Bama Rising

Bama Rising was a benefit concert for recovery from the April 2011 tornado outbreak held at the BJCC Arena on June 14, 2011. Proceeds went to the Bama Rising Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Organization of the concert was spearheaded by country group Alabama.

Except for the more expensive VIP packages, tickets to the show sold out prior to the concert. Most acts performed two songs, although Alabama had more. The show also included pre-recorded videos from comedian Whoopi Goldberg and Birmingham native Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State.

Additional funds will be raised from online sales of "Raising Alabama," a new song by Alabama that debuted at the show, plus t-shirt sales and an online auction featuring memorabilia donated by various celebrities. It was later estimated that the combined efforts of the benefit raised $2.2 million.

Performing artists

Alabama Rodney Atkins Dierks Bentley Bo Bice The Blind Boys of Alabama Luke Bryan The Commodores

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

References

• Colurso, Mary. (June 14, 2011). "Bama Rising concert in Birmingham unites stars, aims at more than $1 million for tornado relief." The Birmingham News.
• Waddell, Ray. (June 15, 2011). "Alabama, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow Help Bama Rising Raise Over $2 Million For Tornado Benefit." Billboard.

External links

• Bama Rising website