Garth Brooks Concentrates on Fun Factor of Nine Benefit Shows

Garth Brooks kicks off his sold-out nine-show run in Nashville tonight (December 16), with two shows at 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, at the city's Bridgestone Arena. The concerts will benefit the ongoing relief efforts to assist victims of the devastating floods in Middle Tennessee this past May.

Garth says there is not a price tag he could put on the feeling of helping out his fellow neighbors with his nine shows in Nashville, and that since no one is making money from these shows, except for the flood victims, it will be all about having fun. "The feeling is so good that money can't buy this," Garth tells The Boot. "And this is one of those things that the money's going to do a great thing, but the money isn't even up on the business part of it, because your promoters are not working a business deal, your building's not working a business deal or percentage deal. Every one just says, 'Well, we're just here to make sure everything's running smoothly, but none of us are making any money, so let's just go have fun.' And that relaxed feeling come up on stage, it'll be in the audience, as well."

These shows are Garth's first concert appearances in Nashville in over a decade, and are the only arena shows he will do all year. As previously reported, proceeds from the tickets sold will benefit the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in support of those affected by the disastrous flooding this past May. The entertainer sold more than 140,000 tickets, and what started as one benefit concert to help flood victims exploded into nine sold-out shows.

The additional shows, which will also feature his wife Trisha Yearwood, songwriter Karyn Rochelle, his band and some surprise guests, take place December 17 (7:00 PM), December 19 (7:30 PM), December 20 (7:30 PM), December 21 (6:00 PM and 9:00 PM) and December 22 (6:00 PM and 9:00 PM).

Garth performed several shows in California to benefit the victims of the wildfires a few years ago, remains retired except for his five-year deal with the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas to do occasional performances.