Highlights from the Band Together benefit concert in Austin, Texas, included star-studded performances and heartfelt emotions for the great state of Texas and all it has endured.
God bless Texas. If there was a theme for Sunday night (August 17), that was it. When Texas is hurting, we are all helping. That’s what brought together an A-list team of country stars ready to do what they do best: get their fans to come together for a concert and a cause. And this show hit close to home for everyone on stage and in the crowd. The proceeds from the show went directly to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas Community Foundation to do everything they can to help the victims of the July 4 flood that devastated so many communities, like Kerrville, Mason, and Hunt.
Camp Mystic counselor, Ainslie Bashara, and Emmanuel Acho.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Jeff Johsnon
For the full house of fans there at the Moody Center on the University of Texas campus, it felt a little bit like a greatest hits album from the most beloved Texas artists. From Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum, who teamed up to make this three-hour show a reality, to their friends from the Lone Star state and beyond: Cody Johnson, Pat Green, Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Ronnie Dunn, Jason Aldean, Randy Rogers Band, Ryan Bingham, Wade Bowen, and more. While everyone had their chance to share their heartfelt stories and songs, the country stars and celebs saved the best for last. They all came together – McCollum even brought his baby boy Major on stage with him – to sing Willie Nelson’s 1980 hit “On the Road Again.”
Wade Bowen performs “A Beautiful World” in memoriam of victims lost in the Central Texas floods.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Brayln Kelly Smith
The July flood was the deadliest natural disaster in Texas history, with the death toll standing at 135 adults and children. People lost their friends, families, homes, businesses, and more along a long stretch of the Guadalupe River.
Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid, and other Texas celebrities were also on hand to shine the light on first responders and victims, introduce the stars, and encourage everyone watching to give what they could to help families rebuild and renew their faith in Texas. And it worked. This one night alone raised more than $8.5 million for the two organizations directly supporting Central Texas flood relief.
Roger Clemens and Matthew McConaughey make final remarks.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Jeff Johnson
PHOTOGRAPHY: (Cover image) courtesy Bralyn Kelly Smith
