Alan Jackson show in W.Va. to aid miners' families

[April 30, 2010]  CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Country music icon Alan Jackson will donate the profits from a performance in West Virginia to the families of the miners killed in an explosion this month at the Upper Big Branch mine.

Jackson's publicist says he will perform May 22 at the Charleston Civic Center to support the families of the 29 men who died in the April 5 blast at Massey Energy's mine in Montcoal. It's the worst coal mining disaster in 40 years.

Ticket prices for parts of the arena have been cut to $20 to encourage attendance. Many vendors and suppliers have also cut their fees.

Proceeds will go to the Montcoal Mining Disaster Fund, run by the West Virginia Council of Churches.

Jackson has won 16 Country Music Association awards and was named Entertainer of the Year three times.

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[Associated Press]

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