A rock band is playing in central Iowa tonight, the first of four benefit concerts in four flood-damaged Midwestern states. Members of the Rockford, Illinois-based R-E-O Speedwagon were given the key to the city of Des Moines this afternoon.

They’re headlining tonight’s "Ridin’ The Storm Out Flood Relief Concert" at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona.  Organizers say 100%t of the proceeds from the concert and a silent auction will go to flood victims in Iowa.

The opening act is the ironically-named Little River Band. A $20 donation gets you a ticket. Polk County is matching everything raised, dollar for dollar, and Ticketmaster is waiving its usual handling fees. For details, see " Rock the Flood"  website.

Audio: Radio Iowa’s Matt Kelley reports. :40 MP3