Soulshine, Benefit For A Hurricane Relief and Recovery, November 24, 2024, Madison Square Garden, NY, NY
On the evening of November 24, 2024, Madison Square Garden hosted a monumental benefit concert, Soulshine: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief and Recovery, bringing together an eclectic roster of artists to raise funds for those impacted in Florida and Western North Carolina by hurricanes Helene and Milton. The event’s net proceeds will go toward the SOULSHINE Concert Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, supporting Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Hurricane Recovery Fund and various non-profits active in recovery efforts. The event was a testament to the unifying power of music and the generosity of both performers and attendees. The night was filled with stunning performances, powerful messages, and a sense of community.
From the moment the concert began, it was clear that this would not be just another benefit gig. The stage was set with an impressive design— screens flanked either side of the stage projecting not just the live performance, but footage from the hurricane zones, showing the destruction and the ongoing efforts to rebuild. It was a stark reminder of the purpose behind the evening: providing relief for those whose lives had been shattered by nature’s fury.
The evening opened with a moving introduction by Warren Haynes and Dave Matthews. The duo then segued into an eloquent acoustic performance of “Soulshine”. The stripped-down, raw performance set the tone for the evening—one that would weave together the power of music with the urgency of humanitarian action.
As the night unfolded, a dazzling array of talent graced the stage. During Goose’s set the band was joined by pedal steel guitarist virtuoso Robert Randolph, Derek Trucks, and Dave Mathhews. The highlight of the set was Goose vocalist and guitarist Rick Mitarotonda shared vocals with Susan Tedeschi, accompanied by her husband Derek Trucks on guitar during the cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Baby Don’t You Do It”. Throughout the number Tedeschi’s raw, bluesy, and soulful singing was backed by Trucks’ fiery, dynamic approach on slide guitar.
At the conclusion of Goose’s set Warren Haynes brought out Trucks and Tedeschi for a gripping performance of “700 Houses”. Haynes’ full band filtered on stage for a set which included guests Trombone Shorty, drummer Joe Russo, and Robert Randolph. The high point being Trucks and Warren Haynes reunited on the Allman Brothers Band staple “Whipping Post” delivering an unforgettable performance. Trucks and Haynes played off each other, creating a powerful exchange that paid homage to the song’s roots while adding their own signature touches. Trucks’, impassioned slide work complemented Haynes’ gritty solos, capturing the essence of the Allman Brothers’ spirit and making it a memorable moment for fans of the band.
Next Nathaniel Ratecliff and the Night Sweats took the stage. The band’s set was a rich mix of soul, R&B, and vintage rock with a modern twist. Rateliff’s deep, gravelly voice, the mix of horns, and rhythm-driven grooves, channeled classic soul. The highlight of the set was when Mavis Staples was invited on stage to perform “Friendship”. The number was a powerful and heartfelt collaboration, blending their unique voices and styles. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable, with both artists delivering emotional intensity and passion, creating a beautiful blend of classic soul and modern roots music. The band concluded their set with a rousing version of S.O.B. with guests Robert Randolph, Trombone Shorty and Ben Jaffe, from Preservation Hall on sousaphone.
Before the Dave Matthews Band took the stage, Trey Anastasio joined Dave for a special rendition of the Phish song “Waste.” Anastasio’s signature guitar work and Matthews’ heartfelt vocals gave the song a fresh and captivating energy. Finally Matthews and his band took the stage. The set was filled with a who’s who of guest musicians who had performed earlier, creating a star-studded atmosphere. Highlights included “The Weight”, “Jimi Thing”, the Commodores “Brick House, and cover of the Allmas Brothers “Mellissa. The night concluded with a euphoric moment as Dave Matthews invited the entire cast of guest musicians to join him on stage for a spirited rendition of The Beatles’ “Come Together.” The collaboration was a lively, all-star jam, with each guest bringing their unique style and energy to the performance. As the song built, the stage was filled with dynamic solos, harmonies, and a sense of camaraderie. It was a powerful and unforgettable ending, showcasing the magic that happens when musicians come together for a noble cause.
By the time the night drew to a close, Soulshine: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief and Recovery had raised the awareness of those affected by the storms. More than just a fundraising event, it was a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit, a recognition of the long road ahead, and a demonstration of the power of music to bring about real-world change. As the crowd filtered out of Madison Square Garden, there was a sense of hope in the air, and a feeling that, despite the unimaginable challenges of the past year, recovery was possible through collective action and solidarity.
Please consider donating to Soulshine Concert Fund. Grantees of the fund include organizations responding to hurricanes Helene and Milton: Habitat for Humanity, Manna Asheville, Arts AVL, Habitat Buncombe County, and more.
Soulshine A Benefit For Hurricane Relief and Recovery: https://www.soulshinemsg.com
