Holiday comes a little early

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A benefit concert to help a program that provides Christmas gifts to less-fortunate children is coming a little earlier this year.

The eighth annual Sertoma Benefit Concert, normally scheduled in November, is set for Saturday at Pewter Hall in Brownstown.

This will be the first attempt at a summer show, said Adam Nicholson, who organizes the event with his wife, Kim.

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“A lot of people, I understand, are busy for the holidays. I’m busy myself,” Nicholson said. “We’re just going to try this and see if it’s better for the crowds. I wanted people to get a chance to come to the show when it’s not during the holidays.”

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and music will begin shortly after and run until midnight. The show will open with Lonesome Crow Acoustic Show, and then feature The Jackson Way and close with Dave and Whitney.

The event is for all ages and will include food from The Brooklyn Pizza Company, a cash bar and raffles.

Tickets are $10 and only will be presold at Pewter Hall and Knotts and Tangles, both in Brownstown; Bluebird Cafe in Vallonia; and The Brooklyn Pizza Company in Seymour.

Proceeds will go to the Jackson County Sertoma Club’s annual Christmas Miracle project. In seven years, the concert has raised more than $45,000.

“It’s a chance for everyone in the community to come out and have fun and also contribute back to the community in a positive way,” Nicholson said. “A lot of times, when you donate to different organizations, you don’t actually see where the money is going. But with this, you can see it all stays in Jackson County and goes back to our local children in the community. It really helps out.”

For Brian York and Corey Lawles of Lonesome Crow Acoustic Show, this is their fourth year participating in the concert.

“Participating in this benefit is a privilege to help give back to the kids and their families,” York said. “We love to help with this benefit every year to encourage others to help this event grow. It makes us feel good to know that we are helping kids and making a difference in their life by sharing the gift of music with others and raising money to help them have a better Christmas.”

York said people can expect an array of music, from pop to country to ‘80s to rock. It’s all done in an acoustic style.

“It takes a lot of work to make two guys sound like a full band, but somehow, I think we have perfected it,” York said. “I believe we have tooled our sound to be unique and have a sound of our own. Corey has added some harmonica to some songs, and I play the cajon more on a lot of our newer stuff. A little bit of something for everyone.”

The Jackson Way is new to the benefit concert. Nicholson was looking to add a group to the lineup that had a lot of energy and played a variety of songs.

The band, which has been together since 2011, consists of Scott and Shawn Charlton, both of Seymour; Jordan Roberts of Columbus; Nathan Orme of Greenwood; and Michael Rohr of Nashville, Tennessee.

“We had heard about the past concerts and how much fun it is to be a part of the event,” Shawn Charlton said. “Adam explained how the funds raised were used in providing for the children in the county, and the band didn’t hesitate to sign up.”

Shawn Charlton said the band has participated in numerous benefits or fundraising opportunities.

“With most of the band members having kids of our own, we completely understand and recognize the importance of valuing and providing for kids,” he said. “We are very grateful to have been asked to be a part of this awesome event.”

Shawn Charlton said the band combines high energy and a love for live music.

“Our focus is on being a solid dance and party band for all ages,” he said. “That means we cover everything from Johnny Cash to Justin Timberlake, AC/DC to Prince. Something for everyone. We are so pumped to bring our blend of songs and love of playing to a number of people who haven’t seen us live before.”

This will be Dave and Whitney’s third straight year performing as a duo, but Seymour native David Campbell has participated in the concert since its inception.

The Campbells said they have liked being a part of a concert that benefits local children.

“Giving back to your community is like the metaphor of watering the roots of a tree,” the couple said in a joint statement. “With lots of water and care, the tree with grow tall and strong with a sturdy foundation. With no roots, the tree will fall every time. That’s how we think of giving back.”

In the past, they also have helped deliver the Christmas Miracle gifts on Christmas Eve.

“Getting to deliver the gifts to the actual houses and seeing the kids who are getting the gifts has really touched us in the past and makes us want to keep coming back to support this great cause,” they said. “It’s also great to travel around the country and come back to see some familiar faces. It will be great to see everyone.”

The Campbells recently released their first EP, “Alibi,” and conducted an album release party in Seymour. They will be playing some of that music Saturday.

“This year, we will be playing an amped-up acoustic set earlier in the evening,” they said. “You’ll hear tunes off our new album, as well as some upbeat songs you’ll know all the words to.”

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What: Eighth annual Sertoma Benefit Concert

When: Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight

Where: Pewter Hall, 850 W. Sweet St., Brownstown

Who: Lonesome Crow Acoustic Show, The Jackson Way and Dave and Whitney

Cost: Tickets are $10 and must be purchased before the event at Pewter Hall or Knotts and Tangles in Brownstown, Bluebird Cafe in Vallonia or The Brooklyn Pizza Co. in Seymour. No tickets will be sold at the door. The event is for all ages.

Other activities: Pizza from The Brooklyn Pizza Co., a cash bar and raffles

Information: 812-358-0919

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