In what has become an annual tradition, Blackberry Smoke performed at a sold-out homecoming show at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga., last Friday, where they donated $15,000 to CURE Childhood Cancer and $15,000 to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The money was raised through the sale of VIP Meet & Greet packages at their 2015 shows. This latest donation brings the total given by the band to childhood cancer non-profits and research to more than $130,000 over the past three years.
We are so moved and appreciative to receive these funds from such a fantastic rock band which understands the crisis of childhood cancer after traveling the journey with the Turner family,” said Kristin Connor, Executive Director of CURE Childhood Cancer. “It means so much that Blackberry Smoke shares our mission to eradicate pediatric cancer in our lifetime.”
Blackberry Smoke’s desire to give was inspired by Lana Turner, the daughter of drummer Brit Turner, who was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at the age of three. Thanks to the incredible care she received from the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, who the band has donated money to in the past, she made a complete recovery and is now a happy and healthy eight year old. This year’s donations will be used to fund pediatric cancer research that will impact children throughout the southeast region and beyond.
Children do not deserve cancer,” said Brit Turner. “The doctors and nurses helped save my daughter’s life when she was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma. We were told there was very little chance for survival. The least we can do is to raise money for research and support for childhood cancer patients and their families. “
Holding All the Roses compellingly captures the energy, attitude, and honesty that have already helped to make Blackberry Smoke one of America’s hottest live rock ‘n’ roll outfits, a truly grass-roots phenomenon with a large and fiercely loyal fan base.
The 12-song set showcases the Atlanta-based quintet’s emotion-charged mix of bluesy rock, gospel soul, and country, with Charlie Starr’s raspy twang matched by his and Paul Jackson’s snarling guitars, Brandon Still’s hauntingly expressive organ and piano, and the propulsive sibling rhythm section of Richard and Brit Turner.
The songs’ appeal is further elevated by the band’s three-part vocal harmonies and elaborate arrangements that make judicious use of fiddle and added percussion. The depth displayed throughout Holding All the Roses demonstrates how Blackberry Smoke has evolved from rough-edged club act to arena-ready rock ‘n’ roll juggernaut as well as continues to steadily extend and expand the Southern rock tradition
“Holding All The Roses” is now available on: Amazon, Google Play and iTunes
For more information on Blackberry Smoke, visit their website at blackberrysmoke.com.
