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On July 4, 2025, the Texas Hill Country was struck by catastrophic flooding, leaving communities like Kerrville reeling from unprecedented devastation. The floods claimed at least 134 lives, with over 100 people still missing, and caused widespread destruction, particularly in Kerr County, where Kerrville native and country music legend Robert Earl Keen calls home. In response to this tragedy, Keen has organized a monumental benefit concert, “Buc-ee’s Presents Robert Earl Keen and Friends: Applause for the Cause,” set for August 28, 2025, at the Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, Texas. With a star-studded lineup and a mission to support the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, this event promises to be a powerful gathering of music and solidarity.
A Heartfelt Response to Tragedy
The flooding that swept through the Texas Hill Country was a disaster of unimaginable scale. Kerrville, a tight-knit community, was among the hardest hit, with entire neighborhoods submerged and cherished local landmarks, like the festival grounds of Kerrville’s annual Fourth on the River celebration, destroyed. The tragedy struck a personal chord with Keen, whose two daughters attended Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp in Hunt, Texas, where 27 campers and counselors lost their lives. “My hometown, Kerrville, Texas, was hit especially hard, and the loss of life there has touched everyone in Kerr County and beyond,” Keen shared in a heartfelt video on social media.
Moved by the overwhelming need for recovery, Keen quickly mobilized to organize a benefit concert to aid his neighbors and support long-term rebuilding efforts. Partnering with Buc-ee’s, a beloved Texas institution that has already pledged $1 million to flood recovery, Keen’s initiative reflects the resilient spirit of Texans coming together in times of crisis. “We must help everyone as much as we can, for as long as we can,” he vowed, emphasizing the urgency of the relief efforts.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Announced on July 16, 2025, the lineup for “Applause for the Cause” is nothing short of spectacular, featuring some of the biggest names in Texas country and Americana music. The concert will be headlined by Robert Earl Keen and Tyler Childers, who will share a closing set, promising an unforgettable finale. The bill also includes a special performance by Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram, reuniting the trio behind 2021’s acclaimed The Marfa Tapes. This collaboration alone is a major draw, blending Lambert’s star power with the raw, storytelling style of Randall and Ingram.
The roster extends far beyond these headliners, creating what Keen describes as “a star-studded lineup with music starting in the mid-afternoon and lasting far into the night.” Other confirmed performers include Cross Canadian Ragweed, Cody Jinks, Ryan Bingham, Randy Rogers, Sarah Jarosz, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Hayes Carll, and Jamestown Revival. The event will also feature Aaron Watson, Catie Offerman, Cleto Cordero, George Strait, Jamey Johnson, Jason Boland, Josh Abbott, Josh Weathers, Kat Hasty, Kazimi, Kelsey Waldon, Kolton Moore, Kyle Park, Lloyd Maines, Pat Green, Pug Johnson, Radney Foster, Rob Baird, Terry Allen, Vincent Neil Emerson, and William Clark Green. Lloyd Maines and his Austin City Limits band will back various guest vocalists, adding to the collaborative spirit of the event.
This lineup is a testament to the deep roots of the Texas music scene, bringing together legends, rising stars, and local heroes. “This event will be like a gathering of the tribes of Texas music,” Keen told Saving Country Music, highlighting the communal effort to support a region in need.
Event Details and Impact
Scheduled for August 28, 2025, at the Whitewater Amphitheater along the Guadalupe River, the concert will run from 3:00 PM into the late evening, offering a festival-like experience. Tickets go on sale July 18, 2025, at 12 PM CT, with reserved seating priced at $200 and general admission at $99. Attendees can also purchase tickets for first responders, a thoughtful gesture to honor those who worked tirelessly during the floods. Every cent of ticket sales will go directly to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, ensuring that funds reach those most affected.
Buc-ee’s sponsorship underscores the event’s significance, with the company’s founder, Beaver Aplin, stating, “The tragedies are beyond belief. Buc-ee’s teaming with Robert Earl Keen and frends for this benefit concert just seemed like the right thing to do.” Additional sponsors, including Whitewater Amphitheater, Miller Pro AVL, C.C. Creations, and Dorothy Nottingham, have also stepped up to support the cause.
A Broader MovementKeen’s concert is part of a larger wave of support from the Texas music community. Artists like Pat Green, who lost family members in the floods, have also organized relief efforts, including a livestream concert at Globe Life Field featuring Lambert, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Dierks Bentley, and others. Selena Gomez has pledged an undisclosed donation to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, encouraging her fans to contribute. Meanwhile, Keen is donating 100% of his tour merchandise sales to the same foundation, amplifying his commitment to recovery efforts.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill County, a 501(c)(3) charity, has been a focal point for donations, ensuring that funds are directed to vetted local response and recovery initiatives. The foundation’s work is critical, as the region faces a long road to rebuilding, with over 160 people still missing and countless families displaced.
A Call to Action
“Applause for the Cause” is more than a concert—it’s a rallying cry for Texans and music fans everywhere to come together in support of a devastated community. Keen’s deep ties to Kerrville, where he was born and raised, make this event deeply personal. His daughters’ connection to Camp Mystic and his own history with the region’s cultural landmarks, like the Fourth on the River celebration, underscore the urgency of his mission.
As Keen told Rolling Stone, his priority was “ensuring the musical intent was solid,” and the lineup reflects that commitment, blending raw talent with heartfelt purpose. The concert promises not only a day of incredible music but also a chance to honor the resilience of the Texas Hill Country. For those unable to attend, donations to the Community Foundation or the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund offer other ways to contribute.
Looking Ahead
The Texas Hill Country floods have left scars that will take years to heal, but events like “Applause for the Cause” shine a light on the power of community and music to drive change. Robert Earl Keen, with his unparalleled lineup and unwavering dedication, is leading the charge to ensure that Kerrville and its neighbors are not forgotten. As the August 28 date approaches, anticipation is building for a night that will celebrate Texas music while providing critical support to those in need. For tickets and more information, visit the Whitewater Amphitheater website, and join the effort to turn sorrow into hope for the Texas Hill Country.
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