In the wake of the catastrophic floods that ravaged Central Texas over the July 4th weekend, leaving more than 130 persons dead and over 100 individuals still missing, musicians are rallying to support relief efforts, and using their songs to help Texas heal.
Many of the artists share strong personal or professional ties to Texas and have quickly mobilized, organizing benefit concerts or joining existing efforts to raise funds for those affected by the tragedy.
“The destruction and loss in our community from the recent flood is hard to wrap your head around,” said country music legend George Strait in announcing his now sold-out Hill Country Flood Fundraiser concert, set for July 27 in Texas. “Our hearts and prayers are with you all. The goal with this event is to raise meaningful, immediate support that can be put directly into the hands of flood victims without delay, while also honoring the first responders that work tirelessly to save lives.”
Meanwhile, Robert Earl Keen will spearhead a show on Aug. 28 in New Braunfels, Texas at Whitewater Amphitheater, just outside of Kerr County, one of the counties hardest hit by the floods. Kerr County is also home to Camp Mystic, located near the banks of the Guadalupe River. More than two dozen campers or counselors from Camp Mystic were among those who died in the devastating floods.
Beyond benefit concerts, artists including Keen, Whiskey Myers, Charles Wesley Godwin, Randy Rogers Band, Treaty Oak Revival and Hudson Westbrook have pledged to donate merch sales to help those in need.
Below, we highlight several artists who have either announced or already held benefit concerts to help relief efforts.
George Strait
Strait and Vaqueros del Mar have set an intimate benefit concert and dinner for July 27 in Boerne, Texas. The event, which is limited to 1,000 guests, sold out quickly after seats became available. Among the artists joining Strait are Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, William Beckmann and Wade Bowen. Donations will be collected by the Del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund, and directly distributed to families impacted by the floods.
Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum
Texas natives Lambert and McCollum will spearhead the benefit concert Band Together Texas on Aug. 17 at Moody Center in Austin. Others performing include Cody Johnson, Ryan Bingham, Wade Bowen, Kelly Clarkson, Ronnie Dunn, Dylan Gossett, Jack Ingram, Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Jon Randall and Randy Rogers Band.
Robert Earl Keen
Robert Earl Keen will host an Aug. 28 concert called REK and Friends: Applause for the Cause, at Whitewater Amphitheater near the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels.
Joining him are Tyler Childers, Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Aaron Watson, Cody Jinks, Kelsey Waldon, Sarah Jarosz and more.
Pat Green
Pat Green’s “no audience” concert at Arlington’s Globe Life Field on July 16 raised over $1 million for families impacted by the Texas flooding. Among the artists who took part in the livestreamed event were Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Aaron Watson, Jamey Johnson and Corey Kent.
Lyle Lovett and Michael Martin Murphey
Lyle Lovett and Michael Martin Murphey have teamed up for the concert Song in the Storm: Heart of Texas Flood Benefit, set for Aug. 12 at the Paramount Theatre in Austin. They will be joined by guests Andy Hedges and Jimmie Vaughan, and proceeds will benefit the Central Texas Flood Recovery Fund.
Cory Asbury
Cory Asbury will hold a benefit concert at Nashville’s Basement East on July 21, to raise money for those impacted by the Texas floods. Artists performing include Kameron Marlowe, Dante Bowe, Madeline Edwards, David Kushner, Amanda Cook, Rusty Kelly, Lizzie Morgan and Rita Springer.
Kat Hasty
Country singer-songwriter Kat Hasty led a special flood relief concert on July 11 in San Angelo, Texas at the Arc Light Bar & Grill. Other artists who performed included Rich O’Toole, Sterling Elza and Cooper Hamilton. Proceeds aided the San Angelo Area Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Koe Wetzel
Koe Wetzel has set the benefit concert Stronger Together: Benefiting The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund for Aug. 4 at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. The lineup also includes Kolby Cooper, Casey Donahew, Ray Wylie and Lucas Hubbard, Mike Ryan, Dylan Wheeler, Pecos & The Rooftops’ Pecos Hurley, and Shane Smith & The Saints’ Shane Smith.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.billboard.com ’
