When tragedy shook Jeremy McComb’s home state of Idaho earlier this summer, the Country singer, sought-after songwriter, Nashville troubadour and Northwest native stepped up and heeded the call to be there for his community of Post Falls, ID, during its darkest hour. In order to support the loved ones of tragically slain firefighters Frank Harwood and John Morrison as well as wounded firefighter Dave Tysdal, the artist notably assembled, produced, and headlined the “A COMMUNITY RISES” benefit concert at Stateline Speedway in Post Falls on Sunday, July 27. The event impressively raised over $213,138—which has been directly donated to the affected families via the Red & Blue Foundation. The organization went ahead and paid the remaining balances on the families’ mortgages already.
McComb rallied alongside local business owners and entrepreneurs Bob Kreaman [Nashville North] and Luke Cjar [Stateline Speedway] to launch “A COMMUNITY RISES.” A silent auction drew widespread donations, and volunteers built and tore down the infrastructure for the concert expediently by working 16-hour days.
Just shy of 3,000 fans witnessed emotionally charged and powerful sets from McComb as well as a diverse lineup of Northwest talent, including Kelly Hughes Band, Steve Starkey, Sammy Eubanks, The Copper Mountain Band, Chance Long, The Hankers, Payton Rae, Jordan Paddock, Tanner Laws, and Tamarack Ridge Band. Comedian PJ Walsh also graced the stage, while beloved Idaho weatherman Mark Peterson of KXLY served as the MC for the proceedings.
For McComb, the tragedy proved especially personal since Mrs. Tysdal is a lifelong dear friend.
In a social media video, McComb commented, “The Northwest is one of those places where, if you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us. I felt called to put something together to help and this is the only way I know. The most humbling part was that everyone answered the call. Everyone wanted to help. That’s what makes this community so incredible.”
Donations to the families may still be made through Red & Blue Foundation.
Stay tuned for more news and announcements from Jeremy McComb.
