Sunday evening, the fundraising event “Stories and Songs from the Road” took place at Corbeau Creek, featuring the legendary Little River Band and vocalist Stephanie Calvert. Much like the name implies, the event combined storytelling and music, as band members shared their experiences of making music together while performing their well-loved songs.
The concert was held to raise funds for Phillip’s Cottage, a new nonprofit transitional home for women and their children graduating from the Louisiana Teen Challenge program. The initiative aims to provide a stable and supportive environment for families as they take their next steps toward independence.
“Having Little River Band and Stephanie Calvert in Minden is truly a dream come true. Our town is ripe for amazing music events, and this fundraiser for Phillip’s Cottage is just the beginning,” said event organizer Sara McDaniel.
The idea for the event was born when Little River Band’s lead vocalist, Wayne Nelson, learned about Phillip’s Cottage and its mission. Inspired by its purpose, he and his wife, Stephanie Calvert, reached out to McDaniel with the idea of holding a benefit concert.
“We don’t get this kind of talent through Minden, Louisiana. Little River Band is legendary, and I am honored they are sharing their talents with our community,” said McDaniel.
All proceeds from the concert will go toward Phillip’s Cottage to support its mission of assisting women and children who have graduated from the Louisiana Teen Challenge Program. McDaniel expressed her gratitude and excitement about the project’s future impact.
“Phillip’s Cottage exists to honor the legacy my dad, Philip Carroll, leaves behind. We can’t wait to welcome our first mothers and their children later this summer. We are going to break generational curses with this home,” she said.
The success of “Stories and Songs from the Road” not only raised crucial funds for Phillip’s Cottage but also highlighted Minden’s potential to host more high-profile music events in the future. With an enthusiastic response from the community, this could be the first of many concerts that bring music and positive change to the town.