Mar312026
Appalachian Bear Rescue Rockin for the Rescue Concert Event March 2026 black bear conservation 1
March 31, 2026 – With Gratitude
 
This past Sunday, we held our very first ABR’s Rockin’ For the Rescue Concert at The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint in Maryville, TN and it was an incredible. The bands were fantastic, the food was awesome, the vendors were great and the weather couldn’t have been better. But most notably, the people who came to support were the highlight of the day. We’ve said it before and we will say it again until we are blue in the face – ABR supporters are the absolute best.
Appalachian Bear Rescue Rockin for the Rescue Concert Event March 2026 black bear conservation 9

We had supporters near and far come out to enjoy the day with us! Not only that but the greater East Tennessee community came out to support! Although, admittedly, some didn’t know it was for ABR bear cubs until they got there – that is completely okay! All were welcome and it was wonderful to make new friends.

Yes, this day was an extremely successful fundraiser with just under 500 tickets sold, but it was also a celebration of our ABR family that has helped us get through all of the highs and lows of this past bearless year. Whether you rocked out in person with us, bought a ticket for support, or just told your family and friends about the event – THANK YOU. We couldn’t do what we do without all of you.

Appalachian Bear Rescue Rockin for the Rescue Concert Event March 2026 black bear conservation 3
Please enjoy the included photos by the wonderful Tracey Torres Photography as a “glimpse” from all of the fun.
 
An ABR staff member, Tracey came up with the idea for this benefit concert as soon as she was hired last fall and she knocked it out of the park. In addition to Tracey’s brilliant idea, we had a whole lot of help along the way from ABR staff, volunteers and ABR friends. Rumor has it, we will have to start planning for the 2nd ever Rockin’ for the Rescue in a few months!
We have so many people to thank for the day being a success but here is the “official list” so far below.
 

Rockin’ at the Rescue thanks:

The venue: The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint in Maryville, TN. Jay and his staff helped us plan the whole event, provided support staff, marketed the event and generously donated all ticket sales proceeds to ABR.
 
The bands:
–Roger Hay Band
-Supercharger
-Slippery When Wet (slipperywhenwetband.com)
 
The sponsors:
– Trushel Living Trust (presenting)
– Angie & Jr. Jackson
– Pittman Properties
– Anakeesta
 
Donations:
– Joey Torres for both auction guitars
– Feral Wraps for wrapping the awesome guitars
 

Appalachian Bear Rescue staff is currently laying low after all of the fun we had on Sunday. But we will update you all on the progress of the new enclosures on Facebook as always. So, please be sure to follow us on Facebook!

Thank you again – we couldn’t do any of this without you.