More than 15 local musicians banded together Sunday to raise money for those affected by the recent tornado, and to give the community a day of respite from ongoing cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
"We want to encourage people to have a day to take a break and come to just breathe some air together, share some hugs, and come together as a community, because we are strong," said Jenny Babcock, co-owner of The Mission, a live music venue at 915 E. High St.
The bands played on a stage set up in the middle of High Street outside The Mission, separated by just a block from where a tornado recently ravaged the area.
Local musician Sam Englund conceived the idea to bring musicians together to give the community a day of relaxation. Babcock worked with Englund to make it a fundraiser for tornado relief.
She contacted 1st Ward Councilman Dave Kemna, who helped organizers get approval to close High Street as part of The Mission's already designated festival district.
"I think it's great," Kemna said while watching performances at the event. "I think music brings a lot of people together. I know with this community, we've got a lot of young, talented local musicians who have come together just to benefit disaster relief."
Musicians played on a stage in the 900 block of East High Street. Three area businesses - The Mission, JQ's on High and Prison Brews - each were donating a portion of their proceeds that day to the cause.
Acts were scheduled back-to-back from noon-8 p.m., and Babcock said so many musicians wanted to donate their talents that they couldn't fit everyone in.
The event also featured non-musical entertainment, including chalk drawing on the street, face painting and hula-hoops.
Entry was free, and most of the proceeds from the event were expected to come from T-shirt sales. Empire Printing donated the T-shirts, which had a suggested donation of at least $15.
Babcock said money raised from the event will go to Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes, and Common Ground, which helps people with rent, deposits, utilities and other financial needs.
One of the musicians donating his time and talent was Adam Hunt, a member of Murphy's Ford and former member of Shaman's Harvest.
"We're just trying to make something positive out of a tragedy," he said.
Hunt said it's also an opportunity for local musicians to do something they don't usually get to do - see each other play. Local bands are often busy with their own schedules, and don't have time to watch each other, he said.
Other music acts at the event included Abigail Rose, Cody Tichelkamp, Harrison Sweazea, John Nichols, Jon Hensley, Sarah and Mark, Ross Steiner, Love Seats, Brittney and Russell, The Jessy Johnson Band, Rich and Paul, Shea and Shorty, The Missionaries, Wridacule and The Rapture, TwistedTwika, Down Side Up and Old Soul Savage.