Saturday, August 27, 1-4 pm, a team of Cincinnatians with connections in Eastern Kentucky invite you to “Hope for the Hills”, (www.hopeforthehills.net) an afternoon of music, art and delicious refreshments, all to benefit flood relief efforts. Proceeds go to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, a non-profit foundation that has already launched individual emergency relief grants and small business loans, and CANE Kitchen, which is currently feeding hundreds of people a day out of its commercial kitchen in a transformed Whitesburg, KY high school. Tickets start at $100 ($20 for students and minors under 21) and go as high as $5000 for lead sponsorships.

“We wanted to act quickly to raise as much as we can because the need is so urgent,” said Paintsville, KY native and singer-songwriter Steve Saunders. “Then we learned Suzy DeYoung of LaSoupe and Michele Hobbs of Pet Wants and Knox Joseph Distillery at OTR Stillhouse had already been to the ravaged areas, witnessed the devastation, and were eager to join with us.” Within days, musicians and artists offered their support, LaSoupe signed on for food, and the Stillhouse offered up its venue. Volunteers have stepped up to invite other restaurants and to make sure the event runs smoothly. “We are confident that generous Cincinnatians recognize why we need to hurry with our help,” Saunders added. “Local water systems are damaged and destroyed, leaving thousands without clean water. Houses are washed away where there was already a housing shortage. Small businesses and farms are wiped out just as they were beginning to come out of the pandemic. Real recovery will take a long time, but basic needs are immediate.”

MUSIC LINEUP

• By Light We Loom headlines our afternoon. You may have seen them in Cincinnati at Bunbury or MidPoint Music Festival, but the 2019 Top Indie Band in Cleveland hasn’t played Cincinnati since the pandemic -until NOW! Their original tunes and unique sound are energetic and fun. Bring your dancing shoes!
• Steve Saunders (www.stevesaundersmusic.com) is a singer-songwriter now living in Cincinnati and performing regionally in house concerts and listening rooms. He cut his teeth singing and playing where he grew up in Eastern Kentucky and telling the entertaining stories behind his songs are hallmarks of his shows. Come prepared for a little singing along!
• Dan VanVechten (https://danvanvechtenmusic.com/home) and friends play toe-tapping bluegrass and folk originals and covers that are sure to please- and remind us of the rich Appalachian culture that has influenced genres from country to pop to rock and blues.

ARTISTS

• Trace Deaton (https://traceartography.myportfolio.com/) grew up in Northern Kentucky and currently lives in Georgetown, but tracks his family roots to Eastern Kentucky. He is an award-winning photographer and artist who has an eye for extraordinary images found in everyday life. Trace works in a variety of media, including photography, abstract painting, digital art and amination, and video. He is also a talented guitarist and music video producer! Trace has prepared a collection of his art to sell at this event, with 100% of the proceeds to benefit our relief effort and he will be present to sign purchases.
• Malcolm J. Wilson (https://www.humansofcentralappalachia.org) of Blackey, KY is a passionate Appalachian who has made it his life’s work to capture the volumes that can be written in a smile, and the images that can be painted from the palette of a tall tale. By day, the seasoned photographer, web designer, marketer and educator helps the region’s premier businesses expand their marketing reach through well-developed marketing and advertising campaigns. After-hours and on weekends, he dons his camera holster and recorder and sets out for points unknown to gather the honest and compelling stories that are helping to shatter the generations-old stereotypes of Appalachian people and culture. He documented the powerful first days of the devastation and his first-hand photos will be running on screens throughout the venue.

EAT and DRINK
Admission includes food prepared by LaSoupe and two tickets for OTR Stillhouse wine or beer. Keep an eye on our social media posts for surprise additions. LaSoupe (https://www.lasoupe.org) is an award-winning food rescue kitchen with a chef-based model that utilizes a volunteer network to rescue perishables from farms, grocers and wholesalers. Their highly talented team of chefs and volunteers transform this food into healthy soupes and meals. Founder Suzy DeYoung, an award-winning chef herself, and members of her team have delivered over 3000 lbs of food to CANE (Community Agricultural Nutritional Enterprises, Inc) Kitchen (https://www.cane-kitchen.com/) in Whitesburg, KY and worked with their staff and volunteers to feed hundreds of families affected by the flood. CANE Kitchen is dedicated to small farm sustainable agriculture and healthy foods. Unfortunately, due to likely floodwater contamination of fields, no produce from this year’s crop will be usable. We are pleased that a portion of the proceeds from this event will support CANE’s work and grateful to LaSoupe for their work here – and in Eastern Kentucky.

OTR Stillhouse at the Knox Joseph Distillery https://otrstillhouse.com/), one of the first distilleries to open in Over-the -Rhine since Prohibition, is a rare combination public house, entertainment venue and an award-winning distillery, painstakingly crafting clean gin, spicy whiskey, and smooth bourbon. As a certified winery and small craft brewery, their house-made selections bring unrivaled choices for an experience unlike any other, anywhere. Founder Michele Hobbs, a native of Letcher County, KY, is a brave visionary who discovered the property she owned, once was home the standard ice manufacturing company. From that knowledge the idea to tap into the aquifer below hatched the venue into what it is today. A unique craft manufacturer of beer, wine and spirits supported by the largest indoor/outdoor venue in Over-the-Rhine. Since the flood, Michele has secured hundreds of grills and cooking charcoal for her neighbors back home. The Stillhouse is donating use of the venue and more to create more “Hope for the Hills.”

Tickets are available at www.hopeforthehills.net. Questions? Email [email protected].

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Media Contact: Peg Moertl, 513.608.3428