ALABAMA, other huge names announce "Bama Rising" concert

 BIRMINGHAM, AL -The country music community will unite to assist victims of the tornados that ravaged Alabama on April 27^th.  "BAMA RISING: A Benefit Concert for Alabama Tornado Recovery," presented by Verizon, will take place at Birmingham's BJCC Arena on Tuesday, June 14^th.
It will feature performances by ALABAMA, who is spearheading the event, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Sheryl Crow and numerous other artists.
ALABAMA's Randy Owen, speaking on behalf of the group, states, "My hope is that this will bring happiness and help to my fellow citizens in Alabama.  I believe it's extremely important that we do this benefit, and I want everyone in the state to feel like they are part of it.  I hope we all can pull together to help get through the worst natural disaster I've ever seen in Alabama.  I appreciate my friends in country music, everyone that's been involved, and anyone that's helped in any way."
The Bama Rising Fund has been established at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to support long-term recovery statewide in the wake of the April 2011 tornadoes that devastated Alabama. Decisions about how to deploy Bama Rising concert proceeds and gifts to the Bama Rising Fund will be made by an advisory committee including representatives of the artists, promoters and the Community Foundation.
Kate Nielsen, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham : "We are pleased to serve as the philanthropic partner for the talented artists who are committed to our state's recovery through the Bama Rising concert. A sell-out crowd will help the Bama Rising team raise significant dollars for long-term recovery efforts across Alabama and show our citizens that we are committed to their future."
Verizon has signed on as presenting sponsor for the event.
Jeff Mango, president – Georgia/Alabama Region, Verizon Wireless: "The community's response to the devastating tornadoes in Alabama has been truly inspiring, and we know that a natural disaster of this magnitude requires that response be sustained—so that the people in the community can thrive and in some cases, rebuild.  That is why we are so proud to be involved in Bama Rising. Thanks to the generosity of so many who want to help, this unforgettable event will bring together people from across the great state of Alabama and beyond to support their friends, business associates and neighbors as they work for a common cause – to rebuild."
In addition to ticket sales, funds will be raised through corporate sponsorships of the event.  For information on becoming a corporate sponsor, please contact Jay Wilson at Red Mountain Entertainment – 205.585.2531 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              205.585.2531      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or jay@redmountainentertainment.com.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 20^th, at 11:00AM CST at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices will range from $25 to $150. VIP packages will also be available. Visit www.bamarising.org for more details. Bama Rising is presented by Red Mountain Entertainment and AEG Live/The Messina Group. Corporate sponsors include Verizon, Bravado, Zeekee Interactive, Bill Young Productions, Tour Design and Ticketmaster.
"BAMA RISING"
Confirmed performers (in alphabetical order):
Alabama
Rodney Atkins
Dierks Bentley
Bo Bice
Luke Bryan
Sheryl Crow
Sara Evans
Taylor Hicks
Little Big Town
Martina McBride
Montgomery Gentry
David Nail
Jake Owen
Brad Paisley
Kellie Pickler
Darius Rucker
Ashton Shepherd
Confirmed special guests:
Jay Barker –University of Alabama (former football player and current radio personality)