CONCERTS FOR A CAUSE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
In the last couple of months, we have been tried and tested as a nation. First we were struck with the horrific Boston Marathon bombing. As we tried to pick up the pieces, Mother Nature’s anger wreaked havoc on Oklahoma with a tornado that leveled the small city of Moore and shook the souls of its hard-working residents.
If there is one thing that can always brighten spirits in times of turmoil it is music. Music can have an even larger impact when it draws individuals together letting the forlorn know that they are never alone.
On Wednesday, May 29, 2013, a country music superstar and a long-time resident of Oklahoma, Blake Shelton, brought fellow artists together to hold a concert benefit for Oklahoma tornado victims. The name “Healing In The Heartland: Relief Benefit Concert” says it all. The event took place at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
The performances were filled with sincerity to assist those that lost everything within an instant. The arena packed a sold-out crowd coming to support fellow Americans. Those artists that decided to participate were Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Vince Gill, One Republic’s Ryan Tedder, Usher and of course, Shelton’s talented wife, Miranda Lambert. It was an evening of memorable moments. We see them every week as judges on the hit series, ‘The Voice’, but now the dynamic duo of Blake Shelton and Usher closed the evening with a touching duet which was co-written and recorded by Michael Buble. The compassionate song was called ‘Home’. Not only did the concert raise much needed funds of close to $6 million for a city suffering from the loss of 24 people (7 were children) and millions of dollars of property, but it gave these victims the energy and determination to trudge ahead to find the light at the end of the tunnel. The love could be felt throughout the venue and throughout the musical evening of generosity.
One night later, another successful concert was held at TD Garden in Boston in support of the Boston bombing victims. This event was called “Boston Strong: An Evening of Support and Celebration.” Approximately $1.5 million was raised for the cause. The money will go into the One Fund Boston, a fund set up by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to help those most affected by the terrible tragedy. Big names such as Aerosmith, Jason Aldean, Boston, Jimmy Buffett, Dane Cook, Extreme, Godsmack, The J. Geils Band, Carole King, New Kids On the Block, James Taylor and Steven Wright all took part. The outpouring of support was overwhelming and that passionate spirit has not faltered even after the ordeal.
The concert only served to solidify the resiliency of Boston residents. Perhaps the symbolic song “Come Together” was an appropriate theme song. Boyz II Men joined New Kids On the Block in a tribute to all those that were killed in the attack. The song was “One Sweet Day.” Although the victims are still trying to erase the bad memories of that dreadful day and move forward and heal, progress is being made and new everlasting friendships have been created.
Both these powerful concerts drew energetic crowds. The importance of caring and bonding together has never been so realistic as at this particular time. Two historic concerts have made history and highlighted that these victims are not alone. The goal of trying to return to some type of normalcy is that much closer.
PHOTO CREDITS: CBS and NBC News
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