Tim McGraw postpones Swampstock until 2009 due to hurricane

Tim McGraw's 15th annual Swampstock concert event, due to take place September 13 in Rayville, LA, 200 miles northwest of New Orleans, has been postponed until next year due to the effects of Hurricane Gustav on the state. The Rayville area experienced more than 20 inches of rain, and the state has been declared a disaster area by government officials. Critical resources are being directed towards relief efforts.

McGraw, his wife Faith Hill, Catherine Raney, Halfway to Hazard, Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean were scheduled to perform. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.

"It's more important for the community to focus on the clean up efforts than putting on a concert right now," representatives of event presenters Neighbor's Keeper Foundation (NKF) said in a statement. "So many people in that area have been affected by the hurricane or have relatives who have been affected, and we don't want to detract from the process."

NKF's commitment in Rayville, LA, is a $50,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity of Ouachita for restoring the Rayville community recreation facility.

NKF's funding for the ongoing programs in the gulf coast region include commitments for the Community Initiatives Foundation in Louisiana and continuing support to the Children's Health Fund in the state of Mississippi.

"We have spoken with local officials and Neighbor's Keeper Foundation wants to lend its support to those relief efforts," added McGraw. "Although Faith and I are personally disappointed, we understand that the priority is people's homes and livelihood in this challenging time. Our prayers are with our friends and neighbors, and God bless them."