A popular concert to benefit a local effort to bring gifts to children at Christmastime is scheduled for Wednesday evening.
The 12th annual Sertoma Benefit Concert is slated for 6 p.m. at Pewter Hall, 850 W. Sweet St., Brownstown.
Tickets are $10 and are only sold in advance at Knotts and Tangles and Pewter Hall in Brownstown, Bluebird Cafe in Vallonia and The Brooklyn Pizza Co. and This Old Guitar Music Store in Seymour.
The night will include live music, a raffle, a silent auction and a new food drive. Food will be available from The Brooklyn Pizza Co.
Those who bring a canned good will receive a free raffle ticket, organizer Adam Nicholson said. Participants can earn up to five raffle tickets for canned food items.
“Everyone is encouraged to bring more,” he said.
Since 2008, Nicholson said the fundraiser has brought in $52,000 to support Sertoma Christmas Miracle, which provides gifts to children in need on Christmas Eve.
“I think $52,000 is great since it just came from an idea I had,” Nicholson said. “I can’t take credit for everything, though, because it’s a group effort between the sponsors, musicians, Sertoma members and my family and friends.”
When he started the concert, Nicholson said he wanted to help children in need in Jackson County.
The lineup of music is a familiar one with James Dupre, Midnight Noon, Lonesome Crow Acoustic Show and U4IA. Each of the acts has played the event before, and each said it is an important night of music and fun.
Dupre, who will kick off the night, first played in 2012, and Wednesday will be his fourth time.
“I like to do a lot of things in my hometown in Louisiana to help friends and family, but since I’ve played so many times in Jackson County, I’ve developed a lot of relationships and friends, so it’s kind of like another home to me,” he said. “Adam is one of my best friends, and I think it’s important he’s doing this for his community, and I’m just glad to help out.”
The first time he performed at the benefit was his first show in Jackson County. Dupre said he remembers performing, going to Bluebird Cafe and meeting new people.
“I’ve really fallen in love with this place and all the people,” he said. “It’s a place I love to keep going and playing.”
One year, Dupre said he spent Thanksgiving with Nicholson after his traveling schedule didn’t allow him to return home.
Dupre has a radio single out, “Another Love Song,” which is creeping its way up the country radio charts, and he is working on his third studio album, which is set for release in the spring.
David Campbell, who sings with his wife, Whitney, in Midnight Noon, has played at each of the shows throughout the years. That dedication doesn’t go unnoticed by Nicholson, either.
“It’s awesome that he takes time out of his schedule every year for this because he is a busy guy,” he said.
Campbell said the fact that the concert benefits children keeps him coming back.
“I love to give back and show appreciation for the community I grew up in,” he said. “It’s really important, and that’s why I haven’t missed one yet. I like playing music anywhere, but coming home and seeing people you know is special.”
Campbell said the event restores his faith in people who are kind.
“It brings love to people at Christmas,” he said.
Campbell said he and Whitney are working on their next music project in Nashville, Tennessee, with Kent Wells, who is Dolly Parton’s producer.
“It’s an exciting time,” he said.
Brian York, who heads up Lonesone Crow Acoustic Show with Cory Lawles, said the group has played at the benefit since 2013.
“I love giving back to the community and helping others,” he said. “I also enjoy the fact of playing to a larger crowd of people who enjoy your music.”
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What: Sertoma Benefit Concert
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Pewter Hall, 850 W. Sweet St., Brownstown
Details: Tickets are $10 each and are only sold in advance. Tickets can be purchased at Pewter Hall and Knotts and Tangles in Brownstown, Bluebird Cafe in Vallonia and The Brooklyn Pizza Co. and This Old Guitar Music Store in Seymour. The night will include a raffle, a silent auction and a canned food drive.
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