Southwest Florida Musicians Plan Eight-Hour Benefit Concert for Jamaica Storm Victims

Music aLIVE SWFL will host One Love: Hurricane Benefit for Jamaica, an eight-hour benefit concert, on Nov. 30 to raise money for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. The event runs from 2 to 10 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon and Lumber Axe Whiskey Bar & Grill on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

More than a dozen bands will perform across four stages, including Rock Republic, School of Rock Fort Myers, Last Train, Moonstone Riders, Red Hannah, Chasing Denver, Joe Yeoman Band, Smack Daddy, Big Cypress Band, Weaver & Wilkins, Two Loopin' Vibes, Ben Allen, Jenny Ve, Ty Shep, Charlie Pace, David J, Damion Dolney, and Matt Myer.

Every dollar goes to World Central Kitchen to support relief work in Jamaica.

"We understand the impact of (a major hurricane)," said Music aLIVE SWFL Board Member Bob Tabarrini, according to Cape Coral Breeze. "Once the tragedy in Jamaica hit, we knew we had to figure out a way to help."

Bob Tabarrini reached out across social media to see if musicians were interested. The response came fast.

"The feedback I got from musicians and the community was pretty immediate," he said. "We understand firsthand in Southwest Florida what it's like to get hit hard by a hurricane."

Music aLIVE SWFL started after Hurricane Ian struck to help musicians who lost homes, cars, and venues where they played. The group gives financial assistance and support to those who create and promote live music in the region.

"We have so many musicians on Fort Myers Beach that not only lost their venue to play, but lost their car, their house, their livelihood," Bob Tabarrini said. "Music aLIVE was created because we needed to throw them a lifeline."

The concert features rock, country, and reggae music. Attendees can move between the two venues to hear different genres. Special guest appearances and band collaborations will happen throughout the day.

The event includes 50/50 raffle drawings and additional donation collections. Advance tickets cost $15 online and $20 at the door. No ticket is needed to enter Lumber Axe. Attendees must be 18 or older to enter The Ranch.

Both venues sit at 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.