The Helping Hands Concert Series brings stars from across the music spectrum to Banner Elk this summer for three benefit concerts. Shows take place at Hayes Auditorium on the campus of Lees-McRae College to raise funds for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Avery and Watauga counties.

The June 6 concert features Country Music Hall of Famer Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers and bluegrass stars Darin & Brooke Aldridge.

Jimmy Fortune sang with The Statler Brothers for 21 years and was part of four No. 1 songs on the country chart. Along with The Statler Brothers, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Country Music Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

Since the retirement of The Statler Brothers in 2002, Fortune has enjoyed a successful solo career and was inducted into the Virginia Musical Hall of Fame in 2018.

Darin & Brooke Aldridge, well-known to bluegrass fans all over the world, were named Bluegrass Artists of the Year in 2023, while Brooke has won the International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year four times.

Each concert in the Helping Hands series is expected to sell out. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $75 for VIP reserved seats. A limited number of fans can purchase tickets to a special VIP meet and greet reception prior to each show. Those meet-and-greet tickets are $225 per person.

For more info or to purchase tickets, visit the Elk River Helping Hands website.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

June 6 - July 5

Step into the captivating world of "Beautiful," a Tony Award-winning musical that tells the inspiring true story of legendary singer-songwriter Carole King. Journey through the life of this remarkable artist as she rises from a teenage girl with a passion for music to a groundbreaking icon whose songs have touched millions. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Carole King or new to her music, Beautiful is a celebration of love, friendship, and the universal language of song that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $60 / $70 / $80

Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Friday, June 6 –

10 am - Gates open (Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751)

7 pm - Gates close

Saturday, June 7 –

9 am - Gates open (Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751)

1 pm - Show & Shine Registration ends

3 pm - Show & Shine award presentations

5 pm - Gates close

Dusk - Glow Parade begins.

Sunday, June 8 –