ROC For A Cause Lights Up Aiken for Hurricane Helene Relief
Aiken, SC, was buzzing with excitement this past weekend as music lovers gathered for a sensational event, ROC For A Cause, hosted on December 16. This incredible benefit concert aimed to support victims of Hurricane Helene and brought together some of the most talented songwriters from Nashville, including those who’ve penned songs that have topped the charts!
An Evening to Remember
The stage at the concert was shared by impressive artists, three of whom hold credits to a whopping 11 No. 1 country songs—a true testament to the power of music and community spirit. The event was hosted by the Aiken Downtown Development Association, which has been a hub for community activities and events.
“Lee Fulmer of ROC Truck came to us with this brilliant idea to give back to our community,” said EmmaLee Sams, the executive director of the Aiken Downtown Development Association. “With so many events under our belt, we thought this collaboration was a perfect match from the get-go.”
The Stars Shine Bright
There was no shortage of talent on display that evening. The show kicked off with JB Crocket and continued with Cody Webb, both of whom delighted the audience with their acoustic performances. They set the tone for a night filled with tremendous music and heartfelt stories.
Next up, the crowd was treated to performances by Josh Melton, James McNair, and Rhett Walker, introduced by the wildly popular social media star, Cornbread Cowboi, known offstage as Orry Lee. As the artists took turns on the mic, the warmth and sincere atmosphere were palpable.
A Personal Connection
After melting hearts with the hit “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl),” Josh Melton expressed his gratitude with a smile: “This song changed my life. I thank the good Lord for this song every day.” Melton’s joyous mood set a lovely spirit for what truly felt like a community gathering.
As the night progressed, another brilliant artist, Taylor Phillips, took the stage. Before his performance, he enjoyed a cozy dinner at Takosushi with his wife, Nina. Appreciating the community’s efforts, he shared, “I’m thankful to be here, thankful for this little town fighting it out and coming together to raise money for a great cause.”
A Tapestry of Stories and Friendship
The musicians’ collaborations not only showcased their music talents but also highlighted their shared friendships. Fulmer shared his journey of building customized trucks for singers like Phillips and how this venture opened doors into Nashville’s music scene. Together, the artists reflected on their humble beginnings and their journey as they entertained the crowd.
“Between James McNair, Josh Melton, and Taylor Phillips, there are 11 number one hits that are on the radio every day,” Fulmer noted proudly. His excitement to see these talented individuals give back to Aiken only added to the night’s celebratory atmosphere.
Community Spirit at Its Finest
John and Kate Malmborg, who spend their winters in Aiken, enjoyed the concert with a view of a statue of the town’s founder, William Aiken. They stumbled upon the event poster and were delighted to attend. “This seems cool,” Kate quipped, “Nashville songwriters are a draw.”
As the concert ended, it was clear that ROC For A Cause was not just an evening of entertainment; it was a heartfelt reminder of the power of community and music coming together for a shared purpose. “We feel so lucky to host an event like this for the community,” Sams concluded, with hope to organize similar events in the future.
With this concert, Aiken shines brighter, proving that music can be a strong force for good, bringing people together in times of need.
