By Matt de Simone
The lights dimmed Saturday night inside the historic Buchanan Theatre, and the room filled with the warm strum of guitars and the low hum of shared memories.
Saturday’s “2 Floods, 40 Years, 1 Song” benefit concert was an intimate evening of folk music that bridged two communities separated by 40 years but united by shared experiences of loss and resilience in the face of devastating floods.
In November 1985, the people of Botetourt faced one of the most destructive natural disasters in the region’s history. “The Flood of ’85” tore through the valleys, claiming homes, landmarks, and livelihoods— and leaving behind stories still retold today. Earlier this year, a similar tragedy struck Kerrville, a beloved haven for musicians and dreamers in the Texas Hill Country, when flash floods swept through the area, devastating neighborhoods and reshaping lives.
Saturday night’s concert featured a blend of modern folk, acoustic country, and roots-inspired songwriting. National touring artists Wes Collins (wescollins.com) and Andrew Delaney (andrewdelaneymusic.com) headlined the evening, joined by local performers Rob Fraim (facebook.com/RobFraimMusic), Gary Marchesano, and Marie-Claire Evans (marie-clairemusic.com).
Fraim, a local musician and longtime supporter of the Buchanan Theatre, organized the event after seeing news coverage of the Kerrville flooding earlier this year. For many folks in the American songwriting community, Kerrville holds a special place in their hearts. The Kerrville Folk Festival, a beloved annual gathering, has nurtured songwriters for more than 50 years. Saturday’s concert honored both Kerrville’s enduring musical spirit and the perseverance of Botetourt County residents who lived through The Flood of ’85.
Before the performances, attendees viewed a “then and now” slideshow featuring images from this year’s Kerrville flood alongside archival photos from the 1985 Virginia flood. Following the music, concertgoers had the chance to meet the performers and learn more about their work.
