Benefit Concerts for Hurricane Harvey Victims & How You Can Help

If you live in the U.S., you’ve no doubt heard about Hurricane Harvey, the tropical storm causing catastrophic flooding in southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana.  Tens of thousands of people are displaced in shelters, properties including homes and schools have been severely damaged, and over thirty people have lost their lives. 

For those whose hearts are aching for the victims of the storm, it can feel hard to know what to do to help, especially if you are far from the area of the country affected. A number of organizations have published articles on what to do and how you can help, which we’ve linked to below. 

A few individuals and organizations are using their musical gifts to raise funds to send to those affected by the storm.

Below is a list of the benefit concerts we know of:

• Houston Strong Benefit Concert | Tues, Aug 29th | Dallas, Texas
• GAWVI at Roaring Springs Benefit Concert | Thurs, Aug 31st | Meridian, Idaho
• Capital Region Benefit Concert | Thurs, Aug 31st | Colonie, New York
• Relief Concert for Victims of Hurricane Harvey | Sun, Sept 3 | Baltimore, Maryland
• Hurricane Relief Fundraiser | Fri, Sept 1st | San Antonio, Texas
• Harvey Relief Rave | Fri, Sept 1st | San Antonio, Texas
• Portrayal of Guilt + Bleach Everything Benefit Show | Fri, Sept 1st | San Antonio, Texas
• Rockin’ for Rockport Benefit Concert | Sat, Sept 2 | San Antonio, Texas 

Other arts-related efforts to help Harvey victims & news:

• “Houston native Beyonce planning to aid those hurt by Harvey” Chicago Tribune . Aug 29, 2017
• “Houston’s Theatre District Takes Serious Hit From Harvey” HoustonPress. Aug 29, 2017
• “Watch Coldplay dedicate new song to Harvey victims — and vow never to play it again”  Chicago Tribune. Aug 29, 2017
• “Country Singer to Headline Concert to Benefit Hurricane Harvey Victims” Country Rebel. Aug 2017

Emergency Preparedness for Arts Organization Resources:

• Emergency Resources for Houston Artists – Fresh Arts
• “Readiness planning for the arts” League of American Orchestras. Aug 28, 2017
• ArtsReady, an online emergency preparedness service by and for arts/cultural nonprofits
• ‘Art Became the Oxygen: A Guide to Artistic Response’ free guide by the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture
• “Statement on Hurricane Harvey” by Performing Arts Readiness
• “CERF+ Responds to Tropical Storm Harvey: Safety information, recovery resources and emergency relief for artists” by CERF+ The Artists Safety Net

Below are articles outlining actions you can take to help schools, organizations, and individuals affected by the storm: 

• “Hurricane Harvey: How to Donate Savely and Avoid Charity Scams” The Simple Dollar. Sept 18, 2017
• “Here’s How You Can Help People Affected By Harvey” NPR. Aug 28, 2017
• “7 Ways to Help Schools Affected by Hurricane Harvey” We Are Teachers. Aug 28, 2017
• “Here’s How You Can Help Libraries and Schools Affected by Hurricane Harvey” Literacy World Wide. Aug 28, 2017
• Help People Affected by Hurricane Harvey – Red Cross Donation Site
• “How to Donate Money and Other Aid to Communities of Color in Houston” Colorlines. Aug 29, 2017

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Our thoughts are with our Encore Tours directors and musicians, as well as all affected in the areas hit by the severe weather. 

If you are hosting a benefit concert for those affected by Hurricane Harvey or the severe weather affecting millions in South Asia, please let us know. We will add your efforts to our list.