Great American Taxi’s Vince Herman grew up in West Virginia and is quite familiar with the challenges faced by the state’s Coal Miners. As a result the band is now offering up the song “Appalachian Soul” from its debut release Streets of Gold as a free download while encouraging fans to visit the West Virginia Council of Churches site, which is collecting donations for the miners and their families.

Herman also writes, “Great American Taxi sends our thoughts out to the families and communities affected by the mining disaster at the upper big branch mine. We hope that their unconquerable Appalachian spirit and families can help them navigate these difficult times. The country and the world share in their grief. We need coal. We need our miners to be safe. We need understanding on all sides of this contentious issue of our national energy policy. We would like to make Taxis’ tribute to that Appalachian spirit available as a download here and suggest a donation to the WV council of churches to assist the families of our fallen brothers. Let’s all come together and honor the families who have paid that ultimate price for our energy needs and hope that this is the last such disaster we must face.”

Meanwhile this evening, GAT will play a benefit at Coconut Louie’s in Bloomington, IL. Chicago Farmer and Farmaggedon are also on the bill for the show which will raise money for the DiscoverHope Fund, which aides families living in poverty.The night will include a drawing with a pair 2 tickets to the 2010 Summer Camp Music Festival as the grand prize.