Watch: Band Together Texas – The Full Show
“Band Together Texas” transformed Austin’s Moody Center into a statewide show of heart and harmony, uniting Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Jason Aldean, Cody Johnson, Ronnie Dunn, Ryan Bingham, Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Wade Bowen, and more to honor lives lost in the Central Texas floods and celebrate the first responders who saved countless others. Benefitting the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Central Texas Community Foundation, the sold-out event has raised over $8.5 million and counting, and delivered a night of music, remembrance, and Texas grit.
Quick Highlights: Band Together Texas at a Glance
- Total raised: $8.5M+ for flood relief and long-term recovery
- Where/when: Moody Center, Austin, Texas (Sunday night)
- Beneficiaries: Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country; Central Texas Community Foundation
- Livestreamed on: iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, YouTube, Facebook, nugs.net
- Performances: 29 songs across nearly three hours, culminating in an all-star “On The Road Again”
- Special guests & speakers: Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid, Mack Brown, Emmanuel Acho, Colt McCoy, Vince Young, Roger Clemens, Chris Harrison, Kendra Scott
Why Band Together Texas Mattered
Band Together Texas wasn’t just a concert, it was an act of collective recovery. In the wake of devastating floods across the Hill Country and Central Texas, artists, athletes, actors, and community leaders united to rally donations, spotlight local heroes, and keep national attention on families beginning the long journey back.
- Mission: Immediate relief and sustained support for impacted communities
- Tone: A balance of solemn remembrance and life-affirming celebration
- Community focus: First responders, survivors, and everyday Texans at the heart of the story
A Night of Remembrance and Resolve
Matthew McConaughey Sets the Intention
Opening with a thoughtful monologue, Matthew McConaughey centered the evening on restoration, urging Texans not to let concern recede with the floodwaters and reminding the crowd that recovery has only just begun.
Wade Bowen’s In Memoriam Tribute
Introduced by Miranda Lambert, Red Dirt mainstay Wade Bowen delivered an acoustic “A Beautiful World” while names, images, and video tributes to flood victims filled the arena, one of the night’s most powerful, reflective moments.
Honoring First Responders and Everyday Heroes
- Emmanuel Acho welcomed Camp Mystic counselor Ainslie Bashara, whose heroic actions helped save 16 lives.
- Kendra Scott saluted Razor Dobbs (PIO, Center Point Volunteer Fire Department) and Fire Chief Charles Holt.
- Chris Harrison acknowledged Texas Game Wardens on site.
- Additional reflections came from Dennis Quaid, Mack Brown, Colt McCoy, Vince Young, and Roger Clemens, underscoring the statewide spirit behind Band Together Texas.
Standout Performances: Texas Country at Its Best
Miranda Lambert & Parker McCollum Kick Things Off
Band Together Texas began with a nod to George Strait as Parker McCollum and Miranda Lambert teamed up on “True.” Lambert rolled into “Bluebird” and “The House That Built Me,” setting an intimate tone before turning the spotlight to remembrance. McCollum followed with “Solid Country Gold” and “Handle On You,” praising Lambert for spearheading the event and celebrating the pride of being Texas-born.
A Surprise Boost from Jason Aldean
Fresh off his own show the night before, Jason Aldean extended his stay, donated his stage and production crew, and hit the gas with “She’s Country.” He then welcomed Miranda Lambert back for a rousing “Amarillo Sky.” Lambert thanked Aldean for the generosity, “You’re an honorary Texan tonight, friend.”
Ronnie Dunn Finds Grace in “I Believe”
Brooks & Dunn’s Ronnie Dunn offered a moment of soul-deep solace with “I Believe,” joined by The Levites Music Group. His introduction acknowledged the limits of words in the face of loss, letting the music carry what speech could not.
Cody Johnson’s Big-Voice Catharsis
Cody Johnson lifted the room with No. 1 hits “Dirt Cheap” and “’Til You Can’t,” then turned to a soaring “How Great Thou Art.” It was classic Johnson, earnest, muscular, and massive.
All-Star Finale: “On The Road Again”
In true Texas fashion, the night closed with a communal sing-along to “On The Road Again,” featuring Lambert, McCollum, Ryan Bingham, Wade Bowen, Ronnie Dunn, Dylan Gossett, Jack Ingram, Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Jon Randall, Randy Rogers, and Cody Johnson, a full-circle celebration of music’s power to heal and unite.
Between the Songs: Texas Voices of Support
Throughout the program, Texas icons and community leaders shared stories of bravery, gratitude, and resilience, reminding audiences why Band Together Texas matters long after the lights dim.
- Speakers included: Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid, Mack Brown, Emmanuel Acho, Colt McCoy, Vince Young, Roger Clemens, Chris Harrison, Kendra Scott
- Themes: remembrance, recovery, gratitude, and long-term commitment to rebuilding
Partners Who Powered Band Together Texas
These partners helped turn a big idea into real-world impact:
- WoodNext Foundation
- Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
- John Paul & Eloise DeJoria Family Foundation
- Woodforest National Bank
- American Airlines; Delta Air Lines
- Four Seasons Hotel Austin
- H-E-B
- Kendra Scott
- Moody Center
- Poncho; Tecovas
- Uber; Whataburger
Full Setlist: Band Together Texas
- “True” – Parker McCollum & Miranda Lambert
- “Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
- “The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert
- “A Beautiful World” – Wade Bowen
- “Nothin’ But Texas” – Wade Bowen
- “Tree Birds” – Dylan Gossett
- “Don’t Cry A Tear” – Lyle Lovett
- “South Texas Girl” – Lyle Lovett
- “Waltz Across Texas” – Lukas Nelson & Pat Green
- “Just Outside of Austin” – Lukas Nelson & Pat Green
- “Solid Country Gold” – Parker McCollum
- “Handle on You” – Parker McCollum
- “Tin Man” – Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Jack Ingram
- “Times Like These” – Jack Ingram
- “Keep On Keepin’ On” – Jack Ingram
- “Keep On Moving” – Jon Randall
- “Girls From Texas” – Jon Randall
- “Buy Myself a Chance” – Randy Rogers & Brady Black
- “In My Arms Instead” – Randy Rogers & Brady Black
- “Hallelujah” – Ryan Bingham
- “Nobody Knows My Trouble” – Ryan Bingham
- “She’s Country” – Jason Aldean
- “Amarillo Sky” – Jason Aldean & Miranda Lambert
- “Neon Moon” – Ronnie Dunn
- “Believe” – Ronnie Dunn with The Levites
- “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
- “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
- “How Great Thou Art” – Cody Johnson
- “On The Road Again” – All Sing
Band Together Texas House Band
A powerhouse backing band anchored the night’s seamless transitions and rich arrangements:
- Danny Rader – MD / Electric Guitar
- Evan Hutchings – Drums
- Steve Mackey – Bass
- Jonathan Trebing – Guitar
- Brent Rader – Guitar / BGVs
- David Dorn – Keys
- Billy Justineau – Keys
- Justin Schipper – Steel
- Lauren Saks – Fiddle
- Tania Hancheroff – BGVs
How You Can Continue to Support
Band Together Texas is a spark, recovery is a marathon. If you’re able, consider donating directly to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Central Texas Community Foundation, or supporting local first-responder organizations that protect these communities year-round.
