When a tornado tore through Mayfield, Kentucky on December 10, 58 people lost their lives, and countless homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. Now, Steven Curtis Chapman and Ricky Skaggs, both Kentucky natives, are combining their talents to co-headline a benefit concert, with all proceeds going to Samaritan’s Purse to help aid in recovery efforts.
“As a boy who was born and raised in Paducah, Kentucky, (and spent a lot of my childhood in Mayfield), I have been broken-hearted to see the devastation caused by the tornadoes that swept through my home state back in December,” says Chapman. “I’ve been praying for the folks back home and have wanted to find a way to encourage them and show them some love. So I reached out to my ‘bluegrass big brother’ and fellow Kentuckian, Ricky Skaggs, and said, ‘Let’s go play some music and try to raise some money to love on the people there”…and thankfully he agreed!”
“I’m really glad to be coming back again to help the people of Mayfield, Kentucky,” Skaggs adds. “I came with Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse on Christmas Eve, but I knew I just had to come back. My heart broke when I saw the devastation. This benefit concert will be a great opportunity for the people of Kentucky and the surrounding states to come and help our neighbors that have lost so much. Bring your friends and help all you can, as they really need us right now.”
Jason Crabb and Larry Stewart will also take part in the live event.
“I am a Kentucky boy, through and through,” Crabb says. “The moment I heard about the destruction and loss of life from the tornados, I went to help. Thankfully, great friends and organizations like Jentezen Franklin, God’s Pit Crew and Samaritan’s Purse jumped right in. And now, my friends – and fellow Kentucky brothers – Steven Curtis Chapman and Ricky Skaggs are pitching in to help even more people through this benefit concert. I sure hope you’ll come out, open up your hearts and join us to make a difference. It’s going to take all of us to rebuild,”
The concert will take place on February 20, at Heartland Church in Paducah. More artists are expected to be announced. Tickets are available here.