NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It’s been over a month since Hurricane Helene unleashed devastating flooding in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, and the recovery process remains ongoing.

As state and federal agencies work to provide immediate relief to affected residents, community efforts continue to shine, with local musicians stepping up to lend their voices.

Bluegrass artist Kristy Cox vividly remembers the harrowing night when the hurricane brought heavy rain.

“I could see the water pounding on the highway I was driving on. And when we got home, we just wanted to help,” she said, emphasizing the urgency felt by many following the disaster.

For others, like Eli Johnston, the impact of the flooding hit particularly close to home. Living on the Little Pigeon River in Hartford, Tennessee, Johnston and his family were lucky to escape the damage. However, many of his neighbors were not as fortunate.

“It’s very hard to see. That’s at home and it’s hard to see, it really is,” he said.

In response to the disaster, a benefit concert was held at Nashville’s City Winery featuring prominent bluegrass musicians.

“This is one way we can do what we can to help,” said Jim Lauderdale, a bluegrass singer.

The event was aimed at raising funds for the thousands of families affected by the floods, with all proceeds going to Samaritan’s Purse and the IBMA Trust Fund for flood relief efforts.

Musicians like CJ Lewandowski echoed their sense of unity, stating, “We all come together. And it’s just like tonight; we come together and celebrate the music that came from those mountains. Without those mountains, without those people, we couldn’t have this music and these shows like this.”

They encourage everyone to help or give back in any way they can during this time.

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Travel to see some of our neighbors’ best Halloween decorations

We’re just days away from Halloween. This year, Americans are expected to spend around $12 billion on candy, costumes and decorations. In recent years, it seems that a lot more people are making an effort to decorate their homes. Forrest Sanders had a chance to visit several midstate communities to see some of those Halloween decorations.

– Lelan Statom