Y’know, there’s something special about watching someone from your own backyard chase down a dream. Ruby Ruth George? That’s our people right there — born and raised right here in Humboldt County, making music that hits you right in the feels.

We sat down with Ruby ahead of this Saturday’s big album fundraiser. We’re talking about music as medicine, literally. Ruby’s been living with Tourette syndrome and functional neurological disorder since they were a kid, and discovered early on that humming or singing could make the symptoms ease up or disappear completely. Can you imagine? Five years old and already finding your lifeline.

Fast forward to now, and that coping mechanism has grown into something way bigger. Ruby’s building community through Country-Americana music that’ll make you laugh and cry — sometimes in the same song. And here’s the beautiful part: the Humboldt community has shown up. We’re already halfway to the goal of getting Ruby into a Nashville studio to record a full album of original material.

Saturday night at Septentrio Barrel Room is about pushing that last 50%. Doors open at 6:30, music starts at 7, and it’s pay-what-you-want because that’s how we do things around here. Ruby’s bringing the whole crew — fiancé Saul Smith Stewart on bass, honorary sisters Elle and Brianna Penner on harmonies. Los Giles Taqueria will be there too, so you can grab some food and settle in for the night.

This is a family affair in every sense of the word. All ages welcome. Good people, good music, good cause. If you can’t make it Saturday but still want to help Ruby get to Nashville, you can donate via Venmo or find out more at rubyruthgeorge.com.

So here’s your call to action, folks: Come out Saturday night and help send one of our own to Nashville. Because when someone in our community is reaching for their dreams? We show up. That’s just what we do behind the Redwood Curtain.