**UPDATED**
By Matt de Simone
Nearly 40 years after the Flood of 1985 devastated communities across the Roanoke Valley, Buchanan is coming together again— this time to lift spirits through music.
The historic Buchanan Theatre will host “2 Floods, 40 Years, 1 Song” on Saturday, Oct. 25, a special benefit concert commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1985 flood while raising funds for flood relief efforts in Kerrville, Texas, which recently suffered catastrophic flooding. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
The evening will feature a mix of modern folk, acoustic country, and roots-based songwriting. National touring artists Wes Collins and Andrew Delaney headline the show, joined by local performers Rob Fraim, Gary Marchesano, and Marie-Claire Evans.
Fraim, a local musician and longtime supporter of the Buchanan Theatre, is the event’s organizer. He said the idea took shape after seeing news coverage of the flooding in Kerrville earlier this year.
“I was thinking about the flood’s anniversary here and then saw what had happened in Kerrville,” Fraim said. “It hit me all at once— two communities, decades apart, both struggling with loss. And Kerrville isn’t just any town— it’s home to one of the most beloved music gatherings in the country. So, I thought, let’s put on a show.”
For Buchanan Theatre’s Adam McBryde, that idea first arrived quietly in his inbox.
“A few months ago, I received an email outlining an idea for a potential fundraiser to be held at the Buchanan Theater. At the time, I didn’t think too much of it— we regularly receive inquiries about hosting public and private events throughout the year. But a few days later, everything changed with a phone call,” McBryde said.
“It was my first personal contact with Rob Fraim, and it quickly became clear that this wasn’t just another idea. This was a mission— something impactful, relevant, and deeply worthwhile. Rob’s love for music, his concern for fellow musicians and their families in Kerrville, Texas, and his own firsthand experience with flooding and disaster in Roanoke had combined into a driving force with a powerful message of hope.”
For Fraim, the connection to Kerrville runs deeper than geography. The Texas town is home to the Kerrville Folk Festival, a landmark event in the national songwriting community. Both Collins and Delaney are veterans of the festival’s prestigious New Folk Competition. Collins, a North Carolina-based artist and recipient of a North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship, is known for his warmth and lyrical depth. Delaney, a grand-prize winner at the Songwriter Serenade and Acorn Theater competitions, is celebrated for his inventive storytelling and biting humor.
“The artists we’ve got are storytellers,” Fraim said. “There will be songs that’ll make you laugh, some that’ll hit you hard, and others that just remind you what it feels like to be part of something bigger… Music heals— it brings people together.”
McBryde said that Fraim’s passion for the project was “infectious.”
“It’s hard not to be drawn in once you’ve heard Rob talk about what this event means to him— and to the people he’s hoping to help,” McBryde said. “There’s a certain kind of energy that surrounds him, one that makes you want to pitch in and be part of something bigger than yourself.”
Fraim credits the Buchanan Theatre volunteer team for their enthusiasm and support. “They’ve been amazing,” he said. “It’s a community theater in every sense of the word. People there just want to do something good.”
McBryde added, “Working with Rob on this fundraiser has been a joy. He’s been organized, hands-on, and incredibly flexible— exactly the kind of person you hope to collaborate with on a community event. His dedication and follow-through have made the entire process smooth and enjoyable.
“As the event draws near, I’m excited to see the results of Rob’s hard work come to life on stage,” McBryde said. “I have no doubt that the music, the message, and the spirit behind it all will leave a lasting impression— not just on those in attendance, but on our entire community.”
Fraim hopes that message will resonate far beyond one evening.
“This isn’t about politics or divisions or anything like that,” Fraim noted. “It’s about remembering what we’ve been through, helping others who are hurting, and letting music do what it does best— bring us together.”
In keeping with the spirit of community and the humanitarian purpose of the event, this Saturday’s “2 Floods, 40 Years, 1 Song” concert will be free for everyone — opening the doors to all. It will be a donate-what-you-choose-to show rather than a paid ticket event. Those who have already purchased tickets are being given the option to have their purchase refunded and converted to a free admission if they wish.
Event information are available at buchanantheatre.com/2floods40years1song and facebook.com/RobFraimMusic.
