Country music artists are coming together to bring relief and raise money following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The deadly tropical storm, which brought high winds and heavy rain devastated areas across the state of Florida, destroying homes and businesses and even taking the lives of so many individuals in the area.
Fort Myers was one city that didn’t escape the destruction that Mother Nature left behind. And Jay Allen knows that to be true.
The rising country artist – who is currently competing on season 22 of NBC’s The Voice – and his fiancée fellow singer Kylie Morgan were personally affected by the Category 4 hurricane. The couple who were to wed on Saturday (Oct. 1) in Fort Myers decided to postpone their nuptials due to unforeseen circumstances that left their home away from home in ruins.
“We were supposed to get married this weekend, but that is the least of our concerns. We are heartbroken for everyone that’s losing their homes and their businesses right now,” Allen, at the time, posted on Instagram, adding that he was requesting followers to send prayers and love to the sunshine state. “We can reschedule our wedding. We basically just wanted to let all of our guests know.”
Now that a bit of time has passed to allow people to begin picking up the pieces, Allen has organized a benefit concert he will be hosting alongside his future bride. The “Blank Stares” singer hopes the concert will help displaced families and victims get back on their feet.
According to Eventbrite, the concert will take place at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Nashville, Tenn. Monday (Oct. 17). Dubbed “Fort Myers Beach Relief Concert,” the 21+ event will take place on the second floor of the venue and include Walker Hayes, Ashley Cooke, Tigirlily, and Meghan Linsey. Julia Cole, Lance Carpenter, Nate Kenyon, Emily Earle, Blake Esse and MC Bigg Vinny are also set to take the stage with the possibility of others to be announced.
“Hurricane Ian canceled our wedding, and then we watched it destroy this place we love so much. We can’t change it, but we can use our voices to help!” Allen said as shared by Eventbrite.
And it turns out that fans are already getting on board to support the good cause. On Instagram, Allen let fans know that online tickets for the show have already sold out, but “there will be a handful of tickets available at the door.”
Allen also took to Facebook to share his gratitude for those who stepped up quickly to help in any way possible.
“Y’all, I am so overwhelmed and pumped and proud to announce that we have officially sold out our Fort Myers Beach Relief concert,” Allen shared. “Thanks to each and every one of you who bought tickets. We’re going to be able to write a big check and send it down to our friends who lost everything in Fort Myers. Still, if you would spread the news and show up, we’ll have tickets available at the door. God bless each and every one of you. This gives me hope that there are beautiful people in the world who are willing to sacrifice to help others. God bless you.”
“I’m speechless… 🥹”he added in a caption above the post.
“Posting this to remember what Fort Myers Beach used to look like… truly a home away from home for us, and always a place we felt like we could escape to. Instead of getting married here Oct 1 as planned, we were glued to our phones planning a relief concert, and I’m proud to say it’s officially sold out,” Allen captioned another Facebook post alongside a photo featuring him and Morgan posing beach side. “We’ll be going live on all platforms night of, and here’s the link to the silent auction See y’all Monday @whiskeyrownashville #WeAreFMB.”
Proceeds from ticket costs and raffle/auction items (which can be found here) at the “Fort Myers Beach Relief Concert” will go to assist the victims of Ian Hurricane. Those who cannot attend the 21+ event have the option to donate by scanning the QR code allocated in the above Instagram post or clicking the link here.
