The Avett Brothers want you to give back to the community, and thanks to a partnership with Cheerwine, they’re going to help Lowcountry residents do just that. This Thursday, the Avetts will be hosting the Legendary Giveback II concert, and all concert proceeds will go to MUSC’s Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Operation Homefront, a non-profit that helps military families. “For a show like this, the bigger the better. I can’t complain about being in Charleston — ever. It’s good reason to be there,” says Avett Brothers singer-banjoist Scott Avett.

The idea for the Legendary Giveback concert happened when Tom Barbitta, Cheerwine’s vice president of marketing, met Avett at one of his art exhibitions; in addition to singing and playing the banjo, the Avett brother is also painter. Barbitta wanted to help the North Carolina-based band to give back to the community. “This was never about selling more soda, music. It’s all about doing something together for the good of the community. We went out of our way to keep lawyers and accountants out of the way,” says Barbitta.

Avett jokes, “I was surprised he wanted to do anything with me after he met me.”

For Avett, the collaboration with Cheerwine felt natural. “We have the resources to get together and do something [we] feel good about to give back to the people out there who can use help,” Avett says.

As for why, the Avetts and Cheerwine selected the three charities, Scott Avett says, “You don’t really need to choose, they sort of choose you. My philosophy is if someone is asking people for help, and if there’s some facet socially that needs [a contribution], you don’t need to ask why.”

He adds, “We’re just ready to say yes if we can.”

For the Avett Brothers, the MUSC Children’s Hospital hits home for them. Avett bassist and vocalist Bob Crawford’s daughter is fighting her own cancer battle. “When a kid is dealing with a serious illness and they’re fighting through it, the lessons for adults are endless,” Avett says. “It strikes a chord deeply with us.”

The Avett Brothers will play the North Charleston Coliseum Thurs. Nov. 14. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $33.50-$45.50. For more information, visit northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com.

Help keep the City Paper free.

No paywalls.
No newspaper subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations from downtown to North Charleston to Johns Island to Summerville to Mount Pleasant.

Help support independent journalism by donating today.