Yallwire News

As Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour 2011 prepares to take off, Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson and other Throwdown artists announce that they will donate their performance fees from the Orange Beach, AL show on June 5 to tornado relief efforts in Alabama.

Nelson says, "I am saddened by the devastation in Alabama from the recent tornadoes that have hit that state. In an effort to pitch in, I am going to donate my income for the upcoming Throwdown date in Orange Beach on June 5. I believe this will assist the relief effort in that state to help people in real need."

Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, Caitlyn Smith and Alabama native Adam Hood will also be donating their performance fes.

Hood goes on to say, "You never know how devastating things are until they hit close to home. Alabama is still where I hang my hat and this has changed the lives of many of my friends, family, peers and supporters, and mine as well."

Other artists pitching in to show their support include Randy Houser, Craig Campbell, Lee Brice and Drake White.

The 24-city second annual music extravaganza launches at the Mann in Philadelphia on May 27 and the Country Throwdown headliners are sure to please.

Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real and Drake White will take two states for a full day and evening of musical entertainment.

"Willie Nelson is an American treasure," said Jamey Johnson. "When I was asked to return on The Throwdown Tour and was told Willie would be doing the shows, it was a simple yes."

iTunes has joined the fun and is letting Throwdown fans in on a free download sampler featuring some of the acts on the 2011 tour. Check out the eight-song download here!

Be sure to check out country music's biggest party of the summer coming to a city near you!