Oklahoma Lights Up for Tornado Victims

The Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert was the biggest concert in state history. That’s what Moore, Oklahoma native Toby Keith assured the capacity crowd at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Oklahoma last Saturday. He confirmed via the show’s promoters that it had indeed set the record. 65,000 people exploded with applause as the always patriotic, never apologetic country star closed the 8 hour extravaganza with an explosive set including his biggest hits and plenty of pyrotechnics.

While the party was Toby’s to be had, plenty of other shining stars and musical legends took the stage to entertain the crowd.

The show opened with short sets from Mel Tillis and Kellie Coffey, however, it became clear very early that many were anxious for the start of the first headliner, Oklahoma’s own Garth Brooks.

The Owasso native hadn’t played a show in the Sooner state since his 1997 world tour, but that didn’t stop him from tearing up the stage in an hour-long whirlwind set that included monster hits like “The Thunder Rolls”, “Callin’ Baton Rouge”, “The Dance”, and “Friends In Low Places.” He was joined midway through by wife and fellow singer, Trisha Yearwood for a duet and a couple of her hits.

“State borders don’t matter. County borders don’t matter. Where you went to school doesn’t matter,” Brooks, an Oklahoma State alum, said when referencing the outpouring of support that Oklahoma has received in the wake of May’s deadly tornadoes.

Brooks and Yearwood’s performance was followed by more songs from John Anderson, Willie Nelson, Sammy Hagar, a special video performance from Carrie Underwood, Ronnie Dunn, and then Toby Keith took the stage.

Ticket proceeds benefited the United Way of Central Oklahoma.