By Cameron Lee
October 4, 2024
Photo: Salvage Station
Asheville music venue, Salvage Station, is just one of the many local businesses that have been affected by Helene. Originally opened in 2016 in the historic River Arts District along the French Broad River as an outdoor bar, restaurant, and event space, the music venue has hosted a diverse range of acts this year from Cypress Hill to North Carolina’s own Mountain Goats. The revitalized seven-acre riverfront property that was once a salvage yard, quickly became a beloved destination for both music lovers and tourists in the region, but it’s been a rough year for the now full-time music venue.
In May, they were told by the North Carolina Department of Transportation that the property would be acquired through eminent domain for the I-26 Connector project.
“We are heartbroken to pack and relocate what we have built, but our Salvage Station family is strong and we are committed to rebuilding,” the venue communicated through their social media accounts back in May. “Where we go is unknown, but for sure, if a salvage yard can become a nationally recognized music venue, we will certainly figure out this next chapter.”
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Most of the revenue from the remaining 2024 shows would have helped with their relocation efforts, but now after the devastation of Helene has left the venue and property in shambles, they’ll need to refocus their plans.
“A huge part of our ability to rebuild was hinged on making the most of these next several months of shows,” a post read on their social media.
While their relocation plans remain uncertain as the city of Asheville rebuilds, the venue owners Danny McClinton and Katie Hild have launched a GoFundMe page strictly for their employees to survive during these tough times. All tickets purchased for the remaining shows this year through TicketWeb are also being refunded, but some are choosing to donate the refund back into the GoFundMe.
“100% of the proceeds will go directly to non-owner team members. All funding will be strictly given to our employees to survive during this devastating time,” the post read.
Many artists, craftsmen, designers, and service industry workers have also been upended by the effects of Helene, including those who work in the River Arts District and Biltmore Village. Other popular venues in Asheville such as the Orange Peel, The Grey Eagle, Asheville Music Hall, and The Rabbit Rabbit got through the storm fairly unscathed but have been forced to cancel their shows for the immediate future, opening their doors for supplies, meals, and amenities. The Grey Eagle has started a donations page to help their staff members and to assist the venue in paying their bills as they prepare for reopening. Asheville record shops are also opening their doors for the community as Citizen Vinyl and Static Age Records posted about providing power, WiFi, meals and supplies for those in need.
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Musicians and artists based in Western North Carolina have been sharing the impact of Helene and resources in their community. Asheville-based indie rock artist Indigo De Souza posted some crushing images of her home from the aftermath of Helene due to the massive flooding. Alt-country rocker MJ Lenderman has also postponed some tour dates, sharing a few Asheville area organizations to support as his tour will now kick off in Knoxville on October 6.
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Several North Carolina venues are stepping up to help those affected by Helene, as Cat’s Cradle, Haw River Ballroom, Motorco Music Hall, Neighborhood Theatre, and The Ramkat will be donating a percentage of their ticket sales in the month of October. The funds will be split between the National Independent Venue Foundation, NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund, and local organizations on the ground in western North Carolina.
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Artists touring the region like alternative country star Sturgill Simpson have announced all proceeds from his Cary, North Carolina show at Koka Booth Amphitheater will benefit the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. Simpson was scheduled to play Asheville’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena on October 21, but will now play a benefit concert in Cary prior to his sold-out tour date already scheduled for October 22. Presale will begin on Wednesday, October 9 at 10 a.m. with tickets going on sale to the public on Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m.
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There are several ways to help musicians and artists in Asheville along with various resources to get government and community assistance (we’ll be updating this article as more resources become available):
Donate
Salvage Station GoFundMe: Proceeds will go directly to the employees of Salvage Station.
The Grey Eagle donations page: Funds will go to staff members and the venue to pay their bills and prepare for reopening.
ArtsAVL: Funds will be distributed to the creative community in Asheville and Buncombe County.
NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund: Funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Helene.
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: Contributions help with the unmet needs of hurricane victims in the state.
Appalachian State Disaster Relief Fund: The university’s Boone campus has sustained significant impacts from the flooding and storm damage.
Assistance
DisasterAssistance.Gov: Apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
SBA Disaster Assistance: SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Helene.
National Independent Venue Relief Fund: A 501(c)(3) organization providing economic relief to venues and promoters, both for-profit and nonprofit, experiencing a severe emergency.
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: FEMA disaster assistance to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.
NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund: Funding and assistance for artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene.
The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is live. If you’re able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene. You can donate at https://t.co/yjrg796nrJ. pic.twitter.com/3dilvyWxax
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) September 30, 2024
Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Following a federal disaster declaration, Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available in 25 counties in western North Carolina.
MusiCares Disaster Relief Grant: Emergency Financial Assistance Program providing financial grants for music industry professionals in crisis.
Craft Artists Emergency Relief Grant: $3,000 Emergency Relief Grants to craft artists who have experienced a disruptive emergency or disaster.
Asheville Food and Beverage United: A worker-led union dedicated to advocacy and organizing for service industry workers in the Asheville area.
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The Giving Kitchen: Financial assistance program for food service workers in crisis.
Southern Smoke Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: Funds to help pay for essentials like groceries, clothing, medications, rent, natural disaster damages, lost wages, and more.
For current information on food and water distribution sites and other updates from the City of Asheville, visit City of Asheville Recovery Resources.
Volunteering
If you are looking for information on volunteering opportunities, visit NCVOAD.org. World Central Kitchen is also looking for volunteers throughout the Southeast.
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Shelter
Visit the American Red Cross or Salvation Army websites or text SHELTER and your zip code (for example, “SHELTER 01234”) to 4FEMA (43362). For Spanish language text REFUGIO and your zip code. You can also download the FEMA Mobile App to find open shelters.
Mental Health
If you are in a personal crisis and need someone to talk with, you can call or text the Crisis Line at 988. If you are not in an immediate crisis, but need someone to talk with, you can call the North Carolina Warm Line: 1-855-733-7762.
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Traffic and Safety
For real-time traffic updates and road closure information, visit DriveNC.gov.
For Buncombe County resources, visit Buncombe County Emergency Preparedness.
For travel and safety info in the Asheville area, visit Explore Asheville
Locate Friends and Family
A Facebook group, “Hurricane Helene Safety Check-In”, and a Hurricane Helene People Finder spreadsheet have been created by citizens to help locate family and friends. To report a missing person or request non-emergency support, you can also call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state.
For general disaster information and access to resources visit NCDPS.Gov/Helene.
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