Organizers didn’t know it then, but the Hello In There Foundation was going to have to help Gulfport out in a big way after its successful John Prine tribute weekend last spring.

“Right after the storm, the foundation kicked into action, raised money from all over the country and donated to Gulfport, St. Pete, and surrounding beaches,” Gail Gilchrist told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “Most of the money went to hospitality and gig workers, low income families displaced, and seniors.”

On thehellointherefoundation.org, the nonprofit founded by surviving members of John Prine’s family lists its updated total raised as just south of $210,000. It’s no surprise to see Hello In There jump in to help the community where the Prines have kept a home since 2005.

Last year was the first time Hello In There was involved with the local tribute to Prine, who passed away in April 2020 during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic; Gilchrist, a friend of the family, said the nonprofit’s presence helped make the weekend of fundraising concerts the biggest yet. And the organization returns to our paradise again next month for another round.

Tampa Bay’s 2025 John Prine tribute and benefit concerts will happen Friday-Sunday, April 4-6 in St. Pete Beach, Gulfport, and Safety Harbor, respectively according to Gilchrist.

Kip Kelly, songwriter and founder of Crooked Thumb Brewery, which hosts its Prine tribute and foundation benefit show on Sunday, April 6, told CL that so far, himself, Josh Reilly, Rebekah Pulley and Leon Majcen have all confirmed slots.

Lineups at the other benefit concerts have yet to be announced, but the Gulfport show at North End Tap House will feature more than a dozen musicians—and have concert posters for sale along with a 50/50 drawing to help raise funds for Hello In There.

“While we gather to honor John, these concerts also offer a significant opportunity to come together in celebration of a place and a community of friends that are dear to the Prine family’s heart,” Celine Thackston, Executive Director of the Hello In There Foundation, told CL, adding that she’s grateful to Gilchrist and the community for once again coordinating the logistics.

“Additionally, we are thankful for the chance to keep supporting local nonprofits that assist individuals during times of need. As we did last year, we will match all proceeds in support of chosen Gulfport and St. Petersburg area organizations, and look forward to announcing the beneficiaries at the concerts,” Thackston noted.

April will be a good month for local Prine fanatics, too, since John and Fiona Prine’s son, Tommy, has booked an April 18 show at Tampa’s Skipper’s Smokehouse.

John Prine tribute weekend concerts benefiting The Hello In There Foundation