Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum Raise Over $8.5 Million for Central Texas Flood Relief with ‘Band Together Texas’ Benefit

Artists, actors and athletes from Texas joined country superstars Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum on Sunday evening (Aug. 17) for “Band Together Texas” at Austin’s Moody Center. The event paid tribute to the lives lost in the Central Texas floods while also celebrating the everyday heroes and first responders who saved so many others. Benefiting The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Central Texas Community Foundation, it has already raised more than $8.5 million (and counting!). 

The sold-out show lasted nearly three hours and was broadcast live on iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, YouTube, Facebook, and nugs.net, encouraging fans to contribute to ongoing relief efforts.

Matthew McConaughey made a special appearance to open the show with a monologue detailing the importance of the event. 

“The devastating floods that took so many lives, businesses and homes last month broke a lot of hearts. As that day gets further away into the distance of our rearview mirror, it’s only natural that our concern and attention recede just like those flood waters—but we must remember, for the families who suffered, they are just beginning the lengthy journey to rebuild their lives,” he shared. ​​”Tonight is about restoration… we are here to revive–Because even in the hardest times, we have to believe in the power of joy. So while we honor the heavy truths that brought us here, we will also celebrate the light that must continue to shine.”

The show officially opened with Lambert and McCollum performing the George Strait classic “True.” 

“Thank you Austin, Texas for showing up tonight. Thank you, everybody, for tuning in and showing up for us. We are banding together as Texans tonight,” Lambert told the crowd. “It’s going to be a magical night of music, and for an amazing cause. My buddy Parker and I, we called each other right away and we asked, ‘What can we do? We can sing, so let’s go sing.’ And that’s what we’re doing tonight!”

Throughout the evening, Lambert and McCollum welcomed a slew of artists to the stage, including Wade Bowen, Dylan Gossett, Jack Ingram, Ronnie Dunn, Lukas Nelson, and Pat Green. Additionally, actor Dennis Quaid; former UT Longhorns coach Mack Brown and players Emmanuel Acho, Colt McCoy and Vince Young; MLB star and Houston native Roger Clemens; television host and Dallas native Chris Harrison; and Austin-based fashion designer Kendra Scott shared stories honoring courage and strength in the Hill Country.  

“I’d like to give a shout out to Miranda Lambert, she’s the whole reason all of this is going on,” McCollum said from the stage. “She texted me right away and asked, ‘What can we do?’ I said, ‘I’ll do anything I could ever possibly do to help these people.’ So, good on all of y’all for being here on a Sunday night. I’ve never been more proud to be born and raised in the great state of Texas than I am tonight.”

The evening also highlighted the bravery of first responders. Scott honored Razor Dobbs, public information officer for the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department, along with Fire Chief Charles Holt. Harrison extended recognition to the Texas Game Wardens who were in attendance.

Making a surprise appearance at “Band Together Texas” was Jason Aldean, who performed at the Moody Center the night before. He generously donated his stage and production crew for the event and took the stage to perform “She’s Country” and a duet of “Amarillo Sky” with Lambert. 

“Thank you guys so much. Yeah, I had to stay an extra day here in Austin, I can’t think of a better cause to be here for than this,” Aldean stated. “Huge thank you to Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum for doing this tonight.”

“Jason was here last night, as you already know, but he left all of his stuff for us to use, and stayed an extra day to sing a song for us, so you’re an honorary Texan tonight, friend,” Lambert declared. 

The show concluded with an all-star performance of  “On The Road Again.”

“Band Together Texas” Set List: 

“True” – Parker McCollum & Miranda Lambert

“Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert

“The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert

“A Beautiful World” – Wade Bowen

“Nothin’ But Texas” – Wade Bowen

“Tree Birds” – Dylan Gossett

“Don’t Cry A Tear” – Lyle Lovett

“South Texas Girl” – Lyle Lovett

“Waltz Across Texas” – Lukas Nelson & Pat Green

“Just Outside of Austin” – Lukas Nelson & Pat Green

“Solid Country Gold” – Parker McCollum

“Handle on You” – Parker McCollum

“Tin Man” – Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Jack Ingram

“Times Like These” – Jack Ingram

“Keep On Keepin’ On” – Jack Ingram

“Keep On Moving” – Jon Randall

“Girls From Texas” – Jon Randall

“Buy Myself a Chance” – Randy Rogers & Brady Black

“In My Arms Instead” – Randy Rogers & Brady Black

“Hallelujah” – Ryan Bingham

“Nobody Knows My Trouble” – Ryan Bingham

“She’s Country” – Jason Aldean

“Amarillo Sky” – Jason Aldean & Miranda Lambert

“Neon Moon” – Ronnie Dunn

“Believe” – Ronnie Dunn with The Levites

“Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson

“Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson

“How Great Thou Art” – Cody Johnson

“On The Road Again” – All Sing