The night was filled with music, performances, laughter and support as native artist from all over came together to help and support Louisiana after the Great flood of 2016. The flood took 13 lives and 154,00 homes and left tens of thousands of people in need of help.
“Louisiana Rising” was a concert created to benefit victims affected by the flood. It was hosted by Baton Rouge native Randy Jackson and New Orleans native Harry Connick Jr. Many more local artists also came out to support the city. There were performances by Hunter Hayes, Aaron Neville, Rebirth Brass Band, and Luther Kent.
Although unable to attend, Louisiana native entertainers such as Ellen Degeneres, Britney Spears, and Tim Mcgraw also made their presence felt through video testimonials that played for those who were present.
Many artists mentioned that they were moved by Louisiana’s courage and wanted to help the state in any way possible.
Quiana Lynell, a local artist that performed, said “I’m honored to be a part of this program. I’ve written this song called Baton Rouge and I’m dedicating it to the city of Baton Rouge,and any artist that was affected by the flooding and Louisiana in general.”
Throughout the concert, both hosts constantly encouraged everyone watching to donate money to Red Cross and help flood victims recover from this tragic event.
Concert attendees Zach Tompkins and Lauren Lambert-Tompkins acknowledged that this concert is a great way to bring attention to what is happening in Louisiana. Zach noted that Louisiana needed some help getting national attention, and this concert was a great way to do that.
Many first responders and local community members who helped out during the flood were also honored during the concert.
“It is great that they are honoring our first responders, because it shows that we really took care of ourselves, and that our first responders are amazing,” said Lauren Lambert-Tompkins
Natasha Stricklend, who also attended the event, commended the local artists that performed at this show. She also mentioned that if she had the opportunity to speak to the acts, she would thank them and that say she was appreciative of the exposure.
Both Jackson and Connick agreed that they will not give up their efforts to help flood victims in Louisiana, and that the state will always stand strong.
In his testimonial, actor John Goodman said “Louisianians are resilient, but even the strongest communities can’t do it alone.”
