Flood Relief: Black Eyed Peas Raise $1.3 Million in North Dakota, Phish To Hold Similar Event in Vermont

The Black Eyed Peas performed at a benefit concert in Minot, N.D. last Saturday, drawing out almost 16,000 attendees and raising over $1.3 million for flood relief, according to the Associated Press. Josh Duhamel (Transformers trilogy)—Minot native and husband of Black Eyed Peas member Fergie, spoke at the event, which also featured a performance by Minneapolis-based alt rockers Charlz Newman.

On a related note, Phish will be performing a similar benefit concert in the band’s native Vermont, according to a release on their website. The concert will be held at Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction on Sept. 14. Speaking about the event, Phish keyboardist Page McConnell states:

It’s been heartbreaking to see all the loss and destruction that came from the storm. Vermont is very much a part of who we are as a band. We’re really looking forward to playing this show and we hope the money raised will make a difference in the recovery and rebuilding effort.

According to the band’s release, proceeds from the concert and merchandise sales will be directed to The WaterWheel Foundation and The Vermont Community Foundation to aid in the recovery of the Green Mountain State.