Kenny Alphin, part of the music duo Big & Rich, will visit Woodland Polytechnic Academy, a tuition-free California public charter school and the home of the Buffaloes, on Friday, Aug. 3, 6-8 p.m.

In addition to being a country music star, Alphin is a worldwide humanitarian who helped airlift medical supplies to Haiti, then performed 12 shows in 72 hours for members of the armed forces in Port-au-Prince, who assisted with humanitarian relief after the 2010 earthquake.

He joined other musicians to create the Instant Karma CD for Amnesty International after hearing about the genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region. Alphin funded the building of the Kunyuk School for Girls in Akon, Sudan, and arranged for educational, medical and building supplies, as well as clothing and musical instruments, to be airlifted in. He documented his journey and debuted his film, "Bearing Light: A Journey to Sudan," at the Nashville Film Festival in 2008. The Save Darfur Coalition also named Alphin “Darfur Hero of 2008.”

The Appalachians caught his attention because of mountaintop coal removal, and he became involved with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Along with Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris and Allison Krauss, he performed a benefit concert, “Music Saves Mountains,” in 2010.

From 6 to 7 p.m., Big Kenny will hold a meet-and-greet, and from 7 to 8 p.m. he will deliver an inspirational speech. Admission is free. Food and drinks are available from Maria’s Cantina, Pizza Guys and Carrousel Cobblers. Woodland Polytechnic is located at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, 1250 E. Gum Ave.