It's been almost a year since the horrific events of Sept. 11.

And it's been almost a year for Tom Jackson to reflect on the remarkable event that happened in Calgary the next day.

As most of the city sat stunned in front of televisions watching the carnage being replayed, Jackson and a few others brain-stormed ideas.

Several performers and music industry professionals, in Calgary for the Canadian Country Music Awards, found themselves stranded when flights were cancelled.

Feeling helpless, Jackson and other members of the Canadian Country Music Association, including Randall Prescott and Tom Tompkins, decided to do something. Within 24 hours, some of Canada's most renowned country and pop artists were performing a benefit show at the Jubilee Auditorium.

"I believe it was quite an extraordinary event," says Jackson, whose Sept. 11 Benefit Concert is nominated for the CCMA's Country Event of the Year.

"But I think extraordinary circumstances can create extraordinary results."

Jackson admits he wasn't sure if he could pull off the show in such a short time. But he credits the caring spirit of Calgarians for making it such a success.

"There's a real willingness to give in this community," he says. "There's a very common spirit that made itself known again."

About 1,800 people took in the concert, which raised more than $65,000 for the Red Cross international relief fund.

"I think it was an opportunity to start the healing process," says Jackson, who is also involved with the upcoming Say Hay! benefit concert for drought-stricken farmers.

That the concert is nominated as country event of the year comes as no surprise to Jackson, who is nonetheless flattered.

"Do I think the nomination was deserved? Yes, absolutely. Do I feel humbled? I feel proud."