I’ve received several calls and emails over the past week from folks concerned about the flood disaster in Nashville and its impact on NRDC's Music Saves Mountains concert at the Ryman on May 19th. First of all, our thoughts are with the good people in Tennessee who are, without a doubt, in need of all the support they can get. But fear not, those of you who think this monumental concert might be hampered by the lingering effects of the recent deluge. Not only will the show go on, it MUST go on!
Of course, we are sensitive to hosting an event so close to this unprecedented natural disaster, but the message we have received time and again from our friends in Tennessee over the past few days is, “please come to Nashville!” Fortunately, the mother church of country music and historic venue for the concert, the Ryman Auditorium, was spared from the rising waters. Not only is the Ryman safe but the city is open for business -- Nashville needs us out-of-towners to visit Music City and stimulate the local economy. We're certainly happy to oblige. It's gonna be a great show for a great cause: ending mountaintop removal coal mining!
If you’re coming to Nashville for the concert -- or couldn't score tickets to the sold-out show -- stay an extra day and join us for the free Movies Save Mountains film festival at Nashville’s historic Belcourt Theater on May 20th. You’ll see two great documentaries -- Coal Country and Deep Down -- focused on the battle against mountaintop removal in Appalachia, and hear music from Kathy Mattea and a special surprise guest!
Oh, and here's a special treat: Recall my recent wild West Virginia adventure with Big Kenny, one of our most active Music Saves Mountains peformers. Kenny shot some footage of mountaintop removal for a video and during a break in filming he spontaneously created a little ditty on the issue. Not only did his crew capture his performance, but they turned it into a catchy public service video. Please watch it and share with your friends!