Editors Note: Updated with additional emergency assistance and charity information which is available below.
Many pro audio folks have been hit very hard by the extreme flooding that submerged a sizeable portion of Nashville and Middle Tennessee in the wake of last weekend’s record rainfall.
The Country Music Television (CMT) website provides an overview of the damage to performance and entertainment venues throughout the area. The latest reports indicate that the flood waters are receding, but what’s going to be left is a serious mess, untold damage to property and equipment, and a lot of work in cleaning up and rebuilding.
The Soundcheck rehearsal studio complex, which also hosts offices for several audio companies and warehouses audio and musical gear, is among those hit very hard.
An announcement on the Soundcheck blog late last night indicates that the waters may recede enough to allow clean-up and salvage efforts to begin this Saturday. Keep an eye on the blog for the latest on this situation.
As the situation unfolded, Ben Jumper of Soundcheck released a statement that noted, “If you have equipment in Soundcheck, or know of someone who has gear in Soundcheck, we will allow people in as soon as the city clears us for access.” Also from the statement, “Obviously all rehearsals have been canceled at Soundcheck until further notice.”
Several other sound companies and studios in the Nashville region have also been impacted. A LAB Forum thread here on PSW is also providing information, updates and photos from several audio professionals in the region.
Efforts are already underway to raise funds to help those in need, including a telethon Thursday (tomorrow) with Vince Gill for the local NBC affiliate to benefit the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Donations can also be made directly to the Middle Tennessee Red Cross at their website. Also, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation on your mobile phone.
Additionally, MusiCares’ emergency assistance efforts have begun, and 100% of every dollar raised will be immediately distributed to help those in the music community that are victims of the flood. Donations to MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief may be made online here. To apply for assistance, please contact MusiCares’ South Regional office at 615.327.0050 or toll-free at 877.626.2748.
Credit card donations to the Nashville Salvation Army to support regional relief effort can be made online at www.salarmy-nashville.org.
The Grand Ole Opry and nearby Opryland Hotel have also been severely impacted by the flooding, with water cresting the Opry stage. Opry shows for the remainder of the week have been moved to their former home at the Ryman Auditorium.
According to an Associated Press report, “Officials have yet to assess the damage at the Opry’s famed stage. Though workers will be assigned to the site this week, Gaylord Entertainment CEO Colin Reed said it would be at least three months before the entertainment complex that houses the Opry, the Opryland Hotel and the Opry Mills Mall reopens.”
Emergency Assistance & Charity Resources:
Middle Tennessee Red Cross or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
MusiCares Emergency Assistance Information and Donation Page. To apply for assistance, please contact MusiCares’ South Regional office at 615.327.0050 or toll-free at 877.626.2748.
The Actors Fund, a nonprofit nationwide human services organization, is a possibility for any who are employed in the entertainment or performance industries, including theater, film, television, radio, and music.
The Crew Support and I survived the Great Nashville Monsoon Facebook Pages
