Scott Helmer's concert will benefit the Midland

• Scott Helmer%27s April 10 concert will benefit the Midland%27s education and outreach program.
• Helmer is touring the country%2C performing concerts to benefit good causes.

NEWARK – Scott Helmer has fond memories of visiting historic theaters with his family as a child in Chicago.

So when he received an application from the Midland Theatre, requesting that he perform at Ovation 2015, a roving dinner and auction to raise money for the theater's outreach and education fund, he jumped at the chance to add it to his schedule.

"I have a personal connection to these beautiful historic theaters," he said. "I've always wanted to perform at these theaters and have them involved in my tour."

The Phoenix-based musician will take the stage at the Midland at 6 p.m. April 10 and perform for Ovation guests. It's all part of his Support YOUR Cause Tour, an 18-month mission that's taking him around the country, performing more than 200 free concerts to raise money for good causes.

A native of Chicago, Helmer grew up loving music but pursued a career in the insurance business. He opened his own business in 2006, only to watch it fall apart during the economic recession of 2008.

"It was like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube," he said. "I lost everything."

Helmer said he was close to giving up and ending it all. But instead he made a promise to God.

"I said, 'If you help me get through this, I won't give up. I'll figure out a way to make my life about something going forward,'" he said.

While working to get his life back on track, he heard a radio program about the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps wounded veterans.

"I thought, 'When I get through this, I will give back and do what I love and help the Wounded Warrior Project raise $1 million," he said.

He started performing concerts to support the project in 2011, then began adding other groups to the tour, such as historic theaters, children's charities and animal organizations.

Not only were his concerts raising money, they were also raising awareness about the causes.

"I would love to make this an annual event, raising the bar each time," he said.

During Ovation, Helmer will perform for guests and then have the chance to talk to them after the performance, said executive director Nancy Anderson.

The money raised by event tickets will give the Midland the opportunity to bring performers into schools for workshops as well as inviting school groups and families to performances at the theater, she said.

"This year, through our outreaches, we've probably touched about 70,000 adults and children," Anderson said.

Anderson said she's thrilled by Helmer's mission and grateful the Midland can be part of it.

"It's not only about the artist being on stage. It's what that artist can contribute to the community," she said.

Helmer describes himself as a solo acoustic artist. Although most of his original material is rock and roll, he also plays a variety of popular songs, classic rock, country and oldies.

"It's suited for the entire family to come," he said.

He's thankful that he's able to play the music he loves and make a difference for others.

"If I could look back, I wouldn't change anything that's happened to me along this journey because it has brought me to this point," he said.

He said he hopes members of the audience leave the event feeling inspired.

"I hope if someone is struggling, they can look at my story and see I didn't give up and they'll try to give it another shot," he said. "I also hope, no matter what your vocation is, you do something to give back to your community even on the smallest level. You don't have to do a concert tour but always remember there are people in need in your community."

ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8544

Twitter: @amsjeffries

IF YOU GO

What: Ovation 2015: "Setting The Stage for Downtown"

When: 6 p.m. April 10

Where: The Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Place, Newark

Cost: $125 a ticket. Includes a roving dinner, cocktails and the concert. There will also be a live auction.

More info: Contact Melissa Smith at 740-349-9218 extension 5 or melissas@midlandtheatre.org