Habitat for Humanity Highlights Housing By Building Bands

The second annual “Build the Band” event benefiting CSRA Habitat for Humanity is coming up Saturday, June 21 at The Miller Theater. This event features some of the Augusta area’s finest musicians battling it out to be crowned the ultimate musical champions.  

The concept for this event is unique. Will McCranie, Senior Director of Business Development for CSRA Habitat for Humanity, said that four local musicians - Ryan Abel, Jaycie Ward, Luke Amerson, and Trey McLaughlin - were assigned a band. They did not pick their own band; they built a band with the components they were given, much like Habitat for Humanity builds homes.  

Each band gets 15 minutes to perform. The two bands that make it to the finals will get another ten minutes of performance time.  

“What they do with that time is up to them,” McCranie said.  

The artists can perform any songs they like, as long as they stay within their allotted time. 

Founded in 1976 in Americus, Georgia, Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing solutions to low-income families. McCranie said events like “Build the Band” give the community a tangible entry point to get involved with the organization’s work.  

“The ‘Build the Band’ event symbolizes a unique collaboration between local musicians and Habitat for Humanity, showcasing how creativity and community spirit can come together to make a meaningful impact,” said Bernadette Keliher, CSRA Habitat for Humanity CEO. “This event not only raises awareness for Habitat’s mission of providing affordable housing but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and support among community members.” 

Cliff Bennett is set to host the event and the judges for the second annual “Build the Band” include Russell Joel Brown, Karen Gordon, Coco Rubio, Joe Stevenson, David Watts, and Scott Seidl. 

Along with the official judges’ ballots, there will also be an audience participation component. Audience members can vote with their donations during the event. Each dollar donated equals one vote for the band of your choice. 

WHAT: Second Annual Build the Band, benefiting CSRA Habitat for Humanity 

WHEN: Saturday, June 21. Doors 6 p.m. | Show 7 p.m. 

WHERE: The Miller Theater, 708 Broad Street 

COST: $38.71 - $94.59 

Visit the Miller Theater box office or millertheateraugusta.com. For more information on CSRA Habitat for Humanity, click here.