<p>Scott Helmer will ride in to the Raymond Theatre for a fundraising concert Saturday, with proceed benefiting the historic venue.</p>

RAYMOND, Wash. If youre planning to hear Scott Helmer in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 28 at the Raymond Theatre, you might want to get there early.

Youll get a great view of a procession of motorcycles coming into town, led by a police escort and Helmer.

And, more importantly for some folks, youll want to find a parking spot within walking distance of the theater because the motorcycles will park in front.

Once inside, find a seat quickly for an opening act by local musician Randy Flemetis.

Thats just the start for this Raymond Theatre fundraiser.

An independent national recording artist, Helmer is spending a year crossing the country and performing more than 200 concerts at venues ranging from historic theaters to saloons to RV parks and campgrounds, all to help charities and nonprofits raise a total of $1 million for their causes. His stop in Raymond is part of the tour, and he donate all proceeds from the concert to the historic Raymond Theatre. This money will go to several planned repairs and a major carpet cleaning.

VIP tickets, at $30, include a meet-and-greet opportunity, a free CD, appetizers and discounted drinks. A Family Package, also at $30, includes four tickets plus a reduced charge of $5 for any additional tickets.

Motorcycle riders who join the procession from the South Bend boat launch to the theater get in for a reduced rate of $10 a ticket. The motorcycle ride will be escorted by South Bend Police Department to the Raymond city limits, then by the Raymond Police Department to the theater.

For the general public, tickets are $12 in advance by calling the theater at 360-942-4127, (leaving a message), or by calling Pam at 509-724-8699. Tickets will be $15 at the door.

Helmers radio-friendly blend of rock and pop infuses memorable guitar riffs, catchy sing-along choruses and lyrics with real stories of love, pain and starting over.

Growing up just outside of Chicago, Helmer was passionate about writing and playing music early on, beginning with the drums at age 5. But in his early 20s, Helmer got sidetracked from his dreams, trading his vision for the promise of a rewarding career as a business entrepreneur. Success led to his climbing the ladder in the high-pressure culture of corporate insurance. After a bright beginning, however, a downward-swinging economy turned Helmers world upside down in a relatively short time. In a tale so many of us can relate to, Helmer lost his business, his future and ultimately the family he loved.

During this most difficult period in his life, music became the source and the support that kept him afloat. He reached to the recesses of his soul and found that writing about his story was both healing and therapeutic. Badly beaten, but not defeated, Helmer altered the course of his life. This time he chose another path one directed by his heart. He began creating a new kind of music music that resonates with others, that speaks of sorrow and spirit, laughter and longing, his life and maybe yours.

Helmer has opened for legendary acts like Heart, Eddie Money, 3 Doors Down and Big Country, and is using music as a vehicle to connect with listeners on the deepest level. His messages are relevant, relateable and real. Whether it helps them get through tough times or gain insight from his own roller-coaster life experiences, Helmers music is aligning with fans both local and international. Once you hear his sound, youll understand why.