Tuesday Night’s Hand in Hand telethon for Hurricane Relief was a star-studded affair with broadcasts from four cities, including San Antonio, New York, Nashville and Los Angeles. The hour-long special was closed out with a performance by Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait, along with Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett, Miranda Lambert and Robert Earl Keen. Strait went on to perform with appearances by his special guests for an additional two hours after the live telecast ended.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – SEPTEMBER 12: (L-R) In this handout photo provided by Hand in Hand, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Lyle Lovett and Robert Early Keen perform onstage during George Strait’s Hand in Hand Texas benefit concert at the Majestic Theatre on September 12, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Hand in Hand/Getty Images)

SAN ANTONIO, TX – SEPTEMBER 12: In this handout photo provided by Hand in Hand, George Strait performs onstage during George Strait’s Hand in Hand Texas benefit concert; Strait and special guests Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and Robert Early Keen perform in concert at the Majestic Theatre on September 12, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Hand in Hand/Getty Images)

George Strait also revealed they’re selling a special T-shirt with proceeds going to help Hurricane victims. He’s working with the Rebuild Texas Fund, created by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the OneStar Foundation, to rebuild Texas after Hurricane Harvey. All donations will be matched by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation up to $10 million.

To help victims of the storm, we’re releasing this special tee. All proceeds will benefit the Rebuild Texas Fund. https://t.co/0muSXKAjK7

— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) September 13, 2017

Additional performers at the Grand Ole Opry House included Darius Rucker with Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley and CeCe Winans, as well as Blake Shelton with Usher.

Wow what a night with these 2 INCREDIBLE singers!!! @ddlovato @cecewinans #HandInHand2017. Where u at @BradPaisley pic.twitter.com/7ih6qtqRHQ

— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) September 13, 2017

Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore and other country stars showed their support by answering phones and taking donations (Luke and Dierks were in Nashville, along with Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Angie Harmon, Nashville Predators PK Subban, while Kip was in the Big Apple, answering phones near the likes of Julia Roberts, George Clooney and many others.

#handinhand with @subbanator @angieharmon
truly touched by the generous and kind spirits I have talked to tonight. https://t.co/flxxXyaGVM pic.twitter.com/MrgEDRY8of

— Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) September 13, 2017

Luke appeared with Amy Grant to ask folks to donate whatever they could. “In too many places for too many people, it’s going to take years for the effects of these storms to pass. So, let’s help these folks,” he said.

https://twitter.com/PKSubban1/status/907798673509281793

I'm ready! Call now: 1-800-258-6000 or text GIVE to 80077 to donate! pic.twitter.com/i1ZNBO7tIO

— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) September 13, 2017

Lines are open. Call us #handinhand pic.twitter.com/YMT4IywJ2a

— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) September 13, 2017

At the end of the telecast, more than $14 million had been raised in the course of the one-hour show.

The telethon we just did was the most uplifting thing we've ever done. Simply people helping people. There is good in this world.

— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) September 13, 2017

Announced Tuesday on Good Morning America, telethon Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief has been set to aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey on Tuesday, Sept. 12th. The one-hour special will feature celebrity participants and performances including songs from Country Music icon and Texas native George Strait, live from his benefit concert at San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre. Joining him includes 6-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert, reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Stapleton, 4x GRAMMY Award winner Lyle Lovett and Texas Heritage Songwriter Hall of Fame member Robert Earl Keen. Select performances from Majestic Theatre will air on ABC, CBS, CMT, Fox and NBC on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. EST on the East Coast and replay on the West Coast at 8 p.m. PST. The telethon broadcast as well as Strait’s Hand in Hand Texas show will also be available internationally via live stream on Facebook.

Strait, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, pledged to lead the country music world with this concert serving as the start of his ongoing relief efforts, with all proceeds from the show benefiting Rebuild Texas Fund thanks to event sponsor Cavender Auto Family and with assistance from the Majestic Theatre, Ticketmaster, VER, Bill Young Productions and the City of San Antonio.

Tickets to Strait’s Hand in Hand Texas show at Majestic Theatre will go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017 at 10 a.m. CST at Ticketmaster.com.

Proceeds from the one-hour telethon will benefit United Way of Greater Houston, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Direct Relief, Feeding Texas, The Mayor’s Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief (administered by the Greater Houston Community Fund) and RebuildTx.org through the Hand in Hand Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund managed by Comic Relief Inc.

Phone lines, text messaging, and digital donations will be open at the beginning of the show and will conclude one-hour after the show ends. For more information, updates and a link to donate, please visit handinhand2017.com.

Den of Thieves will produce the multi-location telethon.

About Rebuild Texas Fund
The Rebuild Texas Fund is built to help the many families and communities across Texas that have been devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Michael and Susan Dell launched the fund with their foundation – the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation – to support the long-term recovery and rebuilding of these communities. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation will support community partners in four initial focus areas – health and housing; schools and child care; workforce and transportation; and capital for rebuilding small businesses. An unprecedented natural disaster in the state of Texas requires an unprecedented effort in recovery. Together with partners, individuals and businesses, Michael and Susan Dell aim to coordinate $100 million towards relief and rebuilding for years to come. More information about the Rebuild Texas Fund is available at www.RebuildTX.org.

About Cavender Auto Family
James “Big Jim” Cavender opened his first automobile dealership in 1939 in San Antonio, Texas. More than 75 years later, the award-winning Cavender Auto Family has grown to include Cavender Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Land Rover and Toyota dealerships and service centers across South and Central Texas. The franchise, today proudly owned and operated by third and fouth generation Cavenders, employs more than 800 automotive professionals, and stands firmly on Jim Cavender’s time-tested philosophy of putting people first. That’s why generations of South Texans have come to know that “Confidence is Cavender.”

Thoughts & prayers are w/ all affected by the storm. My family & friends were personally affected in surrounding areas. God bless us all.-GS

— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) August 29, 2017

We are working on putting together relief efforts with the whole country music community. – GS

— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) August 29, 2017

Texas, we are praying for you. We love you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hPnmJLuCrr

— Kimberly Schlapman (@ohgussie) August 29, 2017

Remember to text HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey relief fund. It literally takes seconds.

— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) August 28, 2017

Praying for everybody in Texas effected by #HurricaneHarvey. God Bless all y'all and sending many prayers your way. pic.twitter.com/7yohwPvEih

— Clare Dunn (@ClareDunnMusic) August 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/KaceyMusgraves/status/902541631609548800

Got Texas on my heart today. Sending my love & prayers. #HoustonStrong https://t.co/Qg99qQrwBW

— Canaan Smith (@canaansmith) August 29, 2017

We can put words into action by texting HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation ❤️ pic.twitter.com/92OtPEA0mW

— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) August 28, 2017

As a native Texan I had to record a message about #HurricaneHarvey. Keep praying & call 1-800-RED CROSS or text HARVEY 90999 to donate $10. pic.twitter.com/oIDuRzuSir

— Eric Paslay (@ericpaslay) August 28, 2017

Please join Tae and I in donating to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and help my fellow Texans. Anything helps. – M https://t.co/VoGVVemp8P pic.twitter.com/7HDk5jSbXU

— Maddie & Tae (@MaddieandTae) August 30, 2017

Chris Stapleton and Alan Jackson have been added to the list of performers at this year’s ACM Honors. They join previously announced performers Little Big Town, George Strait, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris and others. Eric Church, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson are among the honorees, in addition to Strait and Kelsea Ballerini. The show, which tapes next week at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, will air September 15th on CBS.

Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet took time out to catch the Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday (August 17th).

https://twitter.com/Titans/status/898261817213898752

Darius Rucker is set to perform in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina for the first time in four years October 22nd. He will take the stage at Volvo Car Stadium on Daniel Island just two days after the release of his fifth studio album, When Was the Last Time. Tickets go on sale Friday (August 18th) at 10am at Ticketmaster.

Clare Dunn returned home to Colorado last week to headline the Sand and Sage Round-Up Kick-Off concert, drawing one of the largest crowds in event history. Prior to her performance, Clare hosted a VIP charity party including a silent auction, autographed memorabilia, an acoustic performance and more, which raised over $25,000 for the Colorado FFA Foundation and Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Last night was really something. Thanks for turning out in record numbers to @SandandSageRdup & welcoming me back home!!! #SEColorado pic.twitter.com/AzlsUncRUx

— Clare Dunn (@ClareDunnMusic) August 7, 2017

I’M SO VERY INCREDIBLE HUMBLED AND HONORED. Thank you to everyone who made our inaugural year a HUGE SUCCESS!!! https://t.co/yebLjSey0O pic.twitter.com/3cnHk4al82

— Clare Dunn (@ClareDunnMusic) August 16, 2017

Shania Twain is scheduled to perform on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon August 16th. Her new album, NOW, will be released September 29th.

Kacey Musgraves will appear on the season finale of CMT’s Nashville, which airs Thursday (August 10th) at 9pm ET.

https://twitter.com/KaceyMusgraves/status/894975691694915584

Hillary Scott has been nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year for “Thy Will” for this year’s Dove Awards. Hillary and her family, the Scott Family, recorded and released “Thy Will” from their Love Remains album. The 48th Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville October 17th at 7:30pm ET. The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the awards show on Sunday, October 22nd.

https://twitter.com/HillaryScottLA/status/895378170425298944

Chris Stapleton and Lady Antebellum have been added to the lineup for the all-star concert, All in For the Gambler: Kenny Rogers’ Farewell Concert Celebration. The event, which will be taped at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena October 25th, will also feature guest appearances by Little Big Town, Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson and Elle King, among others.

Luke Bryan, Little Big Town and Kip Moore are among the artists performing at the Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City, Florida September 1st – 3rd. Jason Aldean, Brett Eldredge, Dan + Shay and Granger Smith will also perform.

George Strait, Little Big Town, Vince Gill, Hillary Scott and Toby Keith are among the first-round performers at this year’s ACM Honors, taking place at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium August 23rd. The concert event, which will also feature performances by Brad Paisley, Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris, will air September 15th at 9pm ET/PT on CBS.

As previously announced, Special Award recipients celebrated at the 11^th Annual ACM Honors will include Kelsea Ballerini (Gene Weed Milestone Award), Toby Keith (Poet’s Award), Bob Kingsley (Mae Boren Axton Service Award), Reba McEntire (Mae Boren Axton Service Award), “Nashville” (Tex Ritter Film Award), Dolly Parton (Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award), Shel Silverstein (Poet’s Award, awarded posthumously), and George Strait (Cliffie Stone Icon Award). The evening will also honor winners of the Industry and Studio Recording Awards, along with Songwriter of the Year Award winner, Lori McKenna. The Academy of Country Music will present trophies to previously announced Special Award recipients Eric Church (Merle Haggard Spirit Award) and Willie Nelson (Poet’s Award) at a later date.

When George Strait walks the 60-steps from the gauntlet to the center stage at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 1 and 2, he will do so knowing countless fans of his 6x Platinum-selling Pure Country will be in the crowd as they celebrate its silver anniversary alongside the King of Country. In honor of the anniversary, the Pure Country soundtrack will appear for the first time on vinyl with a limited-edition pressing made available in conjunction with September shows (released-wide 25 years to-the-day since it initially hit shelves, Sept. 15). Strait will pay special tribute to the film’s impact on his music for a not-to-be missed set of shows.

In a rare interview and iconic nearly-8,000-word profile in The New Yorker, Strait divulged that he was initially reluctant to star as the lead in the feature film. In the profile (link here; The New Yorker Radio Hour “On the Record with Kelefa Sanneh” conversation here; podcast available beginning Tuesday, Aug. 1), Strait revealed he “was persuaded by the producer Jerry Weintraub, and by Colonel Tom Parker, the former manager of Elvis Presley… After a concert in Las Vegas, Parker told Strait how important Hollywood had been to Presley. ‘Elvis hated making those movies,’ he said—but they transformed him from a pop star to an icon.’” Serendipitously, from his Las Vegas shows this weekend at T-Mobile Arena, Strait revealed his plans to honor the motion picture’s connection to fans over the last 25 years with a special spotlight on the music and stories behind some of the soundtrack’s most beloved songs.

In observance of the release of the vinyl and the film’s silver anniversary, the Alamo Drafthouse, an independent movie theater chain founded in Austin, Texas with 28 locations nationwide, will host special screenings of Pure Country throughout the month of August. Known for a completely immersive experience, providing food and beverages during their showings along with a strict no talking/no cell phone policy, it’s the perfect way for fans, old and new, to relive their favorite moments and songs while experiencing Dusty on the big screen once again.

What’s equally as impressive is that even though Pure Country is Strait’s highest-selling single album RIAA 6x Platinum Certification, his 50 Number Ones and Strait Out of the Box have sold 7 and 8 million copies respectively, with Sanneh noting, “One of the things that really makes George Strait unusual is longevity and consistency… He’s become the defining voice of country music.”

George Strait’s Final Four Shows of 2017 are as follows:
Friday, Sept. 1, 2017
Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017
Friday, Dec. 8, 2017
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017

Last week, Billboard critics picked their Top 10 career-defining George Strait songs, and with the most number ones of any artist in history—a record 60—the King of Country has offered a lot of variety for fans. However, there’s only one place you can hear them all across two nights and that’s at his July 28-29 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas shows as part of his Strait To Vegas exclusive worldwide engagements which have been host to over 10 at-capacity shows since he retired the tour bus. At the end of 2017, he will have entertained 16 packed houses in Las Vegas with his last six serving up a little something different.

“After the April shows we decided we will do one more weekend in July with all the No. 1 hits and those crowd favorites I can’t not play,” says Strait, who has won every honor in the format from a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album to multiple ACM and CMA Awards for Entertainer of the Year plus a coveted place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. “After that, I’m going to change things up for the last four of the year…not sure what’s in store, but I’m thinking about it,” he says teasing what’s to come at his final four of 2017.

Strait debuted the unprecedented two nights of No. 1’s during his T-Mobile Arena shows on April 7-8. With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts during the span of his career and more than 280,000 fans streaming Strait’s 60 No. 1 Hits playlist on Spotify every month, Strait wanted to showcase these radio hits plus several fan-favorites such as “Troubadour” that, surprisingly to many, never reached No. 1.

He did it by playing 30 No. 1 hits on April 7 and 30 No. 1 hits on April 8, all in chronological order in addition to those “can’t miss” classics from the early hits like “Fool Hearted Memory” and “You Look So Good In Love” to more recent hits including “River of Love” and “I Saw God Today” – and the 56 No. 1’s in between.

Strait stepped away from touring in 2014 with The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, culminating with a Texas-sized farewell concert at AT&T Stadium near Dallas that drew a record-setting attendance of 104,793. In 2015, he revealed that he would perform a limited series of exclusive, worldwide engagements at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas that commenced with a pair of at-capacity shows in April 2016 with fellow Texan Kacey Musgraves. In November, it was announced that the unparalleled, sold-out series would continue through 2017, including his most recent dates with GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Cam.

Strait may have closed the book on touring, but the exclusive engagements at T-Mobile Arena provide him with a new page and the ability to connect with fans on his terms and create concert experiences that stay fresh and compelling. Rolling Stone called the historical Two Nights of Number Ones shows “extraordinary” and the Las Vegas Review-Journal duly noted that “Strait receives something like 10 standing ovations around the venue every night.”

Remaining 2017 performances include the following:
Friday, July 28, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Friday, Sept. 1, 2017
Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017
Friday, Dec. 8, 2017
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017

Strait has once again partnered with CID Entertainment to offer VIP Experiences and Travel Packages for all upcoming Strait to Vegas shows. VIP Experience amenities range from access to the King’s Exhibit featuring memorabilia showcasing George Strait’s career to a signed coffee table book with rare and previously unreleased photos. All VIP Experiences include premium concert tickets and exclusive merchandise gifts. Travel Packages include Strait to Vegas tickets, plus hotel accommodations and exclusive merchandise. For full package details, visit CID Entertainment.

Many of the songs that Strait will be performing during 2 Nights of Number 1’s are also featured on Strait Out of the Box: Part 2, available now. The three-disc, 56-track collection spans 20 years of Strait’s remarkable career from 1996 to 2016 and offers fans two new songs with “Kicked Outta Country” and “You Gotta Go Through Hell,” both of which Strait co-wrote. For more information, visit www.georgestrait.comor www.straittovegas.com.

About George Strait
George Strait is the undeniable “King of Country Music.” His music career spans more than 30 years; includes 60 No. 1 singles, more than any other artist in any genre; and boasts 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, more than any country artist and third across all genres behind only the Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait is the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades and has sold nearly 70 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards.

Strait, whose name has become synonymous with “real country” since his 1981 debut, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006. He has since released five more albums, including the GRAMMY Award-winning Troubadour and his chart-topping release, Cold Beer Conversation. In 2014, he shattered the North American indoor concert attendance record by drawing 104,793 concertgoers to his The Cowboy Rides Away Tour finale at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Strait performed six sold-out shows at T-Mobile Arena in 2016 as part of his Strait to Vegas exclusive concert series, extending his limited engagement into 2017 to 10 shows with two weekends of Two Nights of Number Ones.

Following on the boot heels of his wildly successful 2 Nights of Number 1’s at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas earlier this month, the King of Country George Strait announced that due to the overwhelming fan reaction, he will continue the concept of playing his record-setting collection of 60 No. 1 hits again in July.

“Back when we announced 2 Nights of Number 1’s, I said if the fans wanted to hear more, we would look at it,” says Strait, who has won every honor in the format from a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album to multiple ACM and CMA Awards for Entertainer of the Year plus a coveted place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. “Well, we heard them loud and clear. This is something they want more of, so that’s what they will get.”

Strait debuted the unprecedented two nights of No. 1’s during his recent T-Mobile Arena shows on April 7-8. With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts during the span of his career and more than 280,000 fans streaming Strait’s 60 #1 Hits playlist on Spotify every month, Strait wanted to showcase these radio hits plus several fan-favorites such as “Troubadour” that, surprisingly to many, never reached No. 1.

He did it by playing 30 No. 1 hits on April 7 and 30 No. 1 hits on April 8, in addition to those “can’t miss” classics from the early hits like “Fool Hearted Memory” and “You Look So Good In Love” to more recent hits including “River of Love” and “I Saw God Today” – and the 56 No. 1’s in between.

Strait stepped away from touring in 2014 with The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, culminating with a Texas-sized farewell concert at AT&T Stadium near Dallas that drew a record-setting attendance of 104,793. In 2015, he revealed that he would perform a limited series of exclusive, worldwide engagements at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas that commenced with a pair of at-capacity shows in April 2016 with fellow Texan Kacey Musgraves. In November, it was announced that the unparalleled, sold-out series would continue through 2017, including his most recent dates with GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Cam.

Strait may have closed the book on touring, but the exclusive engagements at T-Mobile Arena provide him with a new page and the ability to connect with fans on his terms and create concert experiences that stay fresh and compelling. Rolling Stone called the historical 2 Nights of Number 1’s shows “extraordinary” and the Las Vegas Review-Journal duly noted that “Strait receives something like 10 standing ovations around the venue every night.”

Upcoming dates include:
Friday, July 28, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Friday, Sept. 1, 2017
Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017
Friday, Dec. 8, 2017
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017

Tickets and VIP packages for the July 28-29 2 Nights of Number 1’s shows are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit StraitToVegas.com.

Strait has once again partnered with CID Entertainment to offer VIP Experiences and Travel Packages for all upcoming Strait to Vegas shows. VIP Experience amenities range from access to the King’s Exhibit featuring memorabilia showcasing George Strait’s career to a signed coffee table book with rare and previously unreleased photos. All VIP Experiences include premium concert tickets and exclusive merchandise gifts. Travel Packages include Strait to Vegas tickets, plus hotel accommodations and exclusive merchandise. For full package details, visit CID Entertainment. 

Many of the songs that Strait will be performing during 2 Nights of Number 1’s are also featured on Strait Out of the Box: Part 2, available now. The three-disc, 56-track collection spans 20 years of Strait’s remarkable career from 1996 to 2016 and offers fans two new songs with “Kicked Outta Country” and “You Gotta Go Through Hell,” both of which Strait co-wrote. For more information, visit www.georgestrait.com or www.straittovegas.com.

About George Strait
George Strait is the undeniable “King of Country Music.” His music career spans more than 30 years; includes 60 No. 1 singles, more than any other artist in any genre; and boasts 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, more than any country artist and third across all genres behind only the Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait is the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades and has sold nearly 70 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards.

Strait, whose name has become synonymous with “real country” since his 1981 debut, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006. He has since released five more albums, including the GRAMMY Award-winning Troubadour and his chart-topping release, Cold Beer Conversation. In 2014, he shattered the North American indoor concert attendance record by drawing 104,793 concertgoers to his The Cowboy Rides Away Tour finale at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Strait performed six sold-out shows at T-Mobile Arena in 2016 as part of his Strait to Vegas exclusive concert series, extending his limited engagement into 2017 to 10 shows with two weekends of 2 Nights of Number 1’s.