George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Martina McBride and ZZ Top will perform at the One Country concert event October 1 to raise money for the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Additional artists are expecte to be added to the lineup.

Veteran concert promoter Louis Messina, a New Orleans native, is one of the driving forces behind this event. “I watched my birthplace float away,” he said. “I knew I needed to help, and this is the way I could reach the most people.”

The Reliant Stadium facility and all related services, including staff and the proceeds from parking as well as food and beverage sold at the event, have been donated.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has joined the effort by offering the use of its production facilities, underwriting crew costs and utilizing its full-time staff and 17,000-member volunteer force.

Additionally, ticket stubs from the One Country show may be redeemed for a day ticket to the 2006 Houston Livestock Show.

Ticketmaster has also pledged its full support through donating all service and convenience charges to the cause.

The event is being produced almost entirely with donated equipment and services – from the sound and lights to the stage, the crews, and the artists, as well as security and ushers.

Tickets go on sale September 16 at 10 a.m. for $125, $100, $85, $65 and $39.50. There will also be a limited number of exclusive $1,000 VIP packages.