Robert Earl Keen organizes star-studded benefit concert for Texas Hill Country flood relief

When the July 4 floods devastated Kerr County, longtime Kerrville resident Robert Earl Keen didn’t hesitate to help his neighbors.

The 69-year-old Americana singer-songwriter has organized a star-studded benefit concert featuring Tyler Childers, Miranda Lambert and other major acts to raise money for flood relief efforts in the Texas Hill Country.

“Buc-ee’s Presents Robert Earl Keen and Friends: Applause for the Cause” will take place Aug. 28 at Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

“This is a star-studded lineup with music starting in the mid-afternoon and lasting far into the night,” Keen said. “We must help everyone as much as we can, for as long as we can.”

The concert features an impressive roster of Texas and country music talent, including a special trio performance by Lambert, Jon Randall and Jack Ingram, plus Cross Canadian Ragweed, Randy Rogers, Ryan Bingham, Ray Wylie Hubbard and many others. Keen and Childers will close the show together.

Beaver Aplin, founder of the Texas-based Buc-ee’s travel center chain, is the event’s presenting sponsor and has already pledged $1 million to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to support the relief efforts of so many for our beloved Hill Country,” Aplin said. “The tragedies are beyond belief.”

Tickets go on sale Friday at noon Central Time, with reserved seating priced at $200 and general admission at $99. Attendees can also purchase tickets for local first responders to attend the concert.

Doors open at 3 p.m., with Lloyd Maines and his Austin City Limits Band featuring special guest vocalists opening the show. The concert will also be available for streaming through Veeps.

Keen, who has released 21 albums and written songs recorded by George Strait and The Highwaymen, recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut and performed at the Hollywood Bowl with Childers. He’s also working on a new book and album while hosting his “Americana Podcast: The 51st State.”

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, based in Kerrville, serves 10 counties and has worked to strengthen Hill Country communities since 1982.

For tickets and more information, visit whitewaterrocks.com and robertearlkeen.com.