Christopher Polk/ACMA2010
While the deadly floods that ravaged Nashville last week caused widespread financial and structural damage to residences and businesses, the city's spirit simply could not be broken. The country-music community immediately began rallying to raise money and awareness for recovery. Now, superstar couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are spearheading a star-studded benefit concert.
According to People, "Nashville Rising: A Benefit Concert For Flood Recovery," will be held June 22 at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena and is scheduled to include performances by Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Brooks & Dunn, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Amy Grant and Taylor Swift (who has already donated $500,000 towards relief efforts). It's the second benefit concert to be announced in the past week, as MTV reported that Nashville native Ke$ha is also planning her own show to raise relief funds.
Hill and McGraw said in a statement: "The damage that we've seen to people's homes and the effect that the flooding has had on their lives is unimaginable. But we've seen the spirit of our community firsthand, as volunteers, church groups and our local business leaders rally to help. We all need to continue to support those in need in any way that we can, and for that reason we could not be more appreciative to all of the artists, the companies and the people behind the scenes who collectively will make June 22 a truly special night."
McGraw, 43, and Hill, 42, spoke to CNN's Anderson Cooper about the fact that the fundraising isn't merely to help music stars and sites (historic venues like the Grand Ole Opry have been heavily damaged) but to heal the entire Nashville community. McGraw told Cooper, "This town is made of people who work paycheck to paycheck, who work hard, they go to church, they go to little league, they take their kids to softball games on Tuesday nights, they own homes. They're the backbone of our community. They make this community run...and those are the people that are suffering."
Plus:
- Taylor Swift Gives $500K for Nashville Flood Relief
- Kenny Chesney and Other Country Stars Cope with Flood Damage
- Faith Hill: I'm Just a Goofy Mom
Do you plan to lend a hand or donate funds to help the city of Nashville recover? Chime in below!
