LOS ANGELES – The Shrine Auditorium, home to extravagant star-studded events like the Academy and Emmy Awards, was the premiere destination for almost 5,000 Muslims on August 5.

For the second year in a row, Islamic Relief, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides aid to the poorest areas in the world, hosted the "Evening of Inspiration" benefit concert tour in five cities across the nation — Dallas, Cupertino, Detroit, Newark and Los Angeles.

Last year’s main performers, internationally-renowned Sami Yusuf and popular group Native Deen, returned to the stage and were joined by British singer Hamza Robertson and comedian Mohammed Amer.

The concerts raised more than $1.2 million for Islamic Relief’s projects, meeting their goal.

Out of the five cities, Los Angeles raised the most money, with over $300,000.

In total, this year’s attendance of 12,500 people was nearly double last year’s attendance, said Anwar Khan, national development director of Islamic Relief; however, only slightly more money was raised.

"Last year it was easier to raise funds because the Lebanon crisis was receiving media coverage. This year we were asking people to raise funds for children in need who are not receiving media attention, or enough aid," Khan said.

Nonetheless, the concert has garnered favorable support from the Muslim community over the past two years, as evidenced by the large increase in attendance.

People of all ages and backgrounds nearly filled the 6,700 capacity of the Shrine Auditorium to enjoy a night of comedy, amazing stage acts and beautiful music performed by favorite Islamic artists.

Audience members clapped and sang along with each of the performers, bringing the festive and upbeat atmosphere to new heights.

"Packing so many attendees in the Shrine Auditorium is a sign of the Muslim community’s strength and shows that we are a multiethnic and diverse community that is happy to take its place in America," Khan said.

Even Sami Yusuf, who has performed at distinguished venues around the world, was awed by the size of the crowd and repeated how honored he felt to be standing on the stage of the Shrine.

Islamic Relief, which has been given the highest 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in America, is already working on next year’s tour.

"We look forward to continue providing such popular community events that have a fun-filled family atmosphere while helping the world’s needy at the same time," Khan said.