Songs for The Summit: Rocking for Resilience

On Monday, September 16th, 2024, The Basement East hosted a fundraiser for the Kirstie Ennis Foundation. This foundation is set to support veterans, empowering women, and fostering resilience through community outreach and outdoor adventure. Kirstie was a former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant, who tragically became an above the leg amputee from a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. As an amputee, she has summited 6 of the 7 tallest summits in the world and was inspired to take the initiative to make a difference in other’s lives. This event featured an amazing lineup, including Maggie James, Leo Duke & The North Wind, Kaylin Roberson, Band of Silver, Jake Ziegler, and Sunshine Scott. 

Ennis said “Their support and talent will help us continue our mission to uplift and empower individuals who have faced significant challenges”, and this couldn’t be truer. Maggie James opened the fundraiser with a dazzling performance. Her soulful voice captivated the audience as she sang both original songs and covers like Chappell Roan’s iconic “Pink Pony Club”. Leo Duke & The North Wind followed this performance with more of a rock-country set. With their incredible stage presence, you wouldn’t have been able to tell this was only their second live performance. They played original songs such as “We’re Gonna Be Alright” and unreleased single, “Shameless”. Afterwards, Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Kaylin Roberson, lured the audience in with her powerhouse vocals. She performed her newest single “Ashes to Ashes”, as well as her popular song, “Fish to Fry”. Band of Silver, a sibling trio from Nashville, encaptivated the audience next with their electrifying performance. They included songs from their newest album, “Lifting the Curtain”, throughout their set. Opening with a cover of Led Zeppelin’s exhilarating, classic song, “Rock and Roll”, Jake Zeigler began his unforgettable performance. With intricate guitar riffs and unbelievable energy, Zeigler had the crowd dancing and left in awe. 

The night was closed out with a remarkable performance from Sunshine Scott. Sunshine’s performance was both whimsical and enchanting as she performed an alt-rock set including her single, “Girlie”. Overall, Songs for The Summit was a huge success! Not only did it have performances by incredible musicians, but it was able to raise money for a good cause. Local businesses and Etsy shop owners donated various items to be auctioned off at the conclusion of the fundraiser, allowing for more to be earned. There was also an online auction including items such as a signed Jon Bon Jovi album, signed Camila Cabello album, a signed STYX drumhead, and a guitar signed by Lainey Wilson. These passionate performances truly resembled both extraordinary music and sincerity, leaving the audience feeling full-hearted.

- Abigail Klotz

Photos Courtesy of Abigail Klotz (For Bell Music Magazine)