Nashville was devastated by flooding on the first of May. Almost 2,000 homes were lost and damages could be as much as $1.5 billion if not more.
Fortunately, having the moniker of “Music City” is paying off for Nashville. Musicians from all over are uniting to help the city recover.
On the 16th, GAC Network held “Music City Keep On Playin’ – A Benefit For Flood Relief,” a concert and telethon at the Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman was the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 until 1974. Due to flooding at the Grand Old Opry House, the show has temporarily returned to the Ryman.
Plenty of stars turned out for the concert last Sunday including Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Sheryl Crow, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Martina McBride, CeCe Winans, Keb’ Mo’, Jaci Velasquez, Randy Montana and Will Hoge.
The concert has raised $1.8 million so far. Of that amount, $50,000 was donated by Humana and The Humana Foundation. If you missed the telethon, you can still donate through May 23rd by going to the GAC web page http://www.gactv.com/help or by texting GAC to 501501 to make a $10 donation.
But, that isn’t the only benefit planned. On June 9th, Marty Stuart’s annual Late Night Jam will benefit the MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief Fund.
The CMA Music Festival is still on for June 10th – 13th. It was also announced that 50% of the net profits from the festival would be donated to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for flood relief. The other 50% of the profits will go to Keep the Music Playing, a Nashville public school program.
On June 16th, Ke$ha will hold a fundraiser at Limelight to benefit families and animals. If you are wondering what connection Ke$ha has to Nashville, she grew up there.
On June 22nd, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will be a part of Nashville Rising at the Bridgestone Arena. Also performing will be Taylor Swift, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Miley Cyrus, Brooks & Dunn, Jason Aidean, and Carrie Underwood.