Flood waters have all but dried up but hundreds of Texas families are still picking up the pieces after the record setting rains in May have claimed 31 lives so far and destroyed entire communities in Central Texas.
The Blanco River, which flows through San Marcos and Wimberley rose 40 feet after 10 inches of rain fell during the peak of the storm, destroying at least 400 homes and damaging many more.
(Read more about the Wimberley flood here.)
In Houston, the cost of damage is estimated at $45 million, according to The Guardian, and 1,500 homes endured flood damage in Harris County.
To help raise funds for those who were hit the hardest, some Texans are wrangling up musicians to play a series of benefit concerts in San Antonio, Wimberley, Kyle, San Marcos, and Buda.
If you can’t make it to a show, or would rather donate from the comfort of your own home, various organizations are accepting donations including American Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, Hays County Food Bank, Austin Disaster Relief, and Hays County CISD’s Helping Our Neighbors page.
Concerts for a Cause – Saturday, June 6:
Kyle:
- George Mercado Jr. and Bruce Fallgren will play at the Down South Railhouse from 5-8 p.m.
- The Keith Kelso Band (more bands TBA) will play at the Central Texas Speedway Car Bar from 6-11 p.m.
San Marcos:
- Chasca will play at Taxi’s Pianobar at 8 p.m.
Buda:
- Soulshaker and Rock and Roll Soul will play at Pinballz Kingdom from 8-11 p.m.
The shows on Saturday are free, but donations will be collected to go to United Way of Hays County. If you would like to donate to the Concerts for a Cause please send an email to seanclaes@seanclaes.com.
Matthew Mayfield plays for Wimberley flood relief – Sunday, June 7:
San Antonio:
- Matthew Mayfield will play at 302 Wyndale St. Tickets are $20 and doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
Bring a chair or a blanket for the backyard acoustic set. Refreshments will be provided by Teka Molino. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will go to Wimberley flood victims.
*Correction: A previous version of the story said the Blanco River rose by 10 inches.
*Featured/top image: Wimberley resident Colette Resnikoff sees the devastation for the first time. Photo by Scott Ball.
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