Country Legends Alabama Headline Benefit Concert to Combat Homelessness in Austin

by Sara Aguinaga on November 20, 2024 in Entertainment, Music,
Share

The Moody Center will host a night to remember on Dec. 5 when Alabama and The Bellamy Brothers bring their “Roll On II North American Tour” to Austin. 

Concert for a Cause

Thanks to a partnership with Stand Together and Red River Rising, this first-of-its-kind benefit concert brings together multi-platinum country rock group Alabama and special guests The Bellamy Brothers for a purpose-driven performance at Austin’s acclaimed Moody Center. With all net ticket revenue benefiting Mobile Loaves & Fishes, an Austin nonprofit addressing homelessness, the event reflects a powerful union of music, community and philanthropy. 

Ashleigh Wayland, media relations director for Stand Together, shared, “Our hope is to engage concertgoers by connecting them to an organization driving real change, so if they feel compelled to get involved, volunteer, or donate, they know a trusted nonprofit to engage with.”

Country Superstars with a Heart for Philanthropy

Alabama’s enduring appeal lies in their authenticity and connection to their Southern roots, expressed through songs like “Mountain Music” and “Song of the South” that resonate with everyday Americans. From their humble beginnings in Fort Payne, Alabama, cousins Teddy Gentry, Randy Owen and the late Jeff Cook rose from cotton fields to superstardom, ultimately selling over 80 million albums and earning a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Beyond their music, the band is passionate about giving back, raising millions through initiatives like Randy Owen’s “Country Cares for Kids” radiothon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Their participation in this benefit concert is another chapter in their long history of supporting meaningful causes.

What is Stand Together?

Stand Together is a philanthropic community that’s dedicated to addressing America’s most pressing social issues, such as poverty, homelessness and economic opportunity, through creative partnerships. In May 2024, they expanded their collaboration with Oak View Group (OVG), becoming OVG’s exclusive Social Impact Partner in Austin. This partnership aims to support causes across the city, including hosting annual benefit concerts at the Moody Center to raise awareness and engage the community in solving local challenges.

Red River Rising: Supporting Austin’s Roots

Red River Rising, a community platform initiative launched by OVG and supported by Stand Together, centers on three pillars: empowering local musicians, preserving the iconic Red River music district and addressing housing insecurity. 

To support musicians on tour, Stand Together and Red River Rising have created a wellness room at the Moody Center, where artists can access yoga, smoothies and massage services, helping them feel at home while they perform in Austin. Since its launch in May, the wellness room has become a popular backstage sanctuary for artists, enhancing their experience in the Live Music Capital of the World.

Mobile Loaves & Fishes: A Community-Driven Approach to Homelessness

Founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Alan Graham. Photo courtesy Mobile Loaves & Fishes.

Founded in 1998, Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a nonprofit with a community-centered movement focused on creating a supportive, family-like environment for people who have experienced chronic homelessness. The organization’s core programs reflect a holistic approach:

  • Truck Ministry: This daily program uses food trucks to distribute meals, clothing and essentials to people on Austin’s streets.
  • Community First! Village: A 51-acre master-planned community currently housing nearly 400 formerly homeless individuals, providing shelter and a sense of belonging.
  • Community Works: This program supports residents by offering job opportunities in organic farming, ceramics and jewelry-making, generating over $1.5 million in dignified income for residents in 2023 alone.
An aerial view of the Community First! Village. Photo courtesy Mobile Loaves & Fishes.

With plans to expand Community First! Village to nearly 2,000 homes, Mobile Loaves & Fishes stands poised to support nearly half of Austin’s homeless population.  The concert proceeds will help fuel this compelling mission, linking the night’s entertainment directly to meaningful community impact.

Music’s Impact on Community

Food served to those in need by the Truck Ministry. Photo courtesy Mobile Loaves & Fishes.

This partnership between Stand Together, Red River Rising and Mobile Loaves & Fishes highlights the transformative power of music to unite communities. Ashleigh reflects, “Historically, music has driven culture and accelerated change. Music brings people together, and in that unity, we have the opportunity to drive real change.”

As Alabama and The Bellamy Brothers take the stage, concertgoers will enjoy world-class performances and become part of a larger movement to support Austin’s homeless population. To join the movement, purchase your tickets for this special benefit concert today. Visit the Moody Center’s website to secure your spot and learn more about how you can get involved.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover photo courtesy Alabama

Sara Aguinaga is a dedicated massage therapist and editorial contributor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She loves indulging in spa treatments, exploring diverse cuisines, and traveling. Follow her on Instagram @sweetsaraadventures