Members of the bluegrass community are usually willing to lend a helping hand whenever possible. On Saturday, February 7th, multiple bands are coming together in Greenup, Kentucky, for a benefit concert to help fellow east Kentucky musician Keith Prater cover medical expenses incurred over the past year.
Keith Prater has been a fixture at music events in the tri-state area (Southeastern Ohio, East Kentucky, and Southern West Virginia) for quite some time. His band, Lacy Creek, named after the place where he lives in Wolfe County, Kentucky, has regularly performed at fundraising events, concerts, and major festivals like SkinnyFest, the Carter County Shrine Club Bluegrass Festival, and the Orange Army Bluegrass Festival, among others.
Prater has played bluegrass music for more than 40 years. When he’s not entertaining on stage he can often be found jamming whenever possible. However, in the last several months, Prater has missed several music performances and events due to health-related issues. In November 2024, he suffered a stroke in the pons, a part of the brain stem that controls automatic functions like breathing and heart rate, as well as balance, swallowing, and facial expressions. Then, after working to regain strength, he faced unexpected heart issues that caused many missed performances and ultimately led to surgery in August 2025.
Although Keith has made a great recovery from both major health concerns and is back performing again, debt accumulated due to medical expenses and missed performances can be overwhelming. Long time friends have decided to join forces to help, and the lineup of performances will feature five bands. The Evans Brothers (sons of the late Dave Evans), Rounder’s Station, Charlie Woods & Deep Hollow, Union Town, and Keith Prater and Lacy Creek are all set to perform.
Jennifer Burton, one of the organizers of the event, says, “this benefit isn’t just about raising funds — it’s about celebrating Keith’s resilience, honoring his contributions to the music he loves, and reminding ourselves why bluegrass gatherings feel like coming home. When one of our own needs a hand, we don’t hesitate. We tune up, we show up, and we play from the heart.”
The event will be held indoors at The Pump House, 4070 State Route 503, Greenup, KY. Admission is $20. Food trucks will be on-site and the event is BYOB. Lodging is available nearby at Greenbo Lake Lodge, and a shuttle will be available to transport people both to and from the event. Those wishing to take advantage of discounted lodging should call (606)‑473‑7324, and use code 3558.
Those who cannot attend, but would still like to support Keith Prater may do so through Venmo or Cashapp. All proceeds will go directly to Keith.
