Platinum-certified, Grammy-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson will return to her home state of Kentucky for a special benefit concert at the Corbin Arena on Aug. 11 to raise funds for families and communities impacted by the deadly tornado that struck Eastern Kentucky this May.
The May 16-17 tornadoes, straight-line winds and severe storms claimed the lives of 20 people statewide. Officials have confirmed that an EF-4 tornado struck parts of London and Laurel County damaging approximately 1,500 homes and killing 17 people just in Laurel County.
All proceeds from the show will benefit tornado recovery efforts in the region, supporting both The Sheppard Family Foundation’s direct work with families in London and Laurel County and the region-wide Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund, which was established by the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation.
Tickets are on sale via annewilsonofficial.com, with the concert presented in partnership with Rural King, America’s farm and home store.
With deep family ties to the region, Wilson, a Lexington native felt called to respond with hope and help through music.
“Kentucky is my home, and both the London and Somerset areas hold such dear memories for me,” shared Wilson. “When I found out about the tornadoes that hit in May and the devastation they caused, I knew I wanted to host a night that could bring hope and raise money for those in need. I’m so excited to be playing Corbin Arena for the very first time — the same venue where I saw so many concerts growing up. I’m praying this night of music brings healing, comfort and strength to those in need. I can’t wait to be back in my home state.”
Wilson recently released her latest single “God Story,” a powerful reflection on faith, healing and the moments that shape us.
It follows her breakout sophomore album “REBEL” and aligns her signature blend of worship and country storytelling. This month, Wilson will continue bringing that message to major Christian and country music festivals before joining Morgan Wallen’s “I’m The Problem Tour” for select dates.
The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, serves Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, and Whitley counties.
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is a non-profit, nationally accredited community foundation based in and serving the Appalachian counties of Kentucky. They leverage philanthropy, investment, and collaboration to create regional opportunities. They prioritize community building, grantmaking, rural advocacy, and ensuring all voices are heard through their network of localized affiliates.
Sandi Curd, a board member on the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation, said that the Saturday after the storm, May 17, the foundation set up the Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund.
“Our grant-making committee has been overseeing the development of an online application, which should be released this week. We wanted to include Pulaski and Russell counties, which do not have a community foundation affiliate, and that took some time to work out,” Curd said.
“Our priorities are first to small businesses and then to the uninsured or underinsured residents. We have already been able to help two Laurel County and one Pulaski County businesses. The Foundation’s experience with the 2022 and 2025 floods has made it a trusted resource for contributions from a national perspective”
