Upbeats Ukulele Band to hold Mental Health Awareness Month benefit concert
Bloom WNC show supports the Black Mountain Counseling Center
Jessica Klarp
Guest contributor
The Valley Echo
May 15, 2023
The Upbeats Ukulele Band of Black Mountain will hold a benefit concert, May 19, at Bloom WNC. The event will raise money for the Black Mountain Counseling Center, a local nonprofit organization that provides emotional and behavioral counseling to a wide range of area residents. Photo courtesy of the Upbeats Ukulele Band
May is mental health awareness month, and an upcoming performance by Black Mountain’s own Upbeats Ukulele Band will shine the light on a local resource.
Bloom WNC Specialty Cut Flower Farm will host the Upbeats, at 6 p.m., Friday, May 19, in a concert that benefits the Black Mountain Counseling Center. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at BloomWNC.com. Proceeds will help support a vital local nonprofit organization that believes mental wellness should be available to everyone.
Black Mountain Counseling Center provides emotional and behavioral counseling to children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples and families within Western N.C., from their Black Mountain and Old Fort offices, as well as online throughout the region. As the only nonprofit mental health organization in the Swannanoa Valley, BMCC works to make sure clients get the help they need from licensed, experienced counselors regardless of their financial situation. As a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, BMCC relies on donations to serve its clients, 50% of whom are uninsured or underinsured.
Both Bloom WNC and the Upbeats are happy to be a part of BMCC’s ongoing fundraising efforts, and to make the broader community aware of this available resource.
The Upbeats were formed in 2020 and are led by David Howarth. Starting with just a few people interested in playing ukulele together, the group has blossomed to include 17 talented participants from Black Mountain, Montreat and Swannanoa. The group plays a wide range of melodies, including covers of Motown hits, the Beatles, the Eagles, Van Morrison and many more. They enjoy playing at local events, fundraisers and private parties, and all funds raised from their performances are donated to local charities.
Bloom WNC not only provides flowers to shareholders at its Thursday markets, owner Abigail Moffitt offers tours of the scenic two-acre farm, flower-centric workshops, artists markets and a wide range of wedding and event flowers. To add to the beauty, the venue hosts monthly concerts, usually with local bluegrass musicians and singer-songwriters.
Bloom is just minutes from downtown Black Mountain, and guests are asked to bring chairs, hats, bug spray or blankets for the outdoor concerts.
Ole’s Guacamole wile be on site, from 5:15 - 7 p.m., with a $15 cash only taco bar featuring beef, chicken or vegetarian options. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but the venue does not allow dogs or smoking.
The next concert at Bloom is Friday, June 9, and there will be concerts throughout the spring, summer and fall.
Bloom WNC Specialty Cut Flower Farm is located at 806 North Fork Road, and flowers will be available for purchase at intermission. For more information on upcoming shows, visit the events page at bloomwnc.com.