Miranda Lambert & Parker McCollum Help Raise Over $8.5 MILLION For Flood Relief With Star-Studded ‘Band Together Texas’ Benefit Concert

Incredible.

Last night, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, and many other of their famous Texas friends and artists took the stage at the Moody Center in Austin for a star-studded benefit concert called Band Together Texas, which benefited The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, the leading charity behind the ongoing flood relief efforts, and Central Texas Community Foundation.

Of course, South-central Texas was ravaged by flash flooding over the 4th of July weekend earlier this summer, and over 130 people lost their lives in the Texas Hill Country region. The Guadalupe River rose dramatically due to torrential rainfall, leading to widespread flooding, and a significant number of the fatalities occurred in Kerr County. The devastation has been unimaginable, and while nothing will be able to replace the loved ones who lost their lives, it does bring hope to know that people are so willing to step up during a time of great need.

And they raised over $8.5 MILLION and counting to benefit The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas Community Foundation.

The star-studded lineup features performances from some of country music’s best artists including Ryan Bingham, Wade Bowen, Kelly Clarkson, Ronnie Dunn, Dylan Gossett, Jack Ingram, Cody Johnson, Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Jon Randall and Randy Rogers Band also performed throughout the night, and there were appearances from other famous Texans as well.

Actor Matthew McConaughey opened with a monologue about the reason for the event and how much these victims and families have gone through in the wake of such tragedy:

“The devastating floods that took so many lives, businesses and homes last month broke a lot of hearts. As that day gets further away into the distance of our rearview mirror, it’s only natural that our concern and attention recede just like those flood waters—but we must remember, for the families who suffered, they are just beginning the lengthy journey to rebuild their lives.

Tonight is about restoration… we are here to revive–Because even in the hardest times, we have to believe in the power of joy. So while we honor the heavy truths that brought us here, we will also celebrate the light that must continue to shine.”

Parker also took time during his solo set to give Miranda her flowers for spearheading the event and bringing it to life, saying she was ready to help as soon as she found out about how devastated part of her home state was:

“I’d like to give a shout out to Miranda Lambert, she’s the whole reason all of this is going on. She texted me right away and asked, ‘What can we do?’ I said, ‘I’ll do anything I could ever possibly do to help these people.’ So, good on all of y’all for being here on a Sunday night. I’ve never been more proud to be born and raised in the great state of Texas than I am tonight.”

They also had survivors of the flood there, as well as paid tribute to first responders who displayed heroic acts, with some losing their lives, trying to help their neighbors.

Ronnie Dunn had a hard time coming up with the right words, which I think is something many can relate to when it comes to a tragedy of this magnitude:

“I tried to come up with something to say earlier. It was profound, it would do what it needs to do, but I don’t think there’s a song on Earth – no words, no rhyme, no reason – that can heal the pain, the suffering, the sorrow brought on by what’s happened here. So, I’m just going to share a story with you.”

Of course, nothing will ever replace the lives that were lost or make that any easier, but all of these Texans have stepped up and done more than what anyone could imagine to help as much as they can, and with whatever resources they have. Miranda always says that “music is medicine,” and she proved that it really can bring a heaping dose of good, help and hope in times like these.

The whole evening looked so special, and clearly, everyone involved, including those who donated so selflessly, should be proud of what they accomplished for their neighbors in the Lone Star State.

From Cody Johnson’s gorgeous acoustic rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” to Lukas Nelson and Pat Green’s duet of “Waltz Across Texas” and Wade Bowen’s emotional performance of “A Beautiful World,” there were so many amazing moments, and you can watch the full livestream (donations are still open as well if you feel so inclined) below.

The post Miranda Lambert & Parker McCollum Help Raise Over $8.5 MILLION For Flood Relief With Star-Studded ‘Band Together Texas’ Benefit Concert first appeared on Whiskey Riff.