ONE LOVE: Hurricane Benefit for Jamaica set for Nov. 30
Southwest Floridians know all too well how a major hurricane can change lives in an instant.
That’s why a local non-profit has organized a benefit concert to help those in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Music aLIVE SWFL and the Southwest Florida music community has created “ONE LOVE: Hurricane Benefit for Jamaica,” a full-day concert raising funds to support recovery efforts in Jamaica following the impact of Hurricane Melissa. To be held on Nov. 30 from 2 to 10 p.m. at both The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon and Lumber Axe Whiskey Bar & Grill on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers, this event is open to the public (18-plus show) and promises a line-up of the best local musicians, food, drinks, and a celebration of community.
Proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen, supporting its relief efforts in Jamaica.
“We understand the impact of (a major hurricane),” said Music aLIVE SWFL Board Member Bob Tabarrini. “Once the tragedy in Jamaica hit, we knew we had to figure out a way to help.”
Tabarrini, who has been a local musician for a long time with lots of contacts, reached out across social media to see who would be interested in being part of the cause.
“The feedback I got from musicians and the community was pretty immediate,” he said. “We understand first hand in Southwest Florida what it’s like to get hit hard by a hurricane. I think it really resonated with the population. This is very near and dear to our hearts. It’s something that was born out of compassion from all of us. After Hurricane Ian, one of the most amazing things to see was (the resilience from the community).
“When we need to team up and combine resources and initiative — we saw so many incredible things after Hurricane Ian. We got an idea of what Southwest Florida can do when we come together. We can use that as a model moving forward when we have a major need. I think this is why this event came together so quickly.”
Tabarrini said the venues got on board quickly, as did the more than a dozen bands/groups that are going to perform.
The concert features four big stages and an eclectic line-up of bands from Southwest Florida including: “Rock Republic,” “Last Train,” “Moonstone Riders,” “Red Hannah,” “Chasing Denver,” “Joe Yeoman Band,” “Smack Daddy,” “Big Cypress Band,” “Weaver & Wilkins,” “Two Loopin’ Vibes,” “Ben Allen,” “Jenny Ve,” “Ty Shep,” “Charlie Pace,” “David J,” “Damion Dolney,” “Matt Myer” and “School of Rock Fort Myers.”
Of all of these bands coming together for the cause, Tabarrini said, “That’s the magic of the Southwest Florida music scene. I’ve been playing in bands my whole life all over the place, but there’s something special about the camaraderie in the Southwest Florida music community. You don’t see this anywhere else. The Southwest Florida love and support is real. I’ll put our community against any other on the planet as far as what we can do when we roll up our sleeves and work together.”
With the two venues next to one another, attendees will be able to bounce from one spot to the other to enjoy different genres of music, with Lumber Axe providing some more relaxed vibes and food to enjoy. The School of Rock house band of Fort Myers will headline the Lumber Axe stage, with Rock Republic headlining at The Ranch.
Tabarrini said the mix of artists and bands playing is almost like a family reunion. There will be a mix of rock, to country, to reggae and so much more.
“All of us love each other and never get to see each other because we’re always out gigging,” he said. “What a unique opportunity this is. A lot of bands are going to have collaborations as well. There are going to be lots of special guests and guest appearances you’ve never seen before and will never see again.”
The day will also include 50/50 raffle drawings, as well as additional donations to be collected to benefit relief efforts in Jamaica.
Tickets in advance (online) are $15, and $20 at the door. There is no ticket needed to enter the Lumber Axe. Attendees must be 18-plus to enter The Ranch.
Music aLIVE got started after Hurricane Ian as a way to help locals get back on their feet after the devastating and historic storm.
“We have so many musicians on Fort Myers Beach that not only lost their venue to play, but lost their car, their house, their livelihood,” Tabarrini said. “Music aLIVE was created because we needed to throw them a lifeline. Music is the heartbeat of the Southwest Florida community. When people come here on vacation, they want to hear live music. It’s really important to our culture to have music. We wanted to gather funds and resources to help these musicians get back to doing their thing, which is bringing music to Southwest Florida.”
Music aLIVE SWFL has grown over the years, with a mission to support the live music culture in the region through providing financial relief assistance, education, and other support as necessary to individuals and organizations that participate in the creation and promotion of live music in the community.
“We do whatever we can to keep music alive moving forward,” Tabarrini said.
The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon and Lumber Axe Whiskey Bar & Grill are located at 2158 Colonial Blvd. In Fort Myers.
For more information and tickets, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com/events/one-love-for-jamaica-benefit-concert/.
For more information on Music aLIVE SWFL, visit www.musicaliveswfl.com.
For more information on World Central Kitchen, visit www.wck.org/