Black Eyed Peas, Phish Help Flood Victims

It's been a summer of devastating flooding in the Midwest and northeast and two bands are doing their part to help victims of the storms clean up. Officials said on Wednesday (September 7) that the Black Eyed Peas raised at least $1.3 million to help flood recovery efforts in the North Dakota town of Minot with a concert Saturday at the North Dakota State Fair Grandstand.

According to the Associated Press, the group drew nearly 16,000 fans to the show, which featured an appearance from actor and Minot native Josh Duhamel, who is married to BEP singer Fergie. Nearly one-fourth of the city's residents were evacuated earlier this summer when the Souris River flooded the town.

Meanwhile, jam band godheads Phish plan to perform their first show in their home state of Vermont since 2004 in order to help victims of Tropical Storm Irene. The show will take place on September 14 at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, with tickets going on sale on Saturday.

The group, which formed in Vermont 28 years ago, said in a statement that the devastation in the region from the storm had a profound effect on them. "It's been heartbreaking to see all the loss and destruction that came from the storm," said Phish keyboardist Page McConnell. "Vermont is very much a part of who we are as a band. We're really looking forward to playing this show and we hope the money raised will make a difference in the recovery and rebuilding effort."

Tickets will be $75, and proceeds from the show and merchandise sales will go to the band's WaterWheel Foundation and the Vermont Community Foundation to aid in recovery from the flooding caused by the storm.