Wednesday, March 3 - Today, Nashville singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lydia Luce released a virtual benefit show commemorating the one year anniversary of the Tennessee tornado that ripped through Nashville last year. The show features Lydia Luce performing songs from her new album Dark River, alongside performances from Nashville rising stars Becca Mancari and Kyshona Armstrong, all accompanied by a string quartet and from The Basement East, East Nashville’s hallowed venue which has since been rebuilt, following its destruction during the tornado on March 3, 2020. The performance is free to watch but viewers are encouraged to donate what they can to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Luce was personally affected by last year's tornado and it proved to be a nearly fatal encounter. Luce happened to vacate her second-floor bedroom on the timely advice of a local weatherman just before a piling came through the wall, landing on the spot where she was laying moments before. For weeks after, Luce suffered panic attacks as she did everything she could in Nashville to help others who were affected. With the one year anniversary coming up, Luce felt it was important to remind people that there is still a long road ahead of recovery from last year’s storm. Luce stated, “It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the devastating tornado. Our city has been through a lot and yet we continue to show up for each other when the need presents itself. My home was affected by the tornado and I was overwhelmed with the love and support from my community. Right now a lot of people still need that support and that’s why we are encouraging donations to Middle Tennessee emergency relief. To be able to play music and watch my friends Becca and Kyshona play at the Basement East again is such an incredible gift. One day we’ll be back on stages like the Basement East singing our hearts out. l know we’re all looking forward to that day.” 
Speaking about the importance of the event, The Basement East owner Mike Grimes stated, “I can’t believe it’s been a full year already. With the challenges we’ve had, the support has been incredible. We’re ready to swing the doors open and make stuff happen again and make people smile again and bring music to the masses.”
Becca Mancari said, "Being able to play these songs at The Basement East on the anniversary of the devastating 2020 tornado, is just such an honor. Our community has really struggled this year, and to be able to see the hard work and the perseverance of such a special place gives me even more hope. There is no place quite like Nashville, and I am thankful to call it home, and yet people are still really struggling to make ends meet, and my hope is that we will continue to come together and hold each other close, and that's why I choose to sing my songs "Annie" and "Stay with Me". I can't wait to be in a crowded Basement East in the not to distant future"
 Kyshona Armstrong stated, “Gathering underneath the roof of The Basement East was truly special. I had no idea how affected I would be when I walked inside those doors. It felt like the story and spirit of East Nashville; a lil' old mixed with a lil' new, but still the same heart and grit when you look real close. Singing our most gentle songs inside a space that is still mending one year after the devastation felt like that warm hug we've all been needing.”
 The show will also feature a performance of a song written by Larissa Maestro and will feature string arrangements by Annaliese Kowert, Nicole Neely, Ben Plotnick, Kaitlyn Raitz, Jordan Lehning and Maestro herself, all musicians from local organization, Lockeland Strings, which was founded by Luce. Lockeland Strings, stated as a monthly house show from Lydia’s home and grew to venues including Nashvile’s Parthenon, its aim is to bring classical music to a younger audience and provide a spotlight on Nashville’s growing young string scene. Lockeland strings also aims to support the singer songwriter community, who don't usually have access to string players and arrangements. | 
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