Alabama Announces “Bama Rising: A Benefit Concert For Alabama Tornado Recovery”
On Tuesday, June 14nd, the country music community will unite to assist victims of the tornados that ravaged Alabama on April 27th. “BAMA RISING: A Benefit Concert for Alabama Tornado Recovery,” presented by Verizon, will take place at Birmingham’s BJCC Arena. It will feature a performance by Alabama, who is spearheading the event, and numerous other artists. See below for a list of performers and special guests who have been confirmed to date. This superstar line-up will continue to grow and additions will be announced as the event draws closer.
Alabama’s Randy Owen, speaking on behalf of the group, states, “My hope is that this will bring happiness and help to my fellow citizens in Alabama. I believe it’s extremely important that we do this benefit, and I want everyone in the state to feel like they are part of it. I hope we all can pull together to help get through the worst natural disaster I’ve ever seen in Alabama. I appreciate my friends in country music, everyone that’s been involved, and anyone that’s helped in any way.”
The Bama Rising Fund has been established at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to support long-term recovery statewide in the wake of the April 2011 tornadoes that devastated Alabama. Decisions about how to deploy Bama Rising concert proceeds and gifts to the Bama Rising Fund will be made by an advisory committee including representatives of the artists, promoters and the Community Foundation.
Kate Nielsen, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham: “We are pleased to serve as the philanthropic partner for the talented artists who are committed to our state’s recovery through the Bama Rising concert. A sell-out crowd will help the Bama Rising team raise significant dollars for long-term recovery efforts across Alabama and show our citizens that we are committed to their future.”
In addition to ticket sales, funds will be raised through corporate sponsorships of the event. Verizon has come on board as the presenting sponsor, and organizers are seeking additional corporate support.
Jeff Mango, president Georgia/Alabama Region, Verizon Wireless: “The community’s response to the devastating tornadoes in Alabama has been truly inspiring, and we know that a natural disaster of this magnitude requires that response be sustained so that the people in the community can thrive and in some cases, rebuild. That is why we are so proud to be involved in Bama Rising. Thanks to the generosity of so many who want to help, this unforgettable event will bring together people from across the great state of Alabama and beyond to support their friends, business associates and neighbors as they work for a common cause to rebuild.”
Tickets will go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 20th, at 11:00AM CST at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices will range from $25 to $250. VIP packages will also be available. Visit www.bamarising.org for more details. The event will be presented by AEG Live/The Messina Group and Red Mountain Entertainment. Corporate sponsors thus far include Verizon, Bravado and Ticketmaster. For information on becoming a corporate sponsor, please Jay Wilson at Red Mountain Entertainment: 205.585.2531 or jay@redmountainentertainment.com.
“BAMA RISING”
Confirmed performers:
- Alabama
- Rodney Atkins
- Dierks Bentley
- Bo Bice
- Luke Bryan
- Sheryl Crow
- Sara Evans
- Taylor Hicks
- Little Big Town
- Montgomery Gentry
- Martina McBride
- David Nail
- Jake Owen
- Brad Paisley
- Kellie Pickler
- Darius Rucker
- Ashton Shepherd
Confirmed special guests:
Jay Barker: University of Alabama (former football player and current radio personality)
Additional performers and special guests will be announced soon.
