Alan Jackson's Mining Disaster Benefit Show

Alan Jackson sings about small town southern men and croons about workers that pick up a hard hat and a hammer. Next month the country star has promised to sing especially for the families that lost loved ones in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster.

On April 5 an explosion at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch coal mine at Montcoal in Raleigh County, W.Va., killed 29 miners and injured two others. The tragedy marked the nation’s worst mining disaster in 40 years since a 1970 explosion killed 38 people in Hyden, Ky.

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Jackson’s 2010 tour schedule includes a stop in West Virginia with a May 22 show at the Charleston Civic Center. Charleston is located about 30 miles north of the Upper Big Brach coal mine. To honor the mining disaster victims and their families, the singer-songwriter is donating profits from the performance to the Montcoal Mining Disaster Fund, which is being administrated by the West Virginia Council of Churches.

“This is a very wonderful donation from Alan and, on behalf of our state, I’m honored for our miners, their families and the rescue workers,” said West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin. “Alan is a world-famous entertainer who has never forgotten his small-town roots and the importance of family.”

To encourage fans to come out and support a good cause, select ticket prices for a portion of the venue have been reduced to $20. A number of vendors and supplies have also slashed their prices for the night of the show.

Jackson is touring in support of his sixteenth studio album, Freight Train. The album was released in March and includes the single “Hard Hat and a Hammer.”

Tonight he performs at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Ill. Dates are booked through a Sept. 29 set at Norsk Hostfest at All Seasons Arena in Minot, N.D.

For further ticket information, click here for Alan Jackson’s official website.

Click here to make a donation through the West Virginia Council of Churches’ website.