Music stars help wildfire survivors

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Thousands turned out for the event 'Fire Relief: Concert for Central Texas.' Many waited in line outside the Erwin Center before the doors opened.

“It's a good cause and we came down to support that,” said Danny Buckner.

“[It] means a lot to all of us and Bastrop is an important part of the Austin community, and so we want to see this thing succeed and want to help these people out as much as possible,” said Scott Sayers.

"Friday Nights Light" actor Kyle Chandler, along with fillmmaker and actor Turk Pipkin, opened the show and hosted the event.

“A big hand goes out to everyone and our heart goes out to the people going through the hardship of that right now and this is just a fantastic event. Let's have a great time tonight,” Chandler said as he helped introduce the first performer, Christopher Cross.

Between set changes, videos and tributes the wildfire volunteers, firefighters and survivors would play on the monitors.

“We're from Bastrop. It's our hometown. We came in support. It's a really great concert these guys are putting on for everybody,” said Tiffany Yates, who came out to the concert from Bastrop with her mother.

“Anything can help them, but this is the best thing they can do,” said Tiffany's mother, Rachel.

“We had some individuals that were under-insured or didn't have insurance. So, this is just hope for them," said Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald. "We're excited as we move down the road to recovery. To have the musicians and community come together to help these families that's what Texas is all about and Bastrop County is all about”

It's been six weeks since the wildfires began in Bastrop, which destroyed 1,670 homes and 40 businesses.

The fire also burned down 40 businesses and destroyed most of Bastrop State Park. An estimated 1.5 million trees have been lost.

And that’s why the music world is coming together Monday night to raise money to help with the recovery efforts.

"Eric Johnson, Ray Benson and I and several other people said, 'Let's do something,'" said Pipkin, who's also the organizer of Fire Relief: The Concert for Central Texas .

Pipkin called buddies Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett, who decided a concert would make for a perfect fundraiser.

Next thing they knew George Strait, The Dixie Chicks, Asleep at the Wheel, Christopher Cross, Terri Hendrix, Joe Satriani, Texas Tornados and the Randy Rogers Band also signed on.

"Eventually, the bill got so big the Erwin Center was the only place to do the show," said Pipkin.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Austin Community Foundation.

"It's a great organization who knows how to get the most bang for the buck and get it into the right hands," said Pipkin.

For those who can’t attend, donations are being accepted via text.

"You can text a $10 donation to Central Texas fire relief," said Pipkin. "84465, and you send the word 'FIRE,' and it will go on your cell phone bill."

Tickets for the concert started at $25 but sold out. Other tickets ranging in the $250 range for VIP were still available late in the day.

Nearly 14,800 people planned to attend the event, and the goal was to raise $500,000.