Concert series with a purpose return with popular tribute bands
Good news for fans of Taylor Swift, Prince and Bob Marley! Even though the actual singers aren’t coming to Knoxville, their songs are, as are the former lead singer of Journey and a few mummies. And it’s all to support three local charities.
The Concerts For Our Own series is returning for a second year, featuring five concerts – two more than last year – at the Tennessee Amphitheater at World’s Fair Park from June through November.
“You do something for the first year, you’re just not sure if you can do it a second year … and this year we’re going to be bigger,” event founder Aaron Snukals told Knox News.
“Once you come to a show here, it’s different than any other show. Yes, the concerts are going to be great and you’re going to have a wonderful time, but you’re also going to get that warm and fuzzy feeling that you helped out a local charity,” Snukals said.
Concerts For Our Own uses music to provide an opportunity for local, regional and national nonprofit organizations and businesses to showcase their causes and raise money, according to the Concerts For Our Own website.
Last year $10,000 was raised for each of the participating organizations. That goal has been raised to $15,000 for 2024. Proceeds will benefit the Joy of Music School, Love Kitchen and P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative.
“I’m thrilled and I feel very blessed that Aaron’s picked all three of our charities,” P.U.N.T. marketing director Jennifer East said. “It’s just amazing and it’s gonna be a really good time; we got Taylor Swift and Prince!”
Who will be featured in the concerts and when?
The 2024 concert series will feature: Steve Augeri – June 13: Augeri is the former lead singer of the rock band Journey (1998-2006).
Taylor Nation – July 6: Journey through all the pop singer’s eras with this Taylor Swift tribute band. A “Swiftie Pit” area will be available for ultimate fans.
Exodus – The Bob Marley Tribute – Aug. 15: Canadian reggae musician Lazo has received international acclaim for his music and tribute shows to reggae pioneer Bob Marley.
Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience – Oct. 18: Fronted by Marshall Charloff, this five-piece group from Prince’s birthplace, Minneapolis, Minnesota, has performed the singer’s biggest hits to over 300,000 fans.
Here Come The Mummies – Nov. 1: This popular Nashville-based funk rock band is made up of anonymous musicians disguised as mummies.
All performances will be at the Tennessee Amphitheater.
How much are tickets?
Tickets for the concerts go on sale April 5 and can be purchased at concertsfourourown.org. Tickets are $35+ for most shows. Taylor Nation tickets are $45 for regular seating. “Swiftie Pit” tickets are $65.
What efforts will be helped by the concert series?
Funds raised by the Concerts For Our Own series will go to support:
Joy of Music School provides quality music education for financially disadvantaged, at-risk youth, including free classes, lessons and instruments.
The Love Kitchen provides meals, clothing and emergency food packages to homebound, unhoused and unemployed people in Knoxville.
P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative provides financial, emotional and practical support to families facing pediatric cancer diagnoses.
Joy of Music intends to use the funds raised to recruit teachers and volunteers for activities and families to join the program. Enrollment has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, executive director Francis Graffeo said, and the organization wants to increase outreach to families, particularly in communities of color.
“It’s almost a sense of social justice combined with music combined with activism and that costs money. And so, these funds will help us ensure that we’re executing those things at the top level,” Graffeo said.
“We’re rolling out our Helping Hands program this year. So that money will be earmarked and go toward helping cancer patients’ families pay bills during their difficult time,” East said about plans for P.U.N.T. The organization helps with travel, food costs and other needs.
This is the second year Love Kitchen has been one of the Concerts For Our Own organizations. Executive Director Martin Riggins is honored that Snukals included the organization again, especially as unexpected expenses, such as broken freezer or refrigerator, can arise.
“The really nice thing about this money is that it isn’t earmarked. So I can put that in the bank and when something comes up that I need it for, I have it,” Riggins said.
Plus these concerts are a fun way to thank community supporters.
“I really like the idea of being able to give somebody back something when they help us,” Riggins added.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com . On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208 .