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'Colorado Rising' Concert Offers Comfort, Hope

Colorado Rising Concert For Flood Relief At 1STBANK Center on Oct. 27, 2013
Dave Matthews (credit: CBS)

BROOMFIELD, Colo. (CBS4) - Rock musicians with strong Colorado ties joined Dave Matthews in a performance at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield Sunday night to raise money for flood victims.

The Fray, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Devotchka and members of other well known Colorado bands including The Lumineers took the stage as part of the Colorado Rising benefit concert for victims of the historic September flooding.

Ben Wysocki, drummer for The Fray, said backstage at the concert that his group jumped at the opportunity to help their community.

"We are super proud to be Coloradans. You know, living here and having so much family up north, this was a reality not for any of our homes but friends and family. This was our neighborhood."

PHOTO GALLERY: See Images From The Concert

Hundreds of families remain displaced by the floods, and many are being assisted by FEMA and other state, local and federal agencies.

The concert Sunday was set up to raise money for the United Ways of Colorado Flood Recovery Fund, which will distribute funds to the United Ways in communities across Colorado that were affected. Each community will build collaborations to identify their needs and funds will be used to support their long term recovery.

The concert sold out quickly after going on sale and it raised at least $650,000.

"To see something like this, an event put together in such short notice it's pretty amazing," said Brett, one lucky concertgoer.

Gov. John Hickenlooper appeared on stage on crutches from his recent hip surgery and praised those who have donated to flood recovery efforts.

"What we all saw in those weeks since the floods we saw the kindness and the community and selfishness," he said. "Those are our bridges and they will never be be broken."

Hickenlooper's 11-year-old son Ted got a special treat during The Fray's set. Lead singer Isaac Slade invited the 6th grader onstage to play a piano part for one of their songs.

Colorado Rising Concert For Flood Relief At 1STBANK Center on Oct. 27, 2013
Teddy Hickenlooper, the governor's son, joins The Fray for a song. (credit: CBS)

CBS4 was a sponsor of the event and meteorologist Justin McHeffey introduced several of the acts.

Colorado Floods: How To Help

The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.

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