Hillbilly Jam organizers to host benefit concert for Haywood County flood victims

Rachel Moore, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·2 min read

Sep. 16—When the historic floods from tropical storm Fred hit Haywood County, Hillbilly Jam organizer Terry Frady knew he needed to act.

"I know they're devastated down there. I was a Tuscola graduate, but this is a county-wide thing," Frady said, with a nod to the Tuscola-Pisgah football rivalry.

Along with Hillbilly Jam co-organizer Becky Ramey, Frady decided to pull together an October benefit concert he calls a "mini Hillbilly Jam" for flood victims. For Frady and Ramey, it was the perfect opportunity to give back to their community after the support Hillbilly Jam has received over the past 13 years.

"We just want to give back because people have supported us," Frady said. "We're still in the early stages of planning, but we just want to do all we can do."

Frady says the flood benefit will be family-friendly, featuring cornhole, square dancing, food trucks and plenty of live music.

Performers include: Ricky Gunter, Ryan Perry, Tricia Ann, Wayne Buckner, Gene Poole, Kayla McKinney with her band Twisted Trail and the J. Creek Cloggers.

For country musician Ricky Gunter, aiding flood victims is a personal matter. One of his close friends is dealing with the total loss of his home's basement — floodwaters brought fish, sewage and debris into it. But Gunter says this friend has been out in the community prioritizing helping others over tending to his own home. Gunter is happy to help, too. This will be his second benefit concert for flood victims in the wake of Fred.

"This is an opportunity for me to be a part of a community where people want to stand up and fight for each other," Gunter said. "This is bigger than music, and bigger than a success story."

Frady has also noticed how willing community members are to support flood victims — he says he has already received calls from people asking how to donate.

Aside from food and music, there will also be an auction to support flood relief. Auction items include crafts, gift certificates and free meal coupons donated by local businesses, a small moonshine still with 10 free passes to next year's Hillbilly Jam and more.

One highlight for Ramey is Shane Atkins, a community member with autism who sings the national anthem at every Hillbilly Jam and will return for the flood victim fundraiser.

"He loves it and we love him," said Ramey.

Frady and Ramey will turn over the donations to the Mayor of Canton, Zeb Smathers, who will then distribute the money to flood victims.

The event will take place Thursday, Oct. 7, from noon to 10 p.m. at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. It is free and open to the public. All donations accepted will benefit Haywood County flood victims.