In the wake of devastating flash floods that tragically swept through Central Texas, the country music community joined forces for a powerful display of solidarity and support. The “United We Sound: Together for Texas” benefit concert, held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Hoot’s Hall in Burleson, brought together an impressive roster of artists to raise critical funds for flood relief and reentry programs.
The Devastation of the July 4th Floods
The summer of 2025 was marred by catastrophic flooding that struck Central Texas, with Kerr County bearing the brunt of the disaster. Torrential rains, delivering an estimated 10 to 12 inches of water in just a few hours on July 4th, overwhelmed the region, unleashing over 100 billion gallons of water. This deluge caused the Guadalupe River to swell dramatically, leading to immense destruction and a profound loss of life. Reports indicate that over 130 lives were lost across the affected areas, with Kerr County alone accounting for a significant majority of these fatalities. The tragedy was particularly acute at Camp Mystic, a beloved retreat in Hunt, Texas, where the floods claimed the lives of 25 campers and two counselors, leaving families shattered and a community in mourning. The sheer volume of rain and the rapid rise of water transformed familiar landscapes into treacherous torrents, carrying debris, vehicles, and even structures downstream, creating a scene of widespread devastation.
Country Music’s Response: A Symphony of Support
In response to the widespread suffering and the urgent need for aid, the spirit of Texas resilience shone through as artists from the country music scene stepped forward. The “United We Sound: Together for Texas” benefit concert emerged as a significant event in the larger landscape of relief efforts, featuring a comprehensive lineup of musicians dedicated to supporting the recovery.
The concert, hosted at Hoot’s Hall in Burleson, was designed as a full-day event, with doors opening at noon and music playing from 3:00 PM until midnight. This gathering was more than just a series of performances; it was billed as a “rallying cry,” a chance for the community to come together, raise their voices, and make a tangible difference for their fellow Texans impacted by the floods. The event aimed to channel the collective power of music into meaningful assistance for those rebuilding their lives.
Headlining Stars and Diverse Talent
The “United We Sound” concert boasted an ambitious lineup, featuring approximately 28 artists who donated their time and talents. Headlining the event was Kix Brooks, one half of the legendary country duo Brooks & Dunn, lending his star power to the cause. Also gracing the stage were acclaimed artists such as Bryan White, known for his multiple number-one hits; Mark Collie, a respected singer-songwriter; and Tony Jackson, among many others. The diverse roster included Ghosts of Hill County, Briana Calhoun, Matt Castillo, Aaron Copeland, Chancie Neal, Kimberly Kelly, Will Bannister, Jay Boy Adams, William Wallace, Dalton Torres, Koby Allen, Casey Chesnutt, Dirt Road Troubadours, Conner Haynie, Jesse Jennings, Ella Grace Francis, Landon Elmore, Kate Watson, Bryce Beene, Brett Watts, and Brett Tyler. This extensive collection of music artists underscored the widespread commitment within the industry to aiding Texas.
Hope on the Inside and United Cajun Navy: Pillars of Relief
The concert was officially sponsored by “Hope on the Inside,” an organization co-founded by Kix Brooks and Briana Calhoun. While “Hope on the Inside” primarily focuses on empowering individuals through rehabilitation and personal growth, particularly those transitioning from incarceration, its involvement in this disaster relief effort highlighted a broader commitment to community welfare. Briana Calhoun, who has shared her personal story of overcoming adversity, brought her unique perspective to the initiative.
Crucially, the event served as a benefit for the United Cajun Navy (UCN), a volunteer-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing disaster relief and essential supplies during and after natural disasters. Captain Kev (LaFond), commander of the UCN, emphasized the event’s role in showing the people of Kerr County how much North Texas cares. The UCN has been actively involved in helping Kerr County residents since the initial aftermath of the floods, making them a vital partner in the recovery process.
Benefiting Kerr County and Beyond
All net proceeds from the “United We Sound: Together for Texas” concert were designated to directly support the United Cajun Navy and the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund (KCFRF). This ensured that the funds raised would provide tangible assistance to those in dire need, aiding in the long process of rebuilding homes, restoring infrastructure, and offering reentry programs for individuals and families displaced or severely impacted by the floods. The commitment to channeling 100% of the net proceeds to these beneficiaries underscored the event’s genuine intent to make a significant impact.
A Community United
The “United We Sound: Together for Texas” concert was more than just a fundraising music event; it was a testament to the unwavering spirit and solidarity of the Texas community. In the face of unimaginable loss and widespread destruction, the convergence of country music artists, dedicated charities, and a supportive audience demonstrated a powerful collective effort to bring hope and healing. The music offered a soundtrack to resilience, reminding those affected that they were not alone and that their community stood with them.
The success of this large-scale music event contributed to a broader wave of support across Texas, with many other benefit concerts and charitable initiatives by prominent artists like George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett, and Michael Martin Murphey also raising vital funds. “United We Sound” played a significant role in amplifying the message of hope and in providing much-needed resources, serving as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites for a common cause.
