Virginia

Thousands Pack Charlottesville Stadium for Unity Concert

Notable performers included Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, Pharrell Williams and The Roots

Thousands of people packed a stadium in Charlottesville Sunday for a concert intended to raise money for charity and promote unity in the aftermath of this summer's white nationalist rallies.

Dave Matthews, whose band got its start in the Virginia college town, hosted the show and thanked the attendees and performers for coming together on short notice.

He introduced Susan Bro, the mother of Heather Heyer, who was killed when a driver slammed into a crowd protesting the white nationalists on Aug. 12.

Bro told the crowd the concert was a "powerful and peaceful" way to come together and turn anger into action and understanding.

Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland of Coldplay made a surprise appearance. Other performers included Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, Pharrell Williams and The Roots.

The concert was free for residents of Charlottesville and University of Virginia communities, according to E! News. Attendees were encouraged to donate to Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, an organization that helps donors support various causes.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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