Oliver Anthony‘s first Rural Revival Project event is right around the corner.
Last year, the viral “Rich Men North of Richmond” singer announced he was stepping back from music to pursue ministry. However, it was very quickly clarified that Anthony had no intention of stopping music but instead wanted to step away from the machine of the music industry and focus on bringing music to rural towns through a project he felt called to start: The Rural Revival Project.
“I’m in the process of getting out of the music industry. It’s a big joke. The plan is to eventually change my entire focus to traveling ministry work. It’s all part of this Rural Revival thing. I just have to go at it in baby steps since it’s completely DIY. No, I’ll still be releasing music just like normal, I’ll just be set up legally as a ministry.”
Anthony’s plan is to offer an alternative ticketing platform and a different touring route to bring music to small towns that need the economic boost. During this year’s ARC Conference, Anthony was invited to be a keynote speaker and announced the first-ever Rural Revival Project meeting during his time on stage, sharing that it will take place the first weekend of April in North Carolina.
“And so, I’ll see you on April the 5th in Spruce Pine, North Carolina for the first official gathering. It’s now my life’s mission to revive rural America one town at a time. It’s called the Rural Revival Project.”
When Anthony first announced the event, the website noted that attendees could expect documentary screenings, speaker workshops, skills workshops, and access to counseling. However, this was much different than the musical events Anthony first described. But, folks wanting to attend will have no fear knowing that there will be plenty of live music.
Through a recent promotional video, Antony clipped together segments of his ARC speech along with clips from a recent appearance on the Winston Marshall Show, where he speaks about what attendees can expect.
“There will be hours of live music, kids’ activities, workshops, local vendors, and inspiring speakers – all coming together to support this project. Come experience humanity the way it is meant to be! This event is dedicated to raising critical funds and awareness for a community deeply impacted by recent hurricanes. Let’s show our support and amplify efforts to provide assistance and relief to those in need.”
Performances throughout the Rural Revival event include one from Anthony, the Davisson Brothers Band, Willa May, Little Ozzy, and more. Anthony also brings local vendors together so attendees can shop and explore local businesses.
“Let’s figure out how to bring family-owned stores back to little towns, even if we have to do it one at a time.”
He hopes to create a “sanctuary” where “good people can gather” and explore these small rural communities.
Tickets for the first event are $30 for anyone over the age of 12, and according to the ticketing website, they have sold 2181 of the 2750 available tickets. While Anthony wanted to create a system to bypass Ticketmaster and Live Nation, he knows he will never be able to beat them.
“I’ll never put a dent in Live Nation or Ticketmaster. They’ll have millions and millions of dollars, but if I can find a way to do it better, that cuts the middle man out and gives a rural space that’s never had music in it before long-term economic impact and brings cultural relevance back to a town that’s basically forgotten about and dying. It’s like, wouldn’t I, you know?”
I have to admit it’s impressive that Anthony got his boots off the ground with this project, given that he noted it was just a vision for him in October 2024. Of course, it’s incredible to see Anthony support North Carolina communities that were deeply affected by Hurricane Helene.
While Anthony’s statement that “this could change America” will depend on how this first Rural Revival Project runs, fans are clearly into the idea of the event series, given how tickets are selling right now.
