Anderson East with Athens Arts League board members Holly Hollman, Diane Lehr, Jennifer Hilton Sampieri and Jim McDole on a visit to Scout Music House
ATHENS-While home for Thanksgiving, Athens native Anderson East performed a private benefit concert to support Scout Music House and opportunities for students to explore their interest in the music business.
East performed at Athens State University’s McCandless Hall on Friday, Nov. 23, to a sold out crowd. Athens Arts League presented the concert, and Athens-Limestone Hospital helped sponsor it.
Proceeds will benefit Athens Arts League’s Scout Music House project. The League is leasing the 1938 structure originally built for Boys and Girls Scouts from the City of Athens. Athens Arts League is raising money to renovate the once decaying structure into a music venue where students will get hands-on experience marketing, setting up and recording house concerts and other events.
Anderson East performing at McCandless Hall
During his performance, East remarked that for him, Scout Music House is 20 years too late. He said that 20 years ago the only place in Athens he had to perform was the coffee house at the Methodist Church. He toured Scout Music House while home for the holiday, and said he was honored Athens Arts League asked him to perform in support of the project.
East is a soulful R&B singer who was nominated for the Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2018 Americana Music Association Honors. He recently made his debut on the legendary PBS series “Austin City Limits.”
East said he performs concerts everywhere, but he was most nervous performing in his hometown where he knew many in the audience. Several of East’s family members and friends attended.
“Athens Arts League is humbled that a performer of Anderson East’s caliber believes in our mission to expand art opportunities in his home community, and we are grateful he and his band took of their time to support us with the concert,” said Athens Arts League Board President Jennifer Hilton Sampieri.
Anderson East at Scout Music House by the original stone fireplace
Athens Arts League Board member Holly Hollman, who serves as the Scout Music House Committee chair, said East also graciously donated part of the proceeds from his merchandise sales at the concert. Hollman said there are some outstanding invoices as well as additional donations to count, but she estimates the concert raised between $17,000 to $18,000.
“We are in the final phase of renovations, and this will go a long way to helping us complete the work left to be done,” Sampieri said.
Work remaining includes finishing the wiring, insulation, Sheetrock and restoring the wooden floor.
Although Scout Music House is not yet open, Athens Arts League is finding ways to involve students in programs. For example, sponsors paid for four students from city and county schools to attend East’s concert. The students not only enjoyed the performance, they obtained hands on experience setting up for the concert, taking photographs, and event planning.
