ReString Appalachia
www.americansongcatcher.com/ReStringAppalachia
ReString Appalachia is an initiative by American Songcatcher to get instruments that were lost due to Helene back in the hands of musicians throughout Appalachia. This effort is supported by over 125 roots musicians, including Bela Fleck, Rhiannon Giddens, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Infamous Stringdusters and many more, as well as several non profits, instrument makers, venues, festivals, actors, visual artists and media outlets.
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It's been nearly a month since Helene brought unfathomable devastation to Appalachia. I've honestly never been so consumed with grief after a natural disaster. I have countless memories of performing, camping and hiking... so many good times throughout Appalachia over the last 15 years. I got married in Swannanoa. I almost moved to both Brevard and Asheville. I also have dozens and dozens of dear, talented friends throughout East TN, WNC, SC, North GA, and FL. It's been hard to embrace that it'll never be the same, that so many are suffering.
Words fell short in a time like this. Action speaks, and I had to do something.
So, through the American Songcatcher network, I've been quietly building an initiative that will put instruments back in the hands of those who lost them due to the storm. The exact, or comparable instrument.
This effort is called ReString Appalachia.
Whether you're a professional, or picking for the love of it, the importance of continuing the living tradition of Appalachian music culture is paramount, and American Songcatcher aims to keep it that way.