Garth Brooks to Perform Concert to Benefit Victims of Tennessee Floods
Thursday, October 28, 2010 | 07:22am
NASHVILLE – For the first time since 1998, Garth Brooks is returning to Nashville to perform Friday, December 17th, 7:00 PM at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, benefiting The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in support of all those affected by the disastrous flooding this past spring.
“I have watched with great pride how the volunteer state has pulled together to rise above the damage suffered by the floods," said Brooks. "It was a small church sign in Hendersonville that changed my life decades ago when I read, ‘Character is not created in crisis...it is revealed.’ Tennessee has shown amazing character through all of this and it is an honor to get to be a part of the healing process.”
"The impact of May's flooding is still being felt in Tennessee as communities continue to rebuild," said Governor Phil Bredesen. "I'm extremely pleased to see that the great outpouring of support for flood victims that was a hallmark of the early response continues, and I appreciate the leadership of all the members of Nashville's music family who, like Garth, have organized events or established funds to help Tennesseans rebuild their lives."
The tickets will be $25 plus handling with the hope that even those who suffered might be able to attend. One hundred percent of the $25 ticket will go to those in need. "There will be only one arena show we'll do this year and it will be in Nashville," said Brooks.
Further ticketing and concert information will be released at 12 noon Central, Wednesday, November 3rd.
Brooks added, “Nashville is what young people dream of. As Miss Ellen said: disaster is only a disaster until the next one comes along. If you come to Vegas you'll see Garth Brooks and a guitar. If you come to Nashville you’ll see the band and me as you know us with the lighting and sound that you know. We are following in the footsteps of who already set the example. We are all Tennesseans helping Tennessee.”
The announcement was made Thursday morning at the State Capitol Building with
the attendance and support of Governor Bredesen, Senator Lamar Alexander, Senator Bob Corker, Congressman Jim Cooper, Congressman Marsha Blackburn, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
"The generous spirit of the music industry has been a tremendous help in Nashville's recovery, not only through direct financial support of telethons and concerts, but also by showing the world that we're still Music City and that we're open for business," said Dean. "I appreciate Garth for using his talent and resources to bring attention to the ongoing needs of our community and state as we work hard to recover, and for holding an event that will draw visitors from around the country to come experience all that Nashville has to offer."
“For a few flood victims, the journey to rebuilding their lives is complete. For most, however, the work to rebuild their lives and livelihood, their homes, and their broken hearts continues and will continue for months if not years,” said Lehman. “We, as The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, remain grateful for and humbled by every gift we’ve received for flood relief. Garth Brooks’ donation of what may well be a once in a lifetime event will have enormous impact on the ongoing work of recovery and we are grateful.”