Hunter's Gift is Coming to Tremont Tavern

Musical gathering to honor late Chattanooga musician, raise mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Sept. 19, 2023) Losing a friend or family member to suicide is a memory most would prefer to forget. But for those who knew and loved Hunter White, honoring his life and music is something they have found brings comfort and connection. That is the motivation behind the third Hunter’s Gift: A musical gathering held in memory of Hunter White and to raise awareness of suicide prevention. Set for Saturday, September 29, 2023, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Tremont Tavern, Saturday, the celebration will bring together some of the area’s most talented musicians and Hunter’s closest friends to enjoy what he loved most. The evening’s line-up is below*.

Organizer Dustin Choate, local restaurateur, and owner of Tremont Tavern, says the impact of Hunter’s life and death continues to resonate among all who knew him. “We held similar tribute concerts in October of 2018 and 2019,” said Choate. “Then right before the Pandemic, Hunter’s friends and loved ones gathered at Tremont Tavern to unveil a specially designed spotlight created from his drum kit,” he continued. “This year marks the fifth year since we lost Hunter and September is Suicide Prevention Month. We felt it was important to gather again to honor his legacy and continue to educate people about suicide prevention resources.”

According to the CDC, about 49,500 (the highest number ever) took their own lives in 2022 in the U.S., an estimated 3% increase compared to 2021. A year ago, the federal government launched 988, a national crisis line. “After five years, it is incredibly meaningful to us that people still want to honor Hunter,” says Beth Moore, Hunter’s mother. “The message of suicide prevention has come to the forefront since the pandemic, and we hope this event will ‘bang the drum’ even louder to remind anyone who is struggling that help and treatment are available!”

“There are so many who suffer with mental illness and contemplate suicide,” said Fred White, Hunter’s father. “We are grateful to Hunter’s friends for remembering him in such a powerful way and we hope sharing his story will encourage those who need help to access the care they need.”

*Hunter’s Gift Featured acts:

7:00 p.m. Mike McDade

7:15 p.m. Ryan Oyer & Megan Howard

7:40 p.m. Butch Ross & Amber Fults

8:05 p.m. David Morris

8:20 p.m. Tiffany Taylor

8:35 p.m. Jon Wimpee

8:50 p.m. BJ Hightower

9:05 p.m. Paper Mache

9:20 p.m. Mini Fridge

9:40 p.m. Adam Staudacher & Bexy Ribeiro

About the 900 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know is experiencing feelings such as: sadness or loneliness, depression, sleeping too much or too little, mood swings, desperation, racing thoughts, thoughts of harming yourself or others, helplessness or hearing voices. Connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7/365. The service is free.