They say tragedy brings out the best in people, and April’s tragic shooting at Virginia Tech was no exception. In the days following the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history an outpouring of support blanketed the campus in Blacksburg. Now, four months after the massacre, a handful of stars are once again uniting to offer help to the students and staff affected by the shooting rampage.
School officials have just confirmed that John Mayer and the Dave Matthews Band will headline a special concert at Virginia Tech on September 6th to help the university and its students begin the new school year on a positive note.
“We have a profound respect for the incredible resolve and unwavering sense of hope the university community has shown, and are honored to have the opportunity to share this evening with Virginia Tech,” Carter Beauford, drummer for Dave Matthews Band, said in a statement.
In addition to Mayer and the Dave Matthews Band, country music artist Phil Vassar and rapper Nas are also scheduled to appear at the concert. According to university administrators, all four musical acts waived their fees for the event. The concert is reportedly being funded by corporate sponsorships and sales of commemorative items.
Virginia Tech’s president publicly thanked the performers saying he is “extremely grateful for the compassion and generosity of these artists who wished to create a very special event where our students, faculty and staff can come together to celebrate the spirit and resiliency of our university community as we begin a new academic year.”
Meanwhile, students’ say they are thrilled that the artists decided to give them something to look forward to when classes resume. One student leader told reporters that the concert would provide a “great venue for the Virginia Tech community to come together once again.”
The concert is being held at the school’s Lane Stadium, which has limited seating. As a result, tickets are not being made available to the general public (at least for the present time). However, free tickets are being made available to all current students, faculty and staff.
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