An EF3 tornado is the third-highest in terms of intensity, consisting of winds up to 165 mph.

On May 21, one crashed through the small community of Reading, 50 miles southwest of Lawrence, destroying more than 90 percent of the town, according to resident Melanie Dicks-Pritchard.

The city of Reading qualified for FEMA aid, which will help repair the damaged water tower and other property. But residential damage did not amount to $3 million, so none of the city’s 210 residents will receive any FEMA assistance.

When Lawrence resident Manuel Rodriguez heard about the damage, he wanted to help in the way he knew best: with his music.

He was already looking to get his band, La Raza, back together after a yearlong hiatus. He thought a benefit show would be the perfect opportunity.

“If we’re gonna do this, we might as well do this for a good cause,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez got in contact with Dicks-Pritchard through a family connection, and, with the help of some friends, he enlisted seven bands to play at the show.

The concert will take place from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2206 E. 23rd St., and will feature rock, bluegrass and country acts. Food and drinks will also be sold at the event.

All proceeds will go to the Reading Community Development Fund. Donations can be made to the fund through a nonprofit organization, Emporia Community Foundation, Box 1337, Emporia, KS 66801-1337.