Country music stars announce Alberta flood benefit concert

Some of the biggest stars in country music are coming together to organize a benefit concert and telethon for the victims of flooding in southern Alberta.

Albertans George Canyon, Paul Brandt and Tom Jackson will be among those performers taking part in the performance to support victims and celebrate the spirit of all those affected by flooding.

"It's an unbelievable experience to help somebody, and there are a lot of people who need help," said Tom Jackson, who is also producing and organizing the show."Although we don't always have a vehicle to help others, a lot of us are searching for vehicles so we have to do what we can, and this is something I know how to do."

One of the reasons Jackson wanted to organize the concert stems from his involvement in the 1997 Red River floods.

Floodwaters spread almost five kilometres inland, causing more than $3.5-billion in damage.

Jackson was asked to help organize a benefit concert to help thoseflood victims, which went on to raise $800,000 in one night.

He says it's an experience he never thought would happen to Alberta.

"I never thought of Calgary like that, I never thought of Alberta like that," said Jackson. "My whole world changed in an instant."

Tickets go on sale July 20 and the concert will take place Aug. 4 at the Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster and at the Jubilee Auditorium.

Proceeds go to the Calgary Foundation's fund for infrastructure redevelopment in southern Alberta communities.