Country Music Association announced a record U.S. $ 2.9 million in money raised in its annual festival, which makes nearly $ 1.5 million in aid for flood recovery in the long run that ultimately, the impact of the regional economy .

CMA had previously announced that half the proceeds from this year of CMA Music Festival would go to flood relief through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee with the other half, with the support of the "Keep the Music Playing "education program. Half usually goes to the CMA. $ 2.9 million was a big boost from 2009 when the festival raised $ 2.1 million.

The organizers, community leaders and country for artists such as Kix Brooks described the event as a great victory for Nashville following the historic floods of May.

"We needed this to be a successful event," said Mayor Karl Dean of the audience at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville.

At the festival, the main performers play for free to raise money for the CMA and music education. Many were concerned that the festival and other events that suffer from flooding, and organizers were jubilant Wednesday that instead it was a success and a great help to the flood recovery.

Ellen Lehman, president of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, said the needs have changed since May, the most important now that the rental assistance for those who are rebuilding and replacement of lost assets. The money is unlikely to go directly to companies, but Lehman noted that people getting back on its feet impacts Whether you can spend money, increase the tax rolls and otherwise stimulate the regional economy.