Fort Worth singer Pat Green and over a dozen country music stars used the healing power of music to raise more than $1 million for families affected by the Texas Hill Country floods.
The “Pat Green and Friends: Texas Flood Relief Livestream” was hosted by The Pat Green Foundation with the Texas Rangers and REV Entertainment at the Comerica Backyard stage of Globe Life Field July 16.
The concert featured performances and appearances from several musicians, including Miranda Lambert, Corey Kent, Cory Morrow, Casey Donahew, Josh Abbott, Ryan Bingham, Eli Young Band, Joe Nichols, Kaitlin Butts, Ty Myers, Kevin Fowler and Mike Ryan. Some of the musical acts performed inside the Arlington stadium while others joined from other locations across the state.
Over 20,000 people tuned into the livestream on YouTube as the public was not permitted to attend the concert in person.
“Texas stands up for Texas,” Green said. “We all look after each other in this big place.”
All proceeds from the concert and livestream will be distributed to Kerr County Relief, Texas Search and Rescue and the Do It For Durrett Foundation via the Pat Green Foundation, directly benefiting impacted families.
Interested in donating to the Pat Green Central Texas Flood Benefit? You may contribute funds here.
Turn sorrow into ‘bright light’
The free benefit concert came nearly two weeks after a devastating Central Texas flood killed more than 130 people, including members of Green’s family. More than 100 people are still missing.
Green lost his brother John Burgess, sister-in-law Julia Anderson Burgess and two nephews in the floods. The family was camping along the Guadalupe River when they were swept away. The couple’s daughter was at a nearby summer camp and was not injured.
The bodies of John and Julia were recovered last week, but the search continues for their two boys.
Singer Pat Green puts on his cowboy hat between performances at the “Pat Green and Friends” benefit concert at Globe Life Field in Arlington July 16, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
Green found out about the death of his family members through a phone call, but declined to share further. His family is navigating the losses by sitting on the couch, crying, laughing and “watching stupid movies and just trying to pedal as fast as we can,” he said.
The idea for the benefit concert came from what the country artist described as a responsibility to use his musical voice to raise awareness for other families across the state.
Green has established himself in the Texas music scene for his blend of traditional and modern country sound. He gained recognition for his 2003 hit song “Wave on Wave” and has sold over 2 million albums.
Beyond his music, he actively supports and advocates for music education by presenting golf tournaments and events through his foundation.
“I’m trying to turn the sorrow into some bright light and hopefully bring some resolution for these families,” Green said.
Spirits lifted through music
The benefit concert started at 6:30 p.m. July 16 with remarks from North Texas radio hosts Mark “Hawkeye” Louis and George Dunham.The floods have rocked the state, Dunham said, but events like the benefit concert shows the community’s resilience.
“Our spirits will be lifted tonight through an incredible night of music and we need it, given the heartbreak we’ve experienced here,” Dunham said.
Green commenced the performances with a powerful rendition of his 1999 song “Take Me Out To a Dancehall.”
The Fort Worth musician said he didn’t know what he was going to sing before hitting the stage. He didn’t prepare a setlist. He wanted to perform naturally and “celebrate their memory.”
That sentiment was strong throughout the night.
Musician Josh Abbott performs during Pat Green’s benefit concert at Globe Life Field in Arlington July 16, 2025. He was one of many country artists who joined Green. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
Each artist who performed honored those lost lives in their own distinct ways. Some opened with words of encouragement, while others went straight into their tunes, letting the music speak for itself.
Frisco-based country singer Corey Kent sent his prayers to “all our Texas families” affected by the flood from the Arlington stage.
Conroe-based artist Parker McCollum, who performed virtually, jumped into singing his song “Big Ol’ Fancy House.”
And even though the seats at Globe Life Field sat empty, the support from thousands watching online echoed from every row.
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports.
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