Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry of Country Hall of Fame band Alabama were among those present at the BJCC Arena Club to announce BAMA RISING, a benefit concert for Alabama tornado relief taking place at the BJCC Arena on June 14.

Proceeds will benefit the BAMA RISING Fund for statewide tornado recovery being maintained by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (CFGB). Randy Owen and CFGB president Kate Nielsen shared the following comments after the conference. You’ll also hear comments from Birmingham mayor William Bell and a personal story from Owen shared during this morning’s announcement.

This is the third fund being administered by the CFGB for tornado recovery efforts; the first ones were announced on May 5 just before the identity of the winner of the Prize2TheFuture idea competition was unveiled. The band contacted civic leaders in Birmingham a few days after the April 27 tornadoes offering to help with raising awareness and funds for relief efforts.

Among the acts they’ve reached out to to participate in the fundraising event: Rodney Atkins, Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler & Darius Rucker. Bo Bice and Taylor Hicks have also committed to the event. They plan to announce more acts via the event website as they are confirmed.