Cleburne Times-Review: Hot country cranked Cleburne style for benefit
Proclaiming Yellow Jacket territory the greatest city in the greatest state in the greatest country, U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, fittingly summed up the night.
“Cleburne rocks!”
And rock Byron Stewart Park did Friday night courtesy of Cleburne native Randy Rogers, with a little help from his friends Steve Helms, Sonny Burgess and the Amos Moses Band.
Stifling heat proved no competition for a night of music, fun and community spirit as Cleburne turned out resulting in a crowd surpassing 3,000 according to early estimates.
Some danced, while others found a spot in the shade to kick back, sip a cool one and enjoy the music. Most of the crowd sweat before sunset brought a bit of relief, but it appears a good time was had by all, including the performers.
“Supporting Cleburne after the devastation and putting your money where your heart is,” Burgess yelled from stage before launching into another number. “God bless you all.”
The concert marked a gamble of sorts, not to mention a first for Cleburne, and an event several said they hope to see repeated.
Rogers organized the benefit shortly after the May 15 tornadoes swept through Cleburne and surrounding areas leaving behind a path of heavy damage and destruction through numerous neighborhoods.
The steady stream of arrivals into the park quickly allayed any fears of the benefit falling flat.
“This has been the best response I’ve ever seen by a city to a disaster,” Cleburne Councilman Bob Kelly said as he opened the show.
Funds raised by the concert will benefit Cleburne and Cleburne-area victims affected by the tornadoes. In addition to ticket and merchandise sales, auctioned signed guitars, vacation packages and other items, the event raised several thousand additional dollars.
Funds raised go to the Cleburne Area Relief Fund, which is overseen by the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Applications for area tornado victims will continue to be taken through Aug. 15. For information, call the chamber at 817-645-2455.
Donations may also still be made at any Pinnacle Bank location.
How much money Friday’s concert raised for the cause remains to be officially determined, concert organizer Peter Svendsen said, although he said it’s easily in the tens of thousands.
“We weren’t sure what to expect,” Svendsen said while scanning the crowd. “But this is everything we hoped for from the musicians to the crowds and everyone who came together to make this night happen. Just a great event with everyone having a good time.”
Rogers said he was thrilled by the turnout and the fact so many braved the heat to help their Cleburne neighbors.
“Exceeded my expectations,” Rogers said.
Cleburne Chamber of Commerce President Cathy Marchel agreed.
“It’s the first concert we’ve had out here that I know of,” Marchel said. “And what a great way to start with our local boys who grew up here, and I think they really appreciated the night as well as the crowd did.
“Byron Stewart has shown itself to be a fantastic venue for outdoor concerts. And from everyone at the city to the businesses and sponsors, and the bands, who helped out, I just can’t say enough. Everyone just went above and beyond.”
Marchel and several in the crowd said they hope Friday night’s concert in the park doesn’t prove to be a one-time affair. All joked, however, that October might be the better month to schedule the next one.