Take a drive down Broadway and anyone can see something big is happening. Multiple helicopters, national news teams broadcasting live, emergency command trailers and numerous official looking cars and trucks replace the normal quiet, almost pastoral nature of the walkway overlooking the bluff.

You would not be wrong in this assumption. The Democrat has done a magnificent job keeping us informed on what is happening and what is forecast to be happening.

Local officials and their crews have done a herculean job in trying to fight back and contain the river. Local private businesses such as J.M. Jones Lumber have more than done their part, and in some cases, completely on their own.

But at some time if and when the various levees hold the river and the levels go back down, the news cycle will shift its spotlight to another calamity somewhere else other than here, leaving the locals to pick up the pieces. It is at this time that we as a community need to band together and help those who were impacted by the worst flood that the lower Mississippi Valley has ever experienced.

You can start helping that healing process this weekend and have a wonderful time doing so. Make plans now to attend the local flood relief piano concert at 4 p.m. this Sunday in the main sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church.

While the cause is local, the talent is certainly not. David Francis, an internationally known pianist, is going to be performing. Although Mr. Francis is most widely known for his stunning and powerful work with such classic composers as Gershwin, Pachabel, Picker, Rachmaninoff, Bach, Liebermann and Chopin, he has also recently gained notoriety by receiving Emmys for his music in the movies “Fame” and “Pursuit of Happyness.”

If you would like to learn more about Mr. Francis or preview some of his clips, you can go to his website www.barbarianrecords.com.

This truly is a big-city event happening here in Natchez for the benefit of your neighbors who were less fortunate than you. Put this event on your calendar. Come enjoy the music and fellowship at this truly unique opportunity. The concert is free.

However, it is a donate-what-you-can event. Net proceeds from the concert are to be donated to local flood agencies.

Immediately after the concert in a separate event, you will be able to “meet and greet” Mr. Francis at a public reception to be held in Stratton Chapel.

In addition to having a chance to visit with the artist you can enjoy the company of your friends, and partake in some of the refreshments that the women of the church have provided.

You will also have the opportunity to purchase a selection of CDs directly from Mr. Francis.

We look forward to seeing you there on at 4 p.m. Sunday. It is a time for family, friends and a whole lot of good music to help local flood victims.

Steve McNerney is a Natchez resident.