Zac Brown Band To Headline East Tennessee Relief Events Dec. 17-18

More than a dozen country artists will perform this weekend in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to help raise money and collect much-needed items for victims of wildfires that recently ravaged the area.

Zac Brown Band will headline the Mountain Tough Benefit, hosted by Ole Smoky Moonshine, in Pigeon Forge on Sat., Dec. 17. The lineup begins at 10 a.m. ET, also featuring Jim Lauderdale, Rodney Crowell, Sam Bush, Derek St. Holmes, Jason D. Williams, Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley, Randy Kohrs, Sarah Potenza, Mo Pitney, Chelle Rose and others. Music City Roots, WMOT/Roots Radio from Middle Tennessee State University as well as a network of statewide and regional radio stations will broadcast the event. All proceeds will go to the Sevier County Community Fund, established by the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation to directly benefit families impacted by the wildfires.

On Sun., Dec. 18, emerging singer/songwriter Kaitlyn Baker will perform along with Stephen Goff & The Royals, a regional band, at the Smokies Strong Relief Benefit at Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge. Presented by hot sauce company Pepper Palace, Sunday’s free lineup runs from 2-6 p.m. and set to include Santa and bounce houses.

“This event is to receive donations for our community and their families, but most importantly to give the children a very Merry Christmas,” said Will C-Nuñez, Executive Director of Marketing for Pepper Palace. “Items to donate can be gift cards, clothing for children or adults and supplies, like toothpaste, toilet paper, or canned foods.”

Fourteen people lost their lives in the fires, which caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

To donate online, visit mobilecause.com or text PFG 91999. Donations may also be dropped off at SmartBank locations and at Hard Rock Café Pigeon Forge. Checks may be made out to Gatlinburg Relief Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 1910, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868-1910.