It was a crisis like no other. On December 14, 2018, the Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history, ravaged the town of Paradise, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. The disaster displaced over 50,000 people, destroyed nearly 14,000 homes, and claimed the lives of at least 85 individuals.
As the full extent of the disaster became clear, the music industry sprang into action. A coalition of top artists, led by George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Martin Short, joined forces to organize a massive fire relief concert.
The concert, dubbed “A Concert for Wildfire Relief,” was hastily assembled in just 48 hours. It took place on January 13, 2019, at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, California.
The all-star lineup featured a mix of iconic performers, including country superstar Kelly Clarkson, pop-rock sensation OneRepublic, and R&B crooner Ne-Yo. Other notable acts included Josh Groban, Andra Day, and Maren Morris.
The event was made possible through the tireless efforts of a team of dedicated individuals, including Clooney, who personally handled logistics and fundraising. Roberts and Short served as honorary co-chairs, using their considerable star power to help spread the word about the concert.
Despite the tight turnaround, the concert drew a packed house, with all 1,800 tickets selling out in just a few hours. The event raised over $10 million for the relief efforts, with all proceeds going to support those affected by the Camp Fire.
In the end, the “Concert for Wildfire Relief” served as a beacon of hope and resilience for the survivors of the devastating disaster. It demonstrated the power of music to bring people together in times of need and inspired a sense of community and solidarity that will be remembered for years to come.