BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

ASHLAND — Austin Shuck and his nonprofit Appalachian Pioneer Program have raised over $16,000 for flood relief by holding benefit concerts around central and eastern Kentucky. A special benefit taping of Shuck’s podcast “What the Shuck” brought local acts to the Paramount Arts Center stage Aug. 17.

Austin Shuck is a philanthropist and podcaster from Morgan County. After losing his home to the 2012 tornadoes, Shuck is always quick to action when disaster strikes, holding benefit concerts with local musicians to raise funds for those affected.

“Since the flood happened I’ve been pulling 80-hour work weeks, maybe 90,” said Shuck. “But it’s work worth doing.”

The lineup started Wednesday evening with Fallsburg’s Laid Back Country Picker and Luna of Luna and the Mountain Jets. Holly Forbes of Catlettsburg, who finished in the top 10 on season 21 of the Voice, also played and sang some of her original material, accompanied by Jeremy Short of Short and Company. Wednesday night’s lineup also included Corduroy Brown of Huntington, Sean Whiting of Paintsville, and Phill Barnett of Lawrence County, who was accompanied by his brother Wes Barnett. 

These musicians helped Shuck raise around $1000 for flood relief and record five episodes of his podcast “What the Shuck,” each featuring musical performances and conversations with each of the artists live on the Paramount Stage.

Shuck hopes to raise around $30,000 for families affected by the recent flooding in eastern Kentucky. He is currently reaching out to resource and community leaders to connect with these families and determine how to best meet their needs.