By Tyler Roush
For the Opelika
Observer
As a lifetime resident of Beauregard, Tristan Long wanted to give back to his community.
Following the tornados that hit his hometown in early March, Long is coordinating a Lee County Tornado Victim Benefit Concert that will donate all of its proceeds to the Providence Baptist Church disaster relief fund.
The event will be held on April 14 at the Bottling Plant Event Center on 614 N. Railroad Ave beginning at 3:30 p.m.
For Long, who said that he had family that was affected by the tornados, the event allows him to provide much-needed help for his community.
After his sister came up with the idea of someone running a concert to benefit the victims of the tornado, Long decided to move forward.
“It just feels good to me because I’ve grown up in Beauregard,” Long said. “I know of a lot of the people that were affected.”
Long said that the event will begin with acoustic bands that will play through three different rounds before the main event. Current performers that are listed to play are Murphy Elmore, Blane Rudd, Tyler Braden, Jonboy Storey among others.
In addition to live music, the concert will also feature food provided by Chicken Salad Chick and a concurrent silent auction. Long said that the event is still looking to add additional vendors to provide food or items for the silent auction.
While food is served, the event will also feature art made by Tammy Chase. All sales of Chase’s art will also be donated to the relief fund.
After recognizing the struggle that his family, his friends and his community went through, Long said that he is happy to have the opportunity to provide support.
“It hit close to home,” Long said. “Being able to help out, it just means a lot to give back to the community.”