Kingpin’s hosting benefit concert

It is not uncommon to see businesses in downtown Tuscumbia come together for various events throughout the year.

After a tornado hit on Feb. 15 and damaged several of them, some of the owners are working to come together even more in a show of camaraderie.

Kingpin’s, located adjacent to the Chevron, is hosting a series of benefit concerts from Friday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 2.

According to owner Kevin Johnson, each day will feature different live performances by local musicians as well as chicken plates, chicken stew, a silent auction all three days and door prizes.

There will be a $10 cover each day, and 100% of those proceeds, as well as the food sales, will go toward helping small businesses in Tuscumbia affected by the tornado.

T-shirts will also be available, with all the profit going to the cause.

There is no set food price for the chicken stew or plates, with Johnson saying whatever people can give will cover them.

“The storm was devastating, especially to a small community like our own,” Johnson said. “A lot of my friends, family, and neighbors are business owners. They give everything they have every day to be successful and help our community grow.

“These are people that will give to any other cause, so this time I felt like they needed that help. They are going to have deductibles and power bills. They have employees that are missing work. All of those things are added expenses on top of trying to run a business.

“I wanted to try and put something together, and the response from our musicians has been overwhelming. They are donating their time to come play.”

The bands playing and what time each night can be found on the Kingpin’s Facebook page. Kingpin’s is a 21-and-up establishment, but anyone wanting to just purchase food can come to the front door on E. Sixth St.

“When you have a community as tight as Tuscumbia, it’s what can we do to help each other. I love the fellow business owners. I really expect us to have a good turnout,” Johnson said.

“We are hoping we can put together something that reflects the strength and love these business owners give on the regular. It’s going to be a good time with great music. Our lineup is phenomenal. We can’t thank our musicians enough.”