Conscious party: Whitewater Bluegrass Company performs to support local veterans in need

PICK ME UP: From top to bottom, bassist “Uncle” Ted White, mandolinist David Pendley, guitarist Bill Byerly, Grammy-nominated banjo player Steve Sutton and Danielle Bishop comprise Whitewater Bluegrass Company — the group that was selected to perform ABCCM's veterans benefit concert “because they are a well established local band with a heart for our veterans,” according to event organizer Cheryl Wilson. Photo by Garret Woodward

WHAT: A benefit concert hosted by Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry

WHERE: Asheville Event Centre

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m.

WHY: Performance group Whitewater Bluegrass Company is known for providing a lively roots backdrop at local weddings, family occasions, hotel and resort gatherings and other regional events. On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, the quintet will take the stage in support of local veterans who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless.

“The concert benefits all of the programs of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry for our veterans,” says Cheryl Wilson, ABCCM volunteer and special events director. Those include the Veterans’ Restoration Quarters for men and the Steadfast House for women and children — both of which provide residents with housing, food, case management, education and connection to mental and physical health providers — plus the Veteran Services of the Carolinas, which spans 26 counties and aims to foster homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing for veteran families.

“In 2014, ABCCM helped with training and placed 223 homeless veterans into the workforce,” Wilson says, noting a high retention rate among those employees. “This event will continue restoring the lives of our veterans who are homeless.”

The musicians have “captivated audiences throughout the Southeast for more than 30 years with their blend of bluegrass music, country ballads, mountain swing and down-home humor,” according to the event release. “With Whitewater, mountain culture is a celebration of music, song and dance.”

Between the band’s two 45-minute sets, ABCCM representatives will talk about the beneficiary and its veteran-specific services.

“The Whitewater Bluegrass Company is proud to be a part of this event to support our veterans,” says Bill Byerly, the band’s guitarist and vocalist of 30 years. “We hope for a packed house that night.”

Attendance at ABCCM’s benefit concert costs $15/$20 per person. Visit abccm.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

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About Kat McReynolds
Kat studied entrepreneurship and music business at the University of Miami and earned her MBA at Appalachian State University. Follow me @katmAVL

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