Combining music with charity, University of Utah student and music entrepreneur, Zachary Sterling is headlining a benefit concert to raise money for Utah children in foster care.
“In my opinion, music and kids are the two best parts of life,” Sterling said. “I figure I’ll mix both of my passions and let my musical journey become a gift for children who haven’t quite been welcomed into a family yet.”
Sterling’s experience with the power of music started early as he became involved in art as an 11-year-old. Eventually this led him to pursue music as a career.
“I realized that playing and writing music was my real passion,” he said.
In addition to studying music composition at the U, Sterling is also serving as a senator of the fine arts and is a voice teacher at London Studios, Mindy Pack Vocal Studios and School of Rock in Sandy. Professionally, Sterling plays and sings in a local sandwich shop in Sandy.
“The arts are important for any community,” Sterling said. “They transcend all biases.”
Utilizing the influence of the arts, Sterling is fueling the upcoming benefit concert with creativity and original work. “This will be a night of great music,” he said.
In addition to himself, Sterling has invited three other local singer/songwriters to perform at the event: Jarrett Burns, Amy Geis and the Peanut Butter Octopus band.
The concert will take place at the School of Rock in Sandy where Sterling teaches kids to sing in an after-school music program.
“True art escapes any external discrimination and touches the core of all people,” Sterling said. “[It] empowers a community to ignore any differences.”
Hoping to convey this message of love and acceptance at the event, all of the money raised will be donated to Utah Foster Care, an organization that strives to establish relationships between the local foster care system and potential adoptive parents and families.
“I chose Utah Foster Care because I’d like my life’s mission to be helping children who don’t have families of their own,” Sterling said.
The benefit concert will also serve as a way to raise awareness within the local community.
“Utah Foster Care is the only organization that works with foster children in Utah,” Sterling said. “I think they do a terrific job with finding foster children temporary or permanent homes.”
The concert will take place on April 1 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 9083 S. 255 W. in Sandy. Tickets are $7 or $6 in advance. Information about purchasing pre-sale tickets can be found by calling 801-232-2651. All proceeds will go to Utah Foster Care.
“This concert will be a great way to give back while also having a great night,” Sterling said.
Next for Sterling is maintaining his music presence. He hopes to “galvanize the music scene in Salt Lake City until it thrives like the music scenes in other large cities.” Upon graduation this spring, Sterling will continue pursuing a career as a singer and songwriter.