Childers, Arlo McKinley, and others is the board’s Vice President.
Doors open at 3 p.m. on Friday, and noon on Saturday. Tickets for each individual evening or the entire weekend are available, and more information can be found at healingappalachia.org .
August 26, 2021 @ 9:24 am
I saw him headline at Hinterland earlier this month. One of the most disappointing sets I’ve ever seen. No Feathe
August 26, 2021 @ 9:27 am
No Feathered Indians, Nose to the Grindstone, or Whitehouse Road. Not a lot of energy in the production either.
August 26, 2021 @ 9:34 am
Saw him last month. He did not play these songs either, or “Lady May.” Thought the energy was fine though.
August 26, 2021 @ 10:07 am
The first comment about a benefit show about a headliner who recently overcame his addiction is a low energy critique about one of his first post pandemic show. Man, do I miss the SCM comments section 2010.
August 26, 2021 @ 10:38 am
I think getting sober has changed him. Different energy but not bad. He’s never been a bounce around the stage guy. Also was at Hinterland. It probably isn’t fun to sing about cocaine when you don’t party any longer. I’m guessing he is still getting used to being on stage without something extra. I’ll admit he did seem awkward when he wasn’t holding his guitar.
Isbell did the same thing, and he made it through alright.
August 26, 2021 @ 11:53 am
I always assumed he carried a lot of anxiety around performing.
Even in the sub 1,000 person capacity rooms not too long ago, he was usually staring a hole through the back wall while playing. Doing it sober in front of tens of thousands can’t be any easier.
August 26, 2021 @ 10:41 am
I will say teasing White House Road 4 times wasn’t cool. Seems like they played the melody anytime he wanted the crowds attention. A few thousand people left during the first 4 songs.
August 26, 2021 @ 12:12 pm
I don’t get the complaints on the setlists or energy. I’ve seen TCC 10+ times. Energy is the same/better/great. He’s more mature (older), I think that’s the difference.
For those who want Feathered Indians and Whitehouse, etc……..if you would have been going to his shows earlier than right now (2021), you’d have seen all those songs many times. I’m sure he’ll put them back on setlists at some point, but overall it’s a dumb, late to the party/popularity exposing complaint.
Trigger – My question is, I’m curious on the reduced tour dates. Kyle C is out with Brett Cobb/Nikki Lane right now, Hot Rod is going out with Ona and perhaps Craig with Ona/Wooks……..not sure. TCC just not going to tour or significantly limit touring?
August 26, 2021 @ 12:55 pm
I wasn’t at Hinterland, so I can’t speak to the energy level there. Perhaps Tyler had an off night, I don’t know. What I do know is I saw him at Under The Big Sky, and the energy was as high as I’ve ever seen it from him and the band. I wrote a dedicated review of it for anyone who cares to read:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/1st-tyler-childers-show-in-16-months-caps-off-under-the-big-sky-fest/
I did notice he left out some of his big songs, but you make a good point. He’s played those songs a million times, and might be prepping to release new material. Sometimes when an artist is doing this and is tired of their own songs, they lean on more covers so they stay energized for the material. That’s what I took away from the setlist.
I too have been openly curious why Childers hasn’t released more dates. Actually wrote about that too back in May:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/its-been-a-little-quiet-on-the-tyler-childers-front/
Perhaps now with Delta, no reason to announce a big tour only have to potentially cancel it, so they may be taking a wait-and-see attitude. Again, he might be working on new material, and be waiting for a big tour to coincide with a new release. We’ll just have to see.
Meanwhile “Purgatory” was once again in the Top 20 on the Billboard Country Albums chart this week (#18). I truly believe Childers could book a full-fledged solo arena tour with the right opener. He may just be waiting for a more ideal opportunity to do so.
August 26, 2021 @ 1:23 pm
Yea, I was at Under the Big Sky also, not Hinterland.
If TCC could even contemplate an arena tour (I’m not sure I agree, but him and Sturg together certainly did it), he should do it. Why? For the money. That also may be the reason he’s not doing it. Doesn’t want/need the dough.
I take the band and Kyle going out with others as a bad sign for TCC fans hoping for more dates/shows. I’d guess they are doing it for the money (to pay the bills). Maybe it’s nothing, but it certainly seems unusual, for an artist/band with about as much momentum as anyone since Chris Stapleton crossed over, and TCC hasn’t even crossed over, to just disappear intentionally without reason (as it seems).
Good for him though.
August 26, 2021 @ 9:53 am
As someone who lives in East TN very near Appalachia and who is clean and sober, I really appreciate this type of activity to bring awareness both to the opioid epidemic and the possibility of recovery.
Thanks to the artists and organizers.
August 26, 2021 @ 10:05 am
“what are you gonna do when the God you’re prayin to up and goes missin, leavin a trail of unpaid bills and OPIOID addiction”-
August 26, 2021 @ 10:17 am
I have an honest, non-gotcha question, because I’m genuinely curious (and I’ve seen some behind the scenes of “non-profits” outside of the music industry). When they claim the artists donate their time, etc…. Does that include the hired musicians who aren’t paid all that much to begin with) and the crew? Or just that the main artist has waived their royalties above a certain salary that they get paid? Where is that cutoff? Like salaries are still revenue, but the profit goes to the charity? I’ve always wondered that, and seems like an opportunity to ask, if anyone has knowledge. I also always wonder about what percentage then gets to the cause directly.
Not to dissuade from this effort, obviously it’s a good cause and even just the conversations it prompts might be of some benefit to some.
August 26, 2021 @ 10:38 am
I can’t speak to the specific arrangement of this specific event. What I can tell you as someone who has volunteered at non-profit music events such as this, often the performers will forgo payment, and often their bands will as well. Or they will perform at a hefty discount that simply helps to pay overhead. As far as other personnel, it just depends. Sometimes people step up to volunteer. Sometimes they’re offered some sort of stipend that is budgeted into the ticket price. Sometimes if you’re working with contractors for sound/security/staging, etc., they must be paid going rates in full, though sometimes they will do a discount for an event, or outright volunteer as well. Because of insurance, you still need a level of professional services that often must be paid for. In this situation since much of this is being done “in house” since it’s operated by Tyler’s manager Ian, I’m sure there are a lot of people not getting paid. They said, “These artists donate their time, talent, and energy to provide a memorable experience…” and there’s no reason to not believe them.
August 26, 2021 @ 11:35 am
Thanks for the reply. I didn’t mean to sound accusatory. I’ve just always been curious about that, assumed you would have some experience, and it was specifically referenced in the article. I’m sure many are happy to contribute. I
August 26, 2021 @ 11:31 am
As a 32 year veteran union (I.A.T.S.E.) large venue video production tech here in Chicago I’ve worked hundreds of benefits that had big named musicians and everything else. I’ve never heard of anyone nor have I ever been asked to work for free but many times they’ll come to our business agent and say “hey we’re on a tight budget can we cut the crew down a bit or just have a cheaper day rate etc…..” and we most always give em a break one way or another but there’s still many working behind the scenes and volunteering for free. We’ve always been flexible but there are still rules, safety issues etc….that must be followed. Even the top notch talent can’t expect their crew to work for free or donate their full paycheck for a show. Every benefit show has a budget of some sort whether it’s at a bar or larger venue.
August 26, 2021 @ 11:20 am
Great Lineup, if you go, DO NOT miss Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle. One of the best live sets you will see, and a favorite band of a few of the bands there that people will be buying tickets to see.
August 26, 2021 @ 12:23 pm
Good luck! I live there and I see little hope. People don’t value education or a better life. It’s a sad place. It’s a rural, white ghetto.
August 26, 2021 @ 12:58 pm
That might be a little overdramatic. It has its problems, without question. But there are positive aspects you’d definitely miss if you moved away.
A sense of community and people that actually care are very underrated, brother.
August 28, 2021 @ 4:31 am
That’s the only reason I stay!
August 26, 2021 @ 12:42 pm
Would love to know how Charles Wesley Godwin gets overlooked for this lineup
August 26, 2021 @ 4:45 pm
More “Country History X”, Trig?
August 26, 2021 @ 7:45 pm
In due course. Too many album releases and deaths in the past week to keep up with as it is.
August 26, 2021 @ 7:54 pm
Understood.
August 26, 2021 @ 7:57 pm
Make sure you get enough sleep/quality catnaps in between everything you’re doing