Dave Matthews Band Hosts “An Evening of Music and Unity” for Charlottesville

This past August, the city of Charlottesville, Virginia was shaken by a rally-turned riot, held by white nationalists. It resulted in one person being killed at the center of the rally, and two police officers dying in a helicopter accident related to the day’s conflicts. Many Charlottesville city-dwellers reported feeling emotionally drained and saddened by the events that unfolded in their beloved town, but were determined to rise above and promote peace. And now some renowned artists are pledging to help them do that.

Dave Matthews Band, “in response to recent events in their hometown,” as stated on their Twitter, is hosting a free concert in Charlottesville at the end of the month. Big names like Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, and The Alabama Shakes will be joining them to put on an unforgettable show and unite the people of Charlottesville through the power of music.

“A Concert for Charlottesville” (its dubbed name) will be held on September 24 at University of Virginia’s Scott Stadium with gates opening at 3:30 p.m. Though tickets are free, attendees are encouraged to donate to the concert’s fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation. According to its official website, these donations will go to “victims of the events in Charlottesville on August 11 and 12, their families, first responders, and organizations devoted to the promotion of healing, unity and justice locally and nationwide.”

In order to get a ticket to the concert, individuals may request tickets online now through Monday, September 11 at noon ET. They’ll later find out if they were selected and if so will be required to pay a handling fee of $7.50 per ticket. Or, they can try their luck at snagging a ticket on Friday, September 15 at a no service fee, walk-up box office at John Paul Jones Arena. Line-up starts at 8 a.m. and tickets will be distributed beginning at 10 a.m.

This is a perfect example of celebrities using their fame for good and takes us back to just a couple months ago when Ariana Grande hosted a benefit concert for Manchester. Her “One Love Manchester” show was in response to a terrorist attack carried out at Grande’s concert in the city just weeks before that took the lives of 22 people and injured more than 100. Her goal was not only to raise money for those affected by the bombing, but to ultimately bring the people of Manchester together at the difficult time. Notable artists including Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and Coldplay rallied behind Grande and joined her on stage that night.

Celebrities’ actions prove time and time again to have a lasting impact on society. Fortunately, artists like Dave Matthews Band and Ariana Grande are using this power for good by nobly leading us, giving us courage, and bringing us together in the most trying times. Charlottesville, you have a beautiful night to look forward to.

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