Chris Stapleton headlined a benefit concert that brought in well over $2.5 million for victims of the recent floods that have ravaged communities in parts of Kentucky.
The sold-out show called “Kentucky Rising” took place in Lexington, Kentucky, on Tuesday (Oct. 11) night. Stapleton with Dwight Yoakam and Tyler Childers were on the bill. Some special surprise guests turned out to help raise money for flood relief. They included Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs, S.G. Goodman, and University of Kentucky football coach Mark Stoop.
The star-studded lineup of country artists took the stage separately to play a round of chart-topping hits for a packed crowd of well over 13,000 people, who filled out the Bluegrass State’s Rupp arena. Loveless joined Stapleton for two songs – “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” and “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am.”
Yoakam and Stapleton also shared the stage for a duet on “Miner’s Pray,” from Yoakam’s debut Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. And that’s not all. Stapleton also paired up with Childers on “Follow You To Virgie.” He even teamed with Skaggs on a first-time duet of “Bury Me Beneath the Willow.”
The magical evening was a four-hour night to remember that will go down in history for so many folks. And, to close out the show, all of the talented artists returned to the stage as a group to sing a memorable rendition of John Prine’s “Paradise” as a finale.
In late July 2022, according to the Associated Press, storms devastated large areas of St. Louis and Eastern Kentucky, destroying homes, businesses, and personal belongings. The deadly rain not only robbed people of their possessions but also left individuals unaccounted for and took the lives of more than 40 people.
One hundred percent of the money raised from “Kentucky Rising” will now benefit the Kentucky Rising Fund, working alongside the Blue Grass Community Foundation. To help assist with ongoing relief and recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky, the money raised will be distributed to families and various organizations impacted by the storms. While the amount of recovery needed is still unknown, the money already raised thanks to the success of “Kentucky Rising” will provide some aid as people begin to rebuild what was lost in the floods.
As previously shared, the “Kentucky Rising” event was capped and sold out. But, those who weren’t able to attend can still catch the show, which is available for on-demand purchase until 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, (Oct 13) via Veeps. In addition to that, many fans who did see the benefit concert live took to social media afterward to share their experience and deep appreciation for all of the help that’s been done to save areas that were affected by high waters.
During his set list, Stapleton graced the stage with tunes like “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Nobody To Blame,” “You Should Probably Leave” and more. He also shared his gratitude for folks who attended the show for a good cause.
“Thanks for coming out tonight for a good cause, help some folks out that need some help,” the Kentucky native told the crowd, according to WKYT.com. “That’s what we do here in Kentucky. It’s a wonderful feeling, people doing good things for good reasons.”
Stapleton, who is up for 2022 CMA Entertainer of the Year, is currently on his 2022 All-American Road Show tour, which wraps on October 28.
