Mercy in the Mountains

(NOTE: This feature refers to a pair of shows that took place a few days ago — bk)

In response to the widespread devastation visited upon Western North Carolina, many individuals, organizations and government agencies have risen to the challenge, providing critical aid. That support has and continues to come in many forms: supplies, logistics, volunteer assistance, emotional support, cash and more. Inevitably, though, as the news cycle turns its focus to other matters, the crisis in WNC threatens to fade from the wider public’s consciousness. But – as a quick look at the River Arts District and other areas on the banks of the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers reminds us – the need for help continues. Six months after Helene, many residents of the Western part of our state still need help.

A new initiative, Mercy in the Mountains aims to raise funds for local nonprofits, support local musicians and entertain audiences. The series of concerts kicked off with a January 24 show at The Mule; future dates include a March 21 concert – headlined by Ashes & Arrows – at The Grey Eagle.

Mercy in the Mountains is a wholly grassroots effort, launched in the days and weeks after Helene by retired educator Bob Walters. “I’m the only member of Mercy in the Mountains,” he says with a laugh, while emphasizing that he has received a great deal of help from fellow residents of the region. “I have not been going it alone, not by any means,” he says. From the start, Walters’ plan was to organize concerts in multiple local venues, featuring a variety of artists in many genres. The organization established a goal to raise at least $20,000. Those funds are intended to help “those who have lost homes, property, business and jobs,” Walters says.

The first Mercy in the Mountains event was an acoustic night featuring David LaMotte. The Asheville based musician-speaker-author played a headlining set at The Mule. Several other local acts – including the duo Melissa & McKinney, Owen Walsh and Jon Edwards – were also on the bill. Melissa McKinney is a resident artist with LEAF Global Arts. During her set with daughter McKinney, she spoke about the Helene disaster, its effect on the community and the work being done in the storm’s aftermath. “It was clear that everyone was there for a greater purpose,” Walters says. The capacity attendance helped make the event a solid start; Walters says that The Mule show “grossed about $2,200.”

Thanks to the connections Walter has forged, expenses for the Mercy in the Mountains events are being held to a minimum. “I want to be clear that a lot of these artists lost a lot of gigs” because of Helene, Walters emphasizes. So while some of the performing artists are getting paid, Walters estimates that 70 to 80% of ticket sales revenue will find its way directly to the designated charities.

Walters readily admits that he has little experience in fundraising activities. “We are doing what we know,” he wrote in a recent appeal. “pulling together musicians, promoters, agents, venues and volunteers to provide music concerts.” And he has made sure to partner with experienced organizations to help keep things in order. Setting up an organization as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit takes time, effort and expense. With an eye toward getting funds together quickly, Walters coordinated with LEAF for fiscal matters. “I don’t want to handle any money,” he says with a chuckle. “When the money comes in, it goes right into the programs.”

LEAF Global Arts is one of two sponsor-beneficiaries of Mercy in the Mountains. That organization’s Local Artists Relief Fund was established to provide direct support to local and teaching artists cut off from performing gigs by Helene-related venue closures. The LEAF site emphasizes that the program “is not a granting process,” instead describing it as “a big hug” to artists in the form of monetary gifts for community engagement events. In that appeal to potential supporters, Walters explained that donations to Mercy in the Mountains “can be doubled” by the time funds reach beneficiary organizations. In the case of LEAF’s relief program, The Dan Lucas Memorial Fund is currently matching all donations.

Mercy in the Mountains events also benefit Habitat for Humanity’s ARCHR project. The Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair assists low-income homeowners in Buncombe and Madison County with storm-related damage repairs. Led by Habitat, ARCHR is a coalition that also includes Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust, Community Action Opportunities, Mountain Housing Opportunities and PODER Emma.

Building on the success of Mercy in the Mountains’ inaugural event, a second show has been scheduled. On March 21, Ashes & Arrows will headline an evening of music at The Grey Eagle. The Asheville-based country rock band advanced to the semifinals on America’s Got Talent 2024; they released their debut full-length album Chapter One (The Long Road North) in October. Asheville roots artist Abby Bryant will open the show.

Bob Walters says that Mercy in the Mountains will continue its work while the need exists. “These initiatives are not going to run out of needing money,” he says. “Over 1,300 people are still displaced or ‘roofless.’” He has already scheduled a third event. Billed as “One Mic,” a June 2 concert at The Meadow at Highland Brewing will take the form of a traditional bluegrass fest; artist lineup will be announced soon. Two more shows are in development; while Walters prefers not to share details until they’re confirmed, he says that he hopes to stage additional Mercy in the Mountains events focusing on DJ/electronica and world music.

The Helene disaster affected most everyone in WNC in some way. Some were impacted far worse than others. “I’m sitting here in my warm house,” Walters says. “Compared to what a lot of people lost, I’m fine. But people have to understand that [the effects of this disaster] are going to be with us for a long time. So we’re going to keep this thing going.”