The inaugural Sound on Sound Fest invaded Sherwood Forest Faire November 4-6 with big-name acts like Beach House, Explosions in the Sky, Phantogram, Run the Jewels, Courtney Barnett, Big Boi, Descendents, and more. The unique destination — a 23-acre, Renaissance-themed village about an hour from Austin — was packed with festival enthusiasts who wouldn't let a little thing like rain get in the way of a good time. Take a look at 20 top moments from the one-of-a-kind fest.
STRAIT TO THE HEART
George Strait is once again proving his heart belongs to the Lone Star State. The Texas-born country music superstar is staging and headlining a benefit concert on July 27 to help the victims of the July 4 Hill Country floods.
The singer announced the benefit via Instagram. Strait and his Vaqueros del Mar business partner, Tom Cusick, organized a stellar lineup that includes William Beckman, Ray Benson, Wade Bowen, Dean Dillon, Riley Green, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Kyle Park, Hudson Westbrook, and members of his Ace in the Hole Band.
“The destruction and loss in our community from the recent floods is hard to wrap your head around,” wrote Strait. “Our hearts and prayers are with you all. The goal with this event is to raise meaningful, immediate support that can be put directly into the hands of flood victims without delay, while also honoring the first responders that work tirelessly to save lives.”
The intimate show, which will include a dinner, will be held at Estancia at Thunder Valley indoor arena. Seating will be limited to just 1,000 guests. Tickets can be secured by emailing vaquerosdm@gmail.com, but the post did not include a price.
All proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund. The funds will be distributed directly to affected families and Hill Country organizations.
This isn’t the first time Strait has lent his name to charitable efforts. The Academy of Country Music Artist of the Decade has donated over 124 homes to wounded veterans through the Military Warriors Support Foundation. He also supports children’s charities in San Antonio and Houston through the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation, named in honor of his late daughter.
Strait adds to a long list of Texas individuals and organizations joining in the flood relief efforts. The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is going on as planned and donating all proceeds to the the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, and Houston hospitality nonprofit Southern Smoke has started a fund for long-term aid.
Plus, on Friday, July 11, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced it had raised over $30 million in the week following the disaster, thanks to big Texas donors like James Avery Jewelry and H-E-B. Austin locals can lend a hand by donating to local nonprofits or dining at area restaurants donating proceeds to survivors.
